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Solutions to Common Dishwashing Problems
Before calling for service, review this list. It may save you both time and expense. This list
includes common experiences that are not the result of defective workmanship or material in
your dishwasher.
Dishes not cleanDishes not clean
Dishes not cleanDishes not clean
Dishes not clean—Check pages 4 to 8 for information
on correct wash cycle, proper loading, water temperature,
water pressure, hard water, amount of detergent, old and
ineffective detergent, and dish placement. To maximize
wash performance clean the filter of all large food
particles after each wash. To ensure that you clean the
filter correctly refer to page 10.
Dishes not dryingDishes not drying
Dishes not dryingDishes not drying
Dishes not drying
can be greatly improved by using a
rinse aid and 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 COOL DRY setting is used), open door,
roll out racks, and allow dishes to air dry.
SpottingSpotting
SpottingSpotting
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 level 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 Cloudy films and streaking
Cloudy films and streaking Cloudy films and streaking
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 glasswareEtched film on glassware
Etched film on glasswareEtched film on glassware
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
COOL DRY Option.
Chipped dishes and glassesChipped dishes and glasses
Chipped dishes and glassesChipped dishes and glasses
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 potteryCrazing of older china and pottery
Crazing of older china and potteryCrazing of older china and pottery
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.
Gray-black stains on dishesGray-black stains on dishes
Gray-black stains on dishesGray-black stains on dishes
Gray-black stains on dishes are caused by
manganese in water supply. To correct, install a
manganese filtering system into house water supply.
Coffee and tea stains Coffee and tea stains
Coffee and tea stains Coffee and tea stains
Coffee and tea stains can occur 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.
Reddish-brown stains on dishes, glasses andReddish-brown stains on dishes, glasses and
Reddish-brown stains on dishes, glasses andReddish-brown stains on dishes, glasses and
Reddish-brown stains on dishes, glasses and
interiorinterior
interiorinterior
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 Plastic items
Plastic items Plastic items
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 plasticwareDiscoloration of plasticware
Discoloration of plasticwareDiscoloration of plasticware
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 (1 L) of hot water.
Fading of patterns and metallic trimFading of patterns and metallic trim
Fading of patterns and metallic trimFading of patterns and metallic trim
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.
Do not place silverDo not place silver
Do not place silverDo not place silver
Do not place silver next to or touching stainless steel
utensils in dishwasher silverware basket. This can cause
pitting of stainless steel blades. (Most silver knives have
stainless steel blades. Do not let blades touch other
stainless steel utensils during wash cycle.)
Tarnish on silver plateTarnish on silver plate
Tarnish on silver plateTarnish on silver plate
Tarnish on silver plate occurs when worn down to the
base metal and turns a bronze color when exposed to hot
water and detergent. Remove bronzing by soaking item in
vinegar for 10 minutes or use a silver polish. For
permanent protection, have silver replated.
Silver tarnishSilver tarnish
Silver tarnishSilver tarnish
Silver tarnish can be caused by prolonged contact with
air or with foods containing sulphur like eggs, mayonnaise,
or seafood. Contact with undissolved detergent can also
cause tarnish. To prevent this, rinse silver soon after use.
Use care not to pour detergent directly onto silver.
Remove tarnish with a silver polish.
Discoloration of stainless steelDiscoloration of stainless steel
Discoloration of stainless steelDiscoloration of stainless steel
Discoloration of stainless steel—Food soil can create
a film or discoloration. To avoid, rinse stainless items
promptly. Food soil films can be removed with a stainless
steel cleanser or mild cleanser. Rinse thoroughly.