How to Keep a Dishwasher From Leaving Residue

If your dishes come out of the dishwasher with a cloudy residue, you are not alone. This is a common occurrence, especially since many detergent manufacturers stopped adding phosphorous; it was banned in several states because it contaminates local water sources and acts as a fertilizer, causing aquatic weeds to grow. Hard water also leaves behind a residue. Fortunately, you can change a few things when washing your dishes in the dishwasher and they will come out sparkling clean without the residue.

Rinse additive

Instructions

- 1
  Look at the ingredients on the dishwashing detergent and select one that contains phosphorous, if desired, which helps prevent cloudiness. Order it online or look in a restaurant supply store where the detergents they sell may still contain phosphorus.
- 2
  Employ a rinse additive. Some detergents already contain a rinse additive or you can purchase a separate product. Powder or liquid rinse additives are poured into a separate dispenser in the dishwasher. Other rinse additives come in a basket that is hung on the lower rack near the back of the dishwasher.
- 3
  Adjust the amount of dish detergent for your type of water. Read the detergent's label for dosing amounts. If you have hard water, for example, you need more detergent than you would if you had soft water.
- 4
  Set your water heater to 140 degrees Fahrenheit if your dishwasher does not heat its own water (check your manual). Be cautious if you have children because water at this temperature burns if skin is exposed to it for six seconds or more, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

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