Common Dishwashing Problems
Continued
2. Start dishwasher and unlatch door to stop it
when it has filled for the wash part of the cycle.
3. Add I/d to % cup (120 to 240 mL) of citric acid
Dishes not washing clean
crystals (usually available in drugstores).
Water is not hot enough
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
water supply.
Improper loading
Make sure dishes and glassware are loaded
Rust spots on stainless steel-OR - Dark
so spray reaches all surfaces and items drain
properly Do not overload. Do not nest items. spots on flatware: stainless steel, silver
plate, or sterling
Make sure large Items do not block spray from
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 the Rinse 8 Hold Cycle).
Clean stained items with silver polish and re-wash.
Not enough detergent or improper Do not put stainless steel and silver flatware in
detergent the same silverware basket compartment. Direct
Use more dishwasher detergent. Use detergent contact between these metals can cause perma-
with highest available phosphorus content... nent 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. Avord Spilling
tightly closed container, in cool, dry place. concentrated detergent on wet flatware.
Discard old detergent. Do not fill dispensers
untrl ready to start dishwasher.
Bronze tarnish on silverplate
Water pressure may be low, dishwasher is
not filling properly Silverplate is worn off. Exposed base metal
takes on a bronzed hue
If water pressure is low, do not use water for other
purposes while dishwasher is runnmg (to assure Remove tarnish with silver polish. Have silver
correct fills). replated.
Cloudy film on glassware, etching - Water left in bottom of dishwasher
permanent corrosion above grate
Too much detergent in soft water Dishwasher cycle not completed
Check for rainbow hue on glasses. A rainbow Allow dishwasher to complete cycle. Some
hue is the first srgn of etching (corrosion of glass). remaining water is normal and keeps seals
Reduce the amount of dishwasher detergent. from drying.
Use a detergent with a lower phosphorus content.
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
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 empty dishwasher for a ?one wash? cycle
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ACEC
