Dishwasher Problems With Cloudy Glass
Dishwashers can be a huge time saver as you can wash many dishes at once and don't have to stand over a sink. But if you have to wash your glasses again as they come out of the dishwasher because of a cloudy residue, the appliance might not be such a convenience. Learn why your dishwasher might be leaving this residue and how you can fix the problem. Does this Spark an idea?
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Hard Water
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Hard water can easily cause cloudy glassware. The dishwasher might not remove the hard water deposits from the glasses, which can leave a cloudy film that can be difficult to remove. One way to solve this problem is to wash the glasses with one part white vinegar and one part warm water. Another option is to place a glass filled with white vinegar in the dishwasher right-side up, and run it through a washing cycle with the cloudy glasses.
Etching
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Another cause of cloudy glassware is etching, or tiny scratches that cover the glass. Unfortunately, etching is not a problem that can be reversed. Wash your glasses with one part vinegar and one part warm water. If the cloudiness does not go away, it has been caused by etching rather than something else. Etching can be caused by using too much detergent, so try using less. It also can be caused if you prewash their dishes before running the dishwasher. The dishwasher is designed to remove the food, so it vigorously sprays the dishes. If there is nothing to remove, the dishes can become damaged.
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Detergent
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Your dishwasher detergent could also be causing your cloudy glassware. Phosphates were once a main ingredient in many dishwasher detergents, but it has been banned in many states as it helps algae grow and can damage the environment. Therefore, many manufacturers have removed it from their products. The absence of phosphates in the detergent can cause the detergent to cling to the glasses and create a film.
Solutions
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Adding a small amount of citric acid to your detergent each time you wash your dishes can help counteract the hard water stains before they happen, which is also recommended for a detergent that lacks phosphates. Using a dishwasher cleaner every six months can also help. Know that washing your dishes before they go through the dishwasher can cause them to become damaged.
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References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages, Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
