NPR: Anyone with hard water? Problem with my dishwasher

shouldbeworkin

I ran the dishwasher yesterday and came home to find my dishes covered in a film.  I ran it again and it didn't help.  Tried washing by hand and it's not coming off easy.  WTH caused this and what do I do about it? 

illinimama

I don't know, but mine has been doing the SAME thing... Ugh, it's sooo frustrating.

shouldbeworkin

illinimama:

I don't know, but mine has been doing the SAME thing... Ugh, it's sooo frustrating.

What do you do about it?  Still use the dishes or wash by hand?  

DaiLyght

Do you use any kind of rinse agent? I would try that if you don't already.

ccm1203

Get a water softener!  If it is hard water spots / stains try soaking them in vinegar.   I think they would be ok to use.

j-w

Our office has hard water.  Try getting the Cascade Actionpacks with bleach in them.

shouldbeworkin

Water softener = check!

Rinse agent full = check!

This is the first time I've ever had this problem with our dishwasher.  It's really weird.  

PinkPiano

I pour about 1/4 cut of vinegar in with every load of dishes and that takes care of the film problem and makes them nice and shiny.  Just dump it right in the bottom before you start it.

(You may need to use more than 1/4 cup the first few times till it gets kind of cleaned out.)

 

hero

I also pour vinegar at the bottom of the washer before closing the door. It solved our film problem.

shouldbeworkin

Damn!  I'm so annoyed I didn't try vinegar in the last load.  I know vinegar solves almost every problem!

jessicaclare

Also, don't use too much soap. You only need about half of what they "recommend". Too much soap can cause the film.

EandT

You can also try something called Lemme Shine. It's a lemony cleaner to use along with detergent. It's in the same area of the store as the dishwashing detergent stuff. A repairman recommended it to us.