How to Get Rid of Etching on Glass in the Dishwasher

Etching, a slightly iridescent, hazy manifestation on glass surfaces, is actually many micro-scratches and not a removable film. If your dishwasher has etched your glassware, you can’t fix the glasses on your own. As a last-ditch effort, take the glasses to your local glazier for an acid bath, which may reduce the appearance of light etching. You can, however, prevent the problem from reoccurring. Get rid of dishwasher-related etching on your glassware by tackling its most common cause: improper selection or use of dishwasher detergent.

Coffee mug
White vinegar

Instructions

- 1
  Check your hot water heater’s settings. Many dishwasher detergents won’t dissolve unless very hot water can reach the unit. Undissolved detergent left inside glassware can etch the glass. Make sure your hot water heater is set to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and run hot water to your sink before you start each load of dishes.
- 2
  Reduce the amount of detergent you use in each load, especially if you have soft water. Try using half the recommended amount, and then add more in later cycles if you aren’t satisfied with the results.
- 3
  Clean old soap out of your dishwasher, its filter and its related pipes. Place a coffee mug full of undiluted vinegar in the top rack of your dishwasher. Run your dishes as you normally would; the vinegar will dissolve any lingering detergent.
- 4
  Note your glassware’s placement in the dishwasher. If you organize your glassware racks so glasses touch, they can rub against each other during the washing process, which cause etching’s telltale micro-scratches. In the future, leave about one-half inch between each glass, and make sure each glass is securely placed pointing downward.

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