Glasses and Dishes Are Cloudy and Filmy From the Dishwasher

Phosphate-Free Detergents

• Since 2010, manufacturers such as Proctor and Gamble introduced phosphate-free dishwasher detergent. As a reaction to nearly 17 states in the U.S. that have banned the use of phosphates, most laundry and dishwasher manufacturers have reformulated without phosphate. Without a suitable replacement, dishes and glasses washed in the dishwasher emerge with a cloudy film. Phosphate, a natural water softener and detergent booster, improves the performance and solubility of detergent. Though the film can be removed with white vinegar or the addition of citric acid to the wash cycle, suitable replacements that leave dishes shining have not been found.

Hard Water

• The U.S. Geological Survey reports that nearly 85 percent of the U.S. has hard water. Hard water is heavier in calcium, magnesium and iron. Though harmless to drink, over time, hard water deposits clog plumbing; leave laundry, skin and hair sticky; and make dishes and glasses appear cloudy. The cloudy film is actually a calcium carbonate deposit, an end-product of detergent in solution with the hard-water minerals. In homes with hard water, water softeners can improve the cleaning ability of dishwasher detergent and reduce the calcium deposits on glasses and dishes. An alternative is to use a natural water softener such as citric acid in the dishwasher. Citric acid binds with calcium and magnesium and prevents them from forming salts that deposit on dishes.

Water Temperature

• The temperature of hot tap water that feeds into your dishwasher should measure at approximately 130 F. If hot water isn't hot enough, detergent is less soluble, doesn't suds as well and cannot cut through grease and dirt. A cloudy residue on dishes and glasses is the result. To test water temperature, The Virtual Repairmen recommend you test dishwasher water temperature during the wash cycle. If temperatures are below 130 F, consider raising the temperature on your hot water heater.

Etching

• If the cloudy residue on glasses and dishes can't be removed with white vinegar or citric acid, your glasses and dishes may be etched with pitting and scratches. Caused by too much dishwasher detergent for water conditions, etching occurs when grains of detergent "sandblast" your dishes and glasses. Lead crystal and inexpensive glass are equally susceptible. If you have hard water, Appliance EMT recommends you decrease the amount of dishwasher detergent but hand-wash dishes before you run them through the dishwasher. If you have a water softener, reduce the amount of detergent by 3 teaspoons per cup of detergent.