Common Dishwashing Problems
Continued
Dishes not washing clean 2. Stan 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 ?/4 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 drugslores).
4. Close and latch door to complete cycle.
setting. Run water at sink until hot before starting
and/or use Hi-Temp Option. Permanent solution: Install an iron or
Improper loading manganese filter or water softener to home
water supply.
Make sure dishes and glassware are loaded
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 spots on flatware: stainless steel, silver
reaching detergent dispensers. plate, or sterling
Allowing salty or acidic foods such as
Spray arm or arms not rotating freely mayonnaise, vinegar, fruit juices, salad
Check spray arms to make sure they turn freely dressings, milk products to remain on
after loading. Be sure a utensil has not prevented flatware
their turning.
Rinse flatware that is to stand for several hours
before washing (use the Rinse Cycle). Clean
Not enough detergent or improper
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
Silverplate is worn off. Exposed base metal
If water pressure is low, do not use water for other
purposes while 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
If water pressure is low do not use water for other Clogged drain air gap
purposes while dishwasher is running (to assure Some plumbing codes require use of a drain air
correct water fills). Make sure dishes and glass- gap between an undercounter dishwasher and
ware are loaded properly to assure adequate
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 dishwasher due to a plugged drain. The drain air
yellow or brown
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.
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ACEC
