Lime Issues With Dishes in a Dishwasher

About Lime Deposits on Dishes

• What people call lime deposits are actually calcium that has precipitated out of solution from the water. It rests on the surfaces of dishes and leaves a whitish film as it dries. Magnesium can also contribute to these deposits, according to North Carolina State University extension specialist Sandra A. Zazlow. Because this residue is alkaline in chemical composition, it is removed by using an acidic substance.

Water Softener and Filtration

• Some dishwasher machines are equipped with built-in water softener units that help to dissolve the minerals in water. These are generally used with a water softener salt that dissolves in the machine as water flows through it. Softening helps to wash the mineral deposits away so that they do not form on the dishes as they dry. Whole house water filtration also helps to remove some of these deposits before they reach the appliance, thereby using mineral-free water to wash the dishes.

Vinegar for Lime Deposits

• Regular household vinegar is a 5 percent solution of acetic acid that will help to remove the lime film on dishes, silverware and other items in your dishwasher. Simply fill the dishwasher cup with vinegar, or pour it onto the bottom of the tub and run the empty machine, adding no additional detergent or additives. Run a rinse cycle to remove any remaining vinegar odor.

Lemon Juice for Lime Deposits

• Another mild acid that can help resolve lime issues in the dishwasher is ordinary lemon juice. Pour the lemon juice into the bottom of the dishwasher tub, and run the machine in an ordinary washing cycle. The lemon juice will remove lime deposits and leave the tub smelling clean and fresh, according to the Popular Mechanics site.

Unsweetened Kool-Aid for Lime Deposits

• One unexpected compound for removing lime from the dishwasher you may have sitting in your pantry is unsweetened lemon-flavored Kool-Aid. This product contains enough citric acid to remove the lime deposits from the interior of your dishwasher that settles on dishes, glasses and silverware. Do not use other flavors of Kool-Aid, which will stain the dishwasher interior with food dyes.

Commercial Cleaners for Lime Deposits

• A number of commercial products are available for removing lime, rust and other mineral deposits. These, however, often contain toxic chemicals that may be hazardous when left on food utensils. If the lime deposits in your dishwasher are very heavy, use the product as directed on the package in an empty machine, and run the rinse cycle several times before placing dishes in the machine for cleaning.