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Common Dishwashing Problems
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Dishes not washing clean
Water is not hot enough
Water temperature should be at least 140°F
(60°C). Set water heater thermostat to a higher
setting. Run water at sink until hot before starting
and/or use Hi-Temp Option.
Improper loading
Make sure dishes and glassware are loaded
so spray reaches all surfaces and items drain
properly. Do not overload. Do not nest items.
Make sure large items do not block spray from
reaching detergent dispensers.
Spray arm or arms not rotating freely
Check spray arms to make sure they turn freely
after loading. Be sure a utensil has not prevented
their turning.
Not enough detergent or improper
detergent
Use more dishwasher detergent. Use detergent
with highest available phosphorus content _.
especially with hard water.
“Old” detergent
Use only fresh dishwasher detergent. Store
tightly closed container, in cool, dry place.
Discard old detergent. Do not fill dispensers
until ready to start dishwasher.
Water pressure may be low, dishwasher is
not filling properly
If water pressure is low, do not use water for other
purposes while dishwasher is running (to assure
correct fills).
Cloudy film on glassware, etching -
permanent corrosion
Too much detergent in soft water
Check for rainbow hue on glasses. A rainbow
hue is the first sign of etching (corrosion of glass).
Reduce the amount of dishwasher detergent.
Use a detergent with a lower phosphorus content.
Inadequate rinsing
If water pressure is low do not use water for other
purposes while dishwasher is running (to assure
correct water fills). Make sure dishes and glass-
ware are loaded properly to assure adequate
rinsing and draining. Do not overload.
Dishes & interior of dishwasher
yellow or brown
Iron or manganese in water
Temporary remedy:
1. Set empty dishwasher for a “one wash” cycle.
2. Stan dishwasher and unlatch door to stop it
when it has filled for the wash part of the cycle.
3. Add ‘/4 to % cup (120 to 240 mL) of citric acid
crystals (usually available in drugslores).
4. Close and latch door to complete cycle.
Permanent solution: Install an iron or
manganese filter or water softener to home
water supply.
Rust spots on stainless steel - OR-Dark
spots on flatware: stainless steel, silver
plate, or sterling
Allowing salty or acidic foods such as
mayonnaise, vinegar, fruit juices, salad
dressings, milk products to remain on
flatware
Rinse flatware that is to stand for several hours
before washing (use the Rinse Cycle). Clean
stained items with silver polish and re-wash.
Do not put stainless steel and silver flatware in
the same silverware basket compartment. Direct
contact between these metals can cause perma-
nent damage to the silver.
Undissolved detergent coming in contact
with flatware
Remove spots with silver polish. Avoid spilling
concentrated detergent on wet flatware.
Bronze tarnish on silverplate
Silverplate is worn off. Exposed base metal
takes on a bronzed hue
Remove tarnish with silver polish. Have silver
replated.
Water left in bottom of dishwasher
above grate
Dishwasher cycle not completed
Allow dishwasher to complete cycle. Some
remaining water is normal and keeps seals
from drying.
Clogged drain air gap
Some plumbing codes require use of a drain air
gap between an undercounter dishwasher and
the drain system of the house. The air gap is usu-
ally located above the sink or on the top of the
counter near the dishwasher to prevent the pos-
sibility of water backing up from the drain into the
dishwasher due to a plugged drain. The drain air
gap is not a part of the dishwasher and is not
covered by the dishwasher warranty. The drain air
gap should be kept clean to ensure proper drain-
ing of the dishwasher.
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