How to Stop Water Spotting in My Dishwasher

Water spots can be annoying in both the dishwasher and on your dishes, but they are also a sign that something in your system needs attention. It can be as simple as having hard water in your home, but they can also indicate something more serious. No matter the reason, spotting stains the dishes and can be permanent, ruining both your dishes and causing buildup in your dishwasher. Buildup could cause your dishwasher to stop running properly and mean repairs somewhere down the line. Find the cause of the spotting and treat the situation before it results in worse damage.

Meat thermometer
Rinse additive
Empty 1-gallon jug
Dishwasher detergent
Citric acid crystals
Water softener (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Check the hot water temperature for the dishwasher. Go to the hot-water heater first and see if there is a temperature reading on your dial setting. If it simply says "hot," use a meat thermometer. Run 1 cup of hot water from the kitchen faucet. If the reading on the thermometer is 140 degrees, the water temperature is fine. If it is lower, adjust the setting on the hot water heater.
- 2
  Add a rinse additive agent to the dishwasher. These are products designed to keep debris and mineral deposits from sticking to the dishwasher and dishes.
- 3
  Check the water pressure. Place an empty gallon-size jug beneath your kitchen faucet. Turn it on, and time how fast it fills. If it fills in under 14 seconds the water pressure is fine. If not, your pump may not be putting out adequate water pressure. When you run the dishwasher, turn off other appliances that use water, like sprinklers, the washing machine or the shower.
- 4
  Add the proper amount of detergent to your dishwasher. Consult the dishwasher manual and package of detergent you use if you're unsure how much to use.
- 5
  Load the dishwasher correctly. Do not overfill, or water cannot disperse amongst the dishes and will leave spots on everything.
- 6
  Run a citric acid treatment through your dishwasher. Citric acid removes hard water mineral deposits from the dishwasher by dissolving the minerals. Citric acid crystals are available through most dishwasher suppliers.

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