Common Dishwashing Problems
Continued
Dishes not washing clean 2. Start dishwasher and unlatch door to stop it
Water is not hot enough when it has filled for the wash part of the cycle.
3. Add ?I4 to % cup (120 to 240 mL) of citric acid
Water temperature should be at least 140°F
(60°C). Set water heater thermostat to a higher crystals (usually available in drugstores).
setting. Run water at sink until hot before starting. 4. Close and latch door to complete Cycle.
Permanent solution: Install an iron or
Improper loading manganese filter or water softener to home
Make sure dishes and glassware are loaded water supply.
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 Rust spots on stainless steel -OR - Dark
spots on flatware: stainless steel, silver
reaching detergent drspensers.
plate, or sterling
Spray arm not rotating freely Allowing salty or acidic foods such as
Check spray arm to make sure It turns freely mayonnaise, vinegar, fruit juices, salad
after loadrng. Be sure a utensil IS not sticking out dressings, milk products to remain on
the bottom of the sllverware basket and blocking flatware
the spray arm from turning.
Rinse flatware that is to stand for several hours
before washing (use the Rinse & Hold Cycle).
Not enough detergent or improper Clean stained items with silver polish and re-wash.
detergent Do not put stainless steel and silver flatware in
Use more dishwasher detergent. Use detergent the same silverware basket compartment. Direct
with highest available phosphorus content... contact between these metals can cause perma-
especially with hard water. nent damage to the silver.
?Old? detergent Undissolved detergent coming in contact
Use only fresh dishwasher detergent. Store with flatware
tightly closed container in cool, dry place
Remove spots with silver polish. Avoid spilling
Discard old detergent Do not fill dispensers concentrated detergent on wet flatware.
until ready to start dishwasher.
Water pressure may be low, dishwasher is
Bronze tarnish on silverplate
not filling properly
If water pressure IS low, do not use water for other Silverplate is worn off. Exposed base metal
purposes whrle dishwasher is running (to assure takes on a bronzed hue
correct fills). Remove tarnish with silver polish. Have silver
replated.
Cloudy film on glassware, etching -
permanent corrosion Water left in bottom of dishwasher
above grate
Too much detergent in soft water
Check for rainbow hue on glasses. A rainbow Dishwasher cycle not completed
hue is the first sign of etching (corrosion of glass). Allow dishwasher to complete cycle. Some
Reduce the amount of dishwasher detergent. remaining water IS normal and keeps seals
Use a detergent with a lower phosphorus content. from drying.
Inadequate rinsing Clogged drain air gap
If water pressure is low do not use water for other
Some plumbing codes require use of a drain air
purposes while dishwasher is running (to assure gap between an undercounter dishwasher and
correct water fills). Make sure dishes and glass- the drain system of the house. The air gap is usu-
ware are loaded properly to assure adequate
ally located above the sink or on the top of the
rinsrng and draining. Do not overload. 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
Dishes & interior of dishwasher gap is not a part of the dishwasher and is not
yellow or brown
covered by the dishwasher warranty. The drain air
Iron or manganese in water gap should be kept clean to ensure proper drain-
Temporary remedy: ing of the dishwasher.
1. Set empty dishwasher for a ?one wash? cycle
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ACEC
