Dishwashers Discussions

Hi andyonland-Welcome to MySears!  There are quite a few experts on the site who will be able to help with this one.  I know with our older dishwasher, we had the same problem.  We cleaned the screen trap, and that was what worked for us.  I am sure you can find where that is in the owner's manual of your dishwasher.

What is the model number? Here's a few general things to check for:

COMPLAINT: Dishes and glassware are cloudy, spotting, and/or filming.

CAUSES:

Water Hardness: Check the water with a hardness. A hardness of ten grain, or more, may cause filming.

Water Temperature: Water temperature at the sink closest to the dishwasher should be between 120°F and 160°F.

Water Level: After a complete Fill cycle, check the water level in the dishwasher. Also check for proper drain hose height (20 ") and verify that the dishwasher is not siphoning.

Spray Arms: Make sure that the upper and lower arms are turning freely. Check each arm for blockage and splits.

Drain: Check the dishwasher to make sure that it is draining completely.

Rinse Agent Dispenser: Make sure that there is rinse agent in the dispenser, and verify that it is actually dispensing.

Detergent Lid Gasket: Check the detergent lid gasket. If the gasket is not present, install a gasket

Check Valve: Check the pump check valve for proper operation. Listen for "gurgling" at the drain line while the dishwasher is in the Wash mode. It will indicate that the check valve flapper is leaking, allowing drained water to reenter the dishwasher.

Thanks JulieK....I will try cleaning the screen trap.

Thanks for the info StephenC...I don't know the model #, as we bought this Condo and there was no manual for the dishwasher. It is a Kenmore Ultrawash QuietGuard3.

Is this "film" only visible when the glasses are dry? Is this "film" able to be washed off by hand? If it's the former, this is known as "etching," and is caused by detergent when there isn't enough food for the detergent to work on. If it's the latter, you may have hard water, and need to increase the amount of detergent you use.

Do you by any chance rinse your dishes before loading?

It is the latter...you can wipe or wash the film off. Funny thing is..this just started after 3 years of no problems. We do rinse the dishes off first. I guess the water could have gotten harder after all this time?? I will try your suggestion of more detergent.

I suggest not rinsing before loading. Your dishwasher detergent wants food. It's got enzymes (bacteria) that want to eat. If they don't have food, they will eat your dishes and glasses. And, it's wasting your energy and water. Just scrape and load. Even if you run the dishwasher every day, it costs less in water and energy than rinsing everything and then running the dishwasher.

We have very hard water in our area so we had the same problem until we came across a product called Finish Glass Magic. We add this to our dishwasher and the glasses now come out crystal clear. Takes away the cloudy look. Our ShopRite carries it. If you can't find it in your area, this is the link to buy it online.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000UCI09G