Common Dishwashing Problems
Continued
Dishes not washing clean 2. Start dishwasher and unlatch door to stop it
when it has filled for the wash part of the cycle.
Water is not hot enough
Water temperature should be at least 140°F 3. Add ?/4 to !I2 cup (120 to 240 mL) of citric acid
crystals (usually available in drugstores).
(60°C). Set water heater thermostat to a higher
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.
Rust spots on stainless steel -OR - Dark
Make sure large items do not block spray from
reaching detergent dispensers. spots on flatware: stainless steel, silver
plate, or sterling
Spray arm not rotating treely Allowing salty or acidic foods s&h as
mayonnaise, vinegar, fruit juices, salad
Check spray arm to make sure it turns freely
after loading. Be sure a utensil is not sticking out dressings, milk products to remain on
the bottom of the silverware basket and blocking flatware
the sorav arm from turninn 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 t-e-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
not filling properly Bronze tarnish on silverplate
If water pressure is low, do not use water for other Silverplate is worn off. Exposed base metal
purposes while dishwasher is running (to assure takes on a bronzed hue
correct fills). Remove tarnish with silver polish. Have silver
replated.
Cloudy tilm 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. 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 bodes 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
rinsing 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 8 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 emptv dishwasher for a ?one wash? cvcle.
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ACEC
