Kenmore 587.14432 Use & Care Manual page 13

Common Dishwashing Problems and Solutions
Dishes not
cJean--check pages 5 to 9 for
information on correct wash cycle, proper loading,
water temperature, water pressure, hard water,
amount of detergent, old and ineffective detergent,
and dish placement.
Dishes not drying
can be greatly improved
by using a rinse aid and very hot water. Hot water
raises temperature of dishes to speed up drying.
When loading, invert cups and bowls so that water
can run off. Avoid nesting of articles. If dishes are
not completely dry at end of cycle (which may
occur when NO HEAT DRY setting is used), open
door, roll out racks, and allow dishes to air dry.
Spotting--spots
form when hard water
droplets evaporate leaving a deposit. Low
phosphate detergents increase the problem in
hard water. To prevent, use hot water and a
detergent with a higher bevel of phosphates
(preferably 8.7% or higher), or use more of a low
phosphate detergent. Be sure to use a rinse aid. If
water is very hard, it may be necessary to install a
water softener. Load glasses and plates so they
have minimum contact with racks and pins. Avoid
overloading. Spotting will occur where dishes and
glasses touch.
Cloudy films and streaking
are
usually
caused by a combination of hard water and an
insufficient amount of detergent. Low phosphate
detergents are also a factor. To correct, increase
amount of detergent, check water temperature
and always use a rinse aid. If water is very hard, it
may be necessary to install a water softener.
Etched film on glassware is
caused
by
using too much detergent in soft or softened
water. This film cannot be removed. It is more
likely to occur on soft leaded glass or expensive
crystal. An early warning of this condition is a
cloudy iridescent appearance on glasses. To
prevent, be sure dishwasher is getting a full fill of
water. Water should reach base of heating
element. If water level is low, have water pressure
checked by a plumber. Use less detergent and
make sure water temperature is not higher than
150°F (66°C). Underload to assure thorough
rinsing. Use the NO HEAT DRY option.
Chipped dishes and glasses
can
result
from rough handling and improper loading. Do not
put glasses in direct contact with other items.
Place glasses securely against pins.
Crazing of older china and pottery
happens when items are subjected to very hot
water. Once crazing (fine cracks in the glaze)
appears, it cannot be removed. Do not machine
wash again or condition may worsen.
Coffee and tea stains canoccur
when
water contains traces of iron. To avoid stains,
rinse cups out immediately after use. Increase
amount of detergent and use a rinse aid. Water
temperature should be approximately 140°F _
(60°C). If problem persists, install a water softener
with an iron removal unit. To remove stains, hand
wash cups in solution of 1/2 cup (120 ml) bleach _;_
and a quart (1 L) of warm water. Rinse thoroughly.
Gray-black stains on dishes are
caused _
by manganese in water supply. To correct, install
a manganese filtering system into house water
supply.
Reddish-brown stains on dishes,
glasses and interior
are caused by iron in
water. To avoid iron stain, increase detergent, use
water heated to approximately 140°F (60°C) and a
rinse aid. It may be necessary to install a water
softener with an iron removal unit. To improve
appearance, use a commercial rust and lime scale
remover.
Plastic items
can lose their shape due to high
temperatures of automatic dishwashing. Read
labels before washing. Place washable items in
top rack away from heating element.
Discoloration of plasticware by
some
foods, such as tomato sauce, can stain
plasticware. If stained, soak item in solution of 1
tablespoon dishwasher detergent and a quart of
hot water or in a solution of 1/2 cup (120 ml)
bleach and a quart of hot water.
Fading of patterns and metallic trim is
due to many washings, detergent and hot water.
Most of today's china is dishwasher safe. Antique,
handpainted china, and handpainted pottery
should be washed by hand.
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