Solving Common
Dishwashing Problems
Following is a convenient checklist for handling minor performance problems. Go over this
list before calling for service. If you are unable to solve your dishwasher's problem, turn to for
information.
Solution chart
PROBLEM CAUSE
Food soil left Improper loading
on dishes Water temperature
too low
Use of incorrect, too
little, or ineffective
detergent
Spotting
and filming
Detergent cakes in
dispenser
Insufficient fill due to
low water pressure
Slowdown of wash
arm due to high suds
Hard water or high
mineral content in
water
Water temperature
too low
Use of incorrect
detergents
SOLUTION
Follow loading instructions.
Use the High Temp Wash option. If needed,
turn home water heater up to ensure water
entering dishwasher is 120°F (49°C) mini-
mum. See the "To check water temperature"
section.
NOTE: In some cases, loads may not dry as
well when using the High Temp Wash option.
Use recommended dishwasher detergents
only. See the "Using the Dispensers" section.
Never use less than 1 tablespoon per load.
Detergent must be fresh to be effective.
Always store detergent tightly closed in a
cool, dry place.
Use fresh detergent only. Do not allow
detergent to sit for several hours in a wet
dispenser. Check dispenser for caked deter-
gent. Clean dispenser when caked detergent
is present.
Home water pressure should be 20 to 120
pounds per square inch (psi) (138 to 838 kPa)
for proper dishwasher fill. A booster pump on
the water supply may be necessary if pres-
sure is too low.
Never use soap or laundry detergents. Use
recommended dishwasher detergents only.
Use rinse agent to help prevent spotting
and filming. To remove hard water film,
see "Removing spots and film" at the end
of this section.
Use the High Temp Wash option. If needed,
turn home water heater up to ensure water
entering dishwasher is 120°F (49°C) minimum.
See the "To check water temperature" section.
NOTE: In some cases, loads may not dry as
well when using the High Temp Wash option.
Use recommended dishwasher detergents
only.
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