Dishwasher Tips

1. White film or cloudiness on washed dishes.
2. Dishwasher 'leaks' after dry cycle.

1. White film or cloudiness on washed dishes:
First, to determine whether the film/cloudiness is removable, soak a glass in white vinegar for approximately 5 minutes. Rinse and dry. 

a) If the film is removed, it was due to hard water minerals and the following recommendations should improve your results:

¹Your local water utility or a water quality company such as Culligan can tell you about the water hardness level in your area.

• Use a high quality, granular detergent.
• Assure that the incoming water temperature is hot enough. If it is below 50°C (120°F) the water heating options (Maytag has them) should be selected.
• Always use a rinse aid.
• If the above steps do not correct the problem, the film is due to a different, unique set of factors, requiring a completely different approach. Try the following:
  • Decrease amount of detergent used in Main Wash cup to 3 teaspoons, regardless of water level hardness.
  • Change brand of rinse aid to Cascade Rinse Aid* and be sure to use it all the time.
  • Select the Pots and Pans cycle on the control panel or touch pads. -- Back to Top

b) If the film/cloudiness is not removed after the vinegar soak, the problem is most likely what is called etching. 

Etching is a permanent pitting or eroding of the surface of the glassware.  The beginning stages can be identified by a 'rainbow' effect in the glassware (different shades when the glass is held at an angle to the light). In advanced stages, the surface appears frosty, spotted, or cloudy.

Etching can happen in any dishwasher, to any glassware, regardless of quality. It is caused when too much detergent is used in soft water, when items are pre-rinsed, or if the water temperature is too high.  To prevent further etching and to keep other glassware from becoming etched, we recommend the following:

• Adjust the detergent amount to the appropriate level of the water hardness (see above chart).
• Check the incoming water temperature by turning on the hot water faucet nearest the dishwasher. Let the water run into a glass in the sink. Place a thermometer in the glass and note the maximum temperature. If the temperature is greater than 60°C (140°F), it is recommended that the water heater be adjusted so that the incoming temperature is in the range of 50-60°C (120-140°F).
• Discontinue pre-rinsing. The detergent needs the food soils to act upon, instead of the surface of the glassware.
  -- Back to Top

2. Dishwasher 'leaks' after dry cycle
You may have noticed that your dishwasher always 'leaks' during or immediately following the dry cycle.  Most people assume that there is a problem with their appliance, but in most cases, the dishwasher is not leaking at all. Water droplets which form in the vent area of the dishwasher are a result of condensation that occurs when steam, created during the dry cycle, escapes from the dishwasher and meets cooler air. Condensation is simply moisture that is given up by the air as it cools. These droplets usually evaporate on their own. If they have not had a chance to evaporate before the door is opened, the droplets may fall to the floor.  Additionally, as moisture evaporates from dishes, some condensation may collect on the inner door liner. This is normal and does not affect the final dryness of the dishes.  To reduce the accumulation of moisture in the vent area of the door and on the inner door liner:

• Always use a rinse aid, such as Jet-Dry* or Cascade Rinse Aid*.  Rinse aids are a nontoxic, water surfactant which cause water bead and slide off dishes more readily. In addition to improving dryness of dishes, rinse aid decreases the condensation in the vent area and inner door liner. The rinse aid dispenser should be refilled monthly. If rinse aid is already being used, and the dispenser is adjustable, turn the dispenser to the More setting.
• Select the Heated Dry option if your dishwasher has this feature (Maytag dishwashers will have this feature).
• Select any of the dishwasher's water heating options (i.e.: Maytag dishwashers have Temp Sense, Sani Heat, Accutemp, Sani Wash, Temp Boost) to ensure that adequate water temperature is achieved. The additional heat will increase the dryness of the dishes, as well as decrease the amount of condensation in the vent area and on the inner door liner.
  -- Back to Top

*All brand names are the trademarks of their respective manufacturers.

The previous two tech tips taken from the Maytag Consumer Corner bulletin.