Common Dishwashing Problems
Continued
Dishes not washing clean 3. Add l/4 to ?/2 cup (120 to 240 mL) of crtnc acid
Water is not hot enough crystals (usually available in drugstores).
Water temperature should be at least 140°F 4. Close and latch door to complete cycle.
(60°C). Set water heater thermostat to a higher Permanent solution: Install an iron or
setting. Run water at sink until hot before starting. manganese filter or water softener to home
waler supply
Improper loading
Make sure dishes and glassware are loaded
so spray reaches all surfaces and items drain Rust spots on stainless steel-OR - Dark
properly. Do not overload. Do not nest items. spots on flatware: stainless steel, silver
Make sure large items do not block spray from plate, or sterling
reaching detergent dispensers. Allowing salty or acidic foods such as
mayonnaise, vinegar, fruit juices, salad
Spray arm not rotating freely
dressings, milk products to remain on
Check spray arm to make sure it turns freely flatware
after loading. Be sure a utensil IS not sticking out
the bottom of the silverware basket and blocking Rinse flatware that is to stand for several hours
the spray arm from turning. before washing (use Rinse 8 Hold Cycle). Clean
stained items with silver polish and re-wash. DO
Not enough detergent or improper
not put stainless steel and silver flatware in the
detergent same silverware basket compartment. Direct con-
Use more dishwasher detergent. Use detergent tact between these metals can cause permanent
with htghest available phosphorus content.. damage to the silver.
especially with hard water
Undissolved detergent coming in contact
?Old? detergent with flatware
Use only fresh dishwasher detergent. Store Remove spots with silver polish. Avoid spilling
tightly closed container in cool, dry place
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
Silverplate is worn off. Exposed base metal
If water pressure is low, do not use water for other takes on a bronzed hue
purposes while dishwasher is running (to assure Remove tarnish with silver polish. Have sliver
correct fills). replated.
Cloudy film on glassware, etching -
permanent corrosion Water left in bottom of dishwasher
Too much detergent in soft water above grate
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.
Use a detergent with a lower phosphorus content. remaining water is normal and keeps seals
from drying.
Inadequate rinsing
If water pressure is low do not use water for other
Clogged drain air gap
purposes while dishwasher is runnrng (to assure Some plumbing codes require use of a drain air
correct water fills). Make sure dishes and glass-
ware are loaded properly to assure adequate gap between an undercounter dishwasher and
the drain system of the house,The air gap is usu-
rinsing and draining. Do not overload.
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
Dishes & interior of dishwasher
yellow or brown dishwasher due to a plugged drain. The drain air
gap is not a part of the dishwasher and is not
Iron or manganese in water
covered by the dishwasher warranty. The drain air
Temporary remedy: gap should be kept clean to ensure proper drain-
1. Set empty dishwasher for a ?one wash? cycle. ing of the dishwasher.
2. Start dishwasher and unlatch door to stop it
when it has filled for the wash par-l of the cycle.
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ACEC
