My Maytag Dishwasher Is Leaving a Cloudy Film on Glasses: What Is It?

Detergent and Rinse Aid

• Phosphates found in dishwasher detergents soften the wash water, making it easier to form suds. The phosphates do not filter from water easily at treatment plants, and most major dish detergent manufacturers remove phosphates from their products. The eliminated phosphates can cause the detergent to create a white film on dishes and the inside of the dishwasher. Use tablet-style detergent to reduce the buildup of film, and add a rinse aid to every wash to help your dishes rinse clean. The rinse aid also helps to reduce hard water stains that can also cause clouding on your dishes.

Detergent Measurement

• Use the appropriate amount of dish detergent for the size of the wash load. If you use tablet-style detergent, avoid overloading your dishwasher. If you have a large or heavily soiled load, add liquid detergent to the second detergent cup. Never use less than a tablespoon of liquid or gel detergent. Check the brand you prefer to be sure you measure it properly for each load. Too little detergent in your wash cycle may create a film over your dishes because your dishwasher is unable to remove all of the food from the dishes in the wash cycle, creating hazy deposits on all of the dishes.

Water Pressure and Temperature

• If the water pressure feeding into your dishwasher is insufficient, you may not get optimal rinsing. You can test your water pressure by putting a 4 cup container beneath the faucet. Turn the faucet on full volume and count how long it takes to fill the container. If it takes longer than nine seconds, consult a plumber to increase your water pressure. Your water temperature should reach 120 degrees. Run the hot water for at least one minute, and then fill a small container. Test the temperature to verify that it is 120 degrees. Adjust your water heater if necessary, but be aware that temperatures over 120 degrees pose serious scalding risks for young children.

Treatments

• Turn off the heat-dry setting on your dishwasher. Heat drying can bake any cloudy residue onto the dishes. Place a small cup of white vinegar on the bottom rack of your Maytag dishwasher. Run a normal cycle without any silverware. Do not add detergent to the wash. The vinegar will remove any cloudy buildup from the dishes and the inside of the dishwasher.