Do you LOVE your dishwasher?

MrsNolan

We are in the market for a new dishwasher and have started doing some research. We currently have what I THOUGHT was a pretty decent Jenn.Aire dishwasher that was purchased by the previous owner of our home in 2007. Well it consistantly leaves residue and food/dishwasher detergent specks on our dishes and I am sick of having to rewash everything after it comes out of the dishwasher. Also, our glasses have all become very cloudy. Very annoying.

 I try and rinse everything really well prior to loading, have tried cleaning the dang thing multiple times, and have tried different detergents. I am done and want a new one!

I am looking for a dishwasher that is quiet, eco-friendly, and does not require much (if any, haha) pre-washing. Any recs?

 

Thanks loves!

Mrs. Destructo

The problem isn't with your dishwasher. The problem is with the dishwasher soap (ALL dishwasher soaps).

A regulation recently went into effect that essentially caused all dishwasher soap manufacturers to remove phosphates from their soap (to protect rivers that sewage is discharged into - totally not an issue in Phoenix, but it's easier/cheaper for manufacturers to have 1 formula instead of regional formulas).  Phosphates make your dishes rinse clean, and they're especially helpful where you have hard water. Phoenix has EXTREMELY hard water.

 We've had a ton of luck with a product called Lemishine. It's really just citric acid (like from citrus fruit) in a convenient container. We buy it at Target, and it's near the dishwasher soaps. We use about 1-2 tablespoons and sprinkle it into the bottom of the dishwasher before every load, and we only fill the 1st cup with dishwasher soap 1/2 full and don't put any in the 2nd cup. Our dishes sparkle now! If you have a lot of residue buildup in your machine you may need to clean your dishwasher first, and the Lemishine bottle has directions for how to do that. 

tarynmichelle

Mrs. Destructo:

The problem isn't with your dishwasher. The problem is with the dishwasher soap (ALL dishwasher soaps).

A regulation recently went into effect that essentially caused all dishwasher soap manufacturers to remove phosphates from their soap (to protect rivers that sewage is discharged into - totally not an issue in Phoenix, but it's easier/cheaper for manufacturers to have 1 formula instead of regional formulas).  Phosphates make your dishes rinse clean, and they're especially helpful where you have hard water. Phoenix has EXTREMELY hard water.

 We've had a ton of luck with a product called Lemishine. It's really just citric acid (like from citrus fruit) in a convenient container. We buy it at Target, and it's near the dishwasher soaps. We use about 1-2 tablespoons and sprinkle it into the bottom of the dishwasher before every load, and we only fill the 1st cup with dishwasher soap 1/2 full and don't put any in the 2nd cup. Our dishes sparkle now! If you have a lot of residue buildup in your machine you may need to clean your dishwasher first, and the Lemishine bottle has directions for how to do that. 

This. I haven't tried the Lemishine yet but I do use the Finish Powder detergent and it seems to work fairly good. It won't get the cloudyness off of the glasses I washed with cheaper detergent but it has prevented any new cloudiness and soapscum from forming.

 ETA a news article about the subject.

cnj050607

I was having the same issue (and it came on suddenly) with my dishwasher and decided it was the hard water fighting with the hot water so I gave up on dishwashing my dishes... I was so aggrivated about it.. Then Shawna told me to use the Lemishine and I am so happy that I can use my dishwasher again!!!! :-) I did clean it (it says how on the bottle) before doing dishes, then I put one plate/glass/fork in and ran a small cycle to see if it would really work and it did... 

Try that out before you go and replace the dishwasher.. save yourself a ton of $$

MrsNolan

Oh wow! I had no idea! Glad I asked you ladies. I will pick up some Lemishine tomorrow! I would love to not have to spend the money on a new dishwasher if I don't have to! Thanks!

Mrs.LisaP

I do LOVE mine!!! Its aa Kenmore Elite! Its very quite and has tons of great options. No complaints AT ALL!

This is the one I have:

 http://www.homeportfolio.com/catalog/Product.jhtml?prodId=174064

 

 

Mrs.LisaP

OKay I read the other responses...and thats why I ONLY use Mellaluca Diamond Bright Dish Soap. You cant buy it in the store, or online...you have to either sign up, or know someone with an account. I have my "dealer" that I order from every 4 months.