Are Your Dishes Coming Out of the Dishwasher Dirty?

If your dishwasher isn’t washing dirty dishes to your satisfaction, before you call for service, there are steps you can take to correct potential automatic dishwasher problems. When dishes are washed in an automatic dishwasher, and time and time again you’re finding them dirty, you may need to make some adjustments in order for your dishwasher to properly and effectively wash dirty dishes. Many times when dishes washed in an automatic dishwasher remain dirty, the solutions are simple, and a dishwasher repair person is not required. If the dishwasher problem is not mechanical or electrical, chances are you can fix your dishwasher so your dirty dishes come out sparkling clean.

Water Temperature

If your dishes are continually dirty after washing them in your automatic dishwasher, the first thing to check is the water temperature. Test the temperature by running hot water in your kitchen sink, and check the water with a kitchen thermometer. The temperature of your hot water must range between 140 degrees and 160 degrees Fahrenheit or your dirty dishes will probably still be dirty after running the dishwasher. If you discover the temperature of your hot water is under 140 degrees Fahrenheit, turn up the temperature accordingly. Chances are, the next time you run your automatic dishwasher, your dirty dishes will come out clean as a whistle.

Dirty Black Marks on Dishes

When dirty dishes are placed in the dishwasher, sometimes utensils such as metal spatulas or lightweight metal pans rub against plates and other dirty dishes during the washing process. These dirty black marks make dishes appear dirty when in fact they are only surface scratches caused by the metal. Avoid placing metal utensils and pans where they can scratch dirty dishes. Metal items should never come in contact with dirty dishes or other scratchable items. Making sure metal utensils are separate from other dirty dishes will prevent those dishes from having scratches that make them appear dirty.

Dirty Rust Spots on Dishes