Dishwasher cleaning

[m0ntels]

Over the last few months I've been getting white residue on my dishes and the silverware. I'm guessing it's hard water staining. I've run it a few times with vinegar in it, cleaned out the wash arms, cleaned out all the old soap buildup, and ran it a few times on the hi-temp cycle but no luck from any of that. I've held the door open and it drains properly so it's not dirty water.

I'm thinking of trying a soak and wash with CLR, but I don't want to damage any seals. With all the DIYers on here, I figured I'd see if anyone had any suggestions. The machine used to work great, but now I have to rewash half the things afterward. Thanks.

 

[ryan2022]

I was going to say CLR. I dont think it will damage seals, but Im not an expert.

I'd try to manufacturer, and see what they recommend. Its amazing how many companies have customer support.

 

[rjacket]

Few tips

1) There should be a filter at the drain that you can open to remove any large pieces of debris.
2) Check your rinse aid and the disposing setting
3) Check your salt if you have a separate one and it's disposing setting
4) Consider changing your powder / liquid for one that's better suited to your type of water. You can get water testing strips often for free from your water company
5) Buy one of those one use dishwasher cleaners but do this after you've done the above

 

[brandini]

http://www.diylife.com/2010/01/13/lengthen-the-life-of-your-dishwasher/

Rinse aid is the easiest way to prevent water spots. Your problem isn't due to a dirty dishwasher, it's due to dirty tap water (minerals). You may have to resort to a water filter/softener if the rinse aid doesn't help.

 

[tom slick]

Turn your water heater up to at least 135* and see if the film goes away. I chased spots for 2 years before realizing all I needed to do was turn the water temp up from 125*

 

[UNC017]

One other thing that can happen is a build-up of ground-up food residue in the intake to the washing pump, which reduces the pressure of the spray during the wash cycle. Been there, done that, with a Kitchen-Aid. YMMV on other models that don't have a separate wash and drain pump.

 

[m0ntels]

Quote:
Turn your water heater up to at least 135* and see if the film goes away. I chased spots for 2 years before realizing all I needed to do was turn the water temp up from 125*


I think I might go this route tonight. I remember all was good until after i had to replace a thermostat on my water heater with some generic Home Depot one since it was the only one I could find. I had set it to 120 initially but showers were colder than I was used to so I set it to 125, but maybe it is just way off.

I've already switched brands of soap even though I've used the same kind since day 1 previously. All topped up on the blue liquid stuff too. Filter is clean. Mine doesn't pop out but I wiped it clean and vacuumed it out just in case too. Only so many things left to try so I figure I'll get it eventually!

 

[fdcg27]

I have found that we get spots with some detergents, and not with others.
We have fairly hard, high-lime water here, since we rely upon well water for our local water system, and this is a limestone rock area.
Anyway, Cascade and the cheaper Electrasol gel both seem to work well for us.