| Removing Hard Water Filming On Your Dishes
The white, hard water film occurs when hardness minerals from the water are deposited on the glasses and tub. This is a film that normally occurs when the water is hard, not enough detergent is used, water temperature is low or no rinse aid is used.
To Identify
- On glasses - To verify that the white film is hard water filming, soak the glass approximately 5 minutes in undiluted white vinegar. Rinse and dry. If the film is removed it is hard water filming. If the film is not removed, it is possibly another type of film such as etching.
- On inner tub - Saturate a cloth with white vinegar and wipe the tub. If the film is removed, it is hard water filming.
There are lots of possible causes of filming:
Hard Water And Not Enough Detergent
Chemical "builders" in dishwasher detergents tie up hard water minerals. If the water is excessively hard, or not enough detergent is used, hard water minerals can deposit on glassware and the dishwasher tub, creating a film. The minerals can also build up on the working components of the dishwasher, causing damage. To prevent this from happening, try increasing the amount of detergent used according to the degree of water hardness. As a general rule, one teaspoon of detergent is needed per grain of water hardness with a minimum of three teaspoons. However, when using a concentrated dishwashing detergent, decrease the amount by half. Your local water utility or a water quality company such as Culligan or Kinetico can tell you the water hardness for your area.
- Soft (0-3 grains) 3 Teaspoons (fill to the first line)
- Medium (4-9 grains) 4-9 Teaspoons (fill to the second line or third line)
- Hard (10-12 grains) 10-12 Teaspoons (fill to the third line or above)
For a normal or longer cycle place the recommended amount of detergent in each detergent cup. For shorter cycles place the recommended amount of detergent in the Main Wash cup only.
If the water is over 12 grains hard, you may need to use additional detergent (1 teaspoon for each grain over 12) at the beginning of the main wash portion of the cycle. (Open the door, add detergent to the bottom of the tub, close the door and the dishwasher will continue through the cycle.) If this does not give satisfactory results, the only solution may be to soften the water mechanically. When water is over 15 grains of hardness, it is difficult to achieve acceptable dishwashing results or prevent hard water deposits in any brand of dishwasher.
Results may improve by switching to a different type or brand of dishwasher detergent.
Low Water Temperature
Proper water temperature is needed to activate the dishwasher detergent, dissolve greasy food soils and warm the interior for good drying results.
The water heater should be set at 140 degrees F, if water heating options on your dishwasher are not available or not selected. If water heating options are used, the water heater may be set to deliver a minimum of 120 degrees F. water to the dishwasher.
To check the water temperature, place a food thermometer in a glass and set it in the sink below the faucet, allow hot water to run into the glass until the temperature stabilizes and take a reading. Adjust the water heater accordingly.
To ensure the dishwasher is filling with the hottest water possible, do the following:
Before starting the dishwasher, let the faucet at the nearest sink run until the water is hot.
Avoid running the dishwasher while hot water is being used for other activities like showers or laundry.
Not Using A Rinse Aid
A rinse aid such as Jet-Dry* or Cascade Rinse Aid* improves the sheeting action of the dishwasher. Use liquid rinse aid in the dispenser. If the dishwasher is not equipped with a dispenser, place a disc or basket in the back right corner of the lower rack.
To check the water temperature, first place a thermometer in a glass. Next, position this glass under the faucet in the sink nearest the dishwasher and run hot water into the glass. Once the temperature stabilizes, read the temperature from the thermometer.
To Remove Hard Water Filming
Glasses (Try one of the following):
- Wash dishes in the dishwasher using Glass Magic* according to package directions. If filming is extremely bad, it may require repeated washing.
- Soak items in undiluted vinegar.
Tub: (Try one of the following)
- Use a damp cloth and a mild scouring powder. Start empty dishwasher on "Rinse & Hold" or "Rinse" portion of the cycle. During the fill open the door and add 1/2 cup white vinegar to water. Allow the dishwasher to complete the cycle. Do not use detergent. Follow with a regular detergent wash.
- Use RoVer Rust Remover* or a dishwasher cleaning product such as Glisten* or Dishwasher Magic* according to manufacturer's directions.
*Brand names are trademarks of the respective manufacturers.
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