what is this white stuff?

shanwalk2 · May 2010

I recently took over the dishes duty (as DH wasn't doing it up to my standards... he now does the laundry instead... Confused )

Anyway, he always washed by hand - but I use the dish washer. I've noticed that fairly often the glasses or bowls on the top shelf come out of the wash with a white powder on all over them.

I can only assume its the Cascade... but is this a Cascade issue or a cheap-o dishwasher issue? I've been running the washer on "pots and pans" thinking it will work harder to rinse, but I haven't noticed an improvement.

I'd prefer for my dishes to come out of the washer clean. Super Angry any suggestions?

thegastons · May 2010

I have no suggestions, but I'm right there with you on your frustration! My dishwasher leaves that too and it is hard to get off. I'm interested to see what everyone else suggests.

texansarah · May 2010

I know what you are talking about, but I'm not sure why that happens or how I made it stop. However, we had a cheap-o dishwasher for years and I can't remember the last time it happened. We've used liquid dishwashing soap and/or the packets for a while, so maybe that's what made the change.

I've also heard vinegar can help.

AustinMimi · May 2010

When I get gunk on my dishes, I follow the nestie tip to pour a cup of white vinegar into the dishwasher. It seems to break it up so that I don't get the Cascade powder on everything.

FireChiefsBride · May 2010

It's probably hard water. Are you using a rinsing agent? If not, try that- it should help significantly.

fjaril · May 2010

do you use a rinse aide ?

gwynnetx · May 2010

i used to get that when i was using the inexpensive powder, but since i've decided to shell out a little more and use this stuff, we haven't had that problem. don't know if it will solve your problem, of course, but it seems to have worked for us.

gofurr25 · May 2010

FireChiefsBride:
It's probably hard water. Are you using a rinsing agent? If not, try that- it should help significantly.

Lemi Shine also helps hard water. That is likely your problem.

Tiffany5412 · May 2010

Yeah, definitely hard water. What worked for me: I ran the dishwasher empty with a bunch of vinegar. Then from now on I use Lemon Shine (Lemi Shine?) and I use gel detergent instead of powder. Lemi Shine is for hard water specifically. Usually on one of the upper shelves at the grocery store. It's in a small cylinder plastic bottle not much taller than a coke can.

shanwalk2 · May 2010

gofurr25:

FireChiefsBride:
It's probably hard water. Are you using a rinsing agent? If not, try that- it should help significantly.

Lemi Shine also helps hard water. That is likely your problem.

ahhh. thanks ladies!!

Leigha12 · May 2010

If it's little pellets of white as opposed to a white haze/film, it could be too much detergent. The cascade packs work well for that. The haze/film is likely hard water, which is my problem in Georgetown for sure. I'm gonna give this lemi shine thing a try.

Temp919044062507573 · May 2010

gofurr25:

FireChiefsBride:
It's probably hard water. Are you using a rinsing agent? If not, try that- it should help significantly.

Lemi Shine also helps hard water. That is likely your problem.

Giving Lemi Shine another vote!!!

shanwalk2 · May 2010

Leigha12:
If it's little pellets of white as opposed to a white haze/film, it could be too much detergent. The cascade packs work well for that. The haze/film is likely hard water, which is my problem in Georgetown for sure. I'm gonna give this lemi shine thing a try.

yes, they are little pellets... not a haze. I can wipe them off when I pull it out of the washer.

Too much detergent, eh? I fill the little hole and the hole with the lid... i thought that was normal. Is it not?

FireChiefsBride · May 2010

I fill the detergent spot about 2/3 full; any more and it doesn't rinse as well. I would still add a rinse aid, though.

Leigha12 · May 2010

Yeah, I think you're using too much. The open hole, I believe, is for a pre-wash. Just do the one with the lid and the rinse aid, or the packs like pp suggested and posted pics of. When we were in Austin (normal water), we used the Cascade 3 in 1 packs and never had a problem. Just put one in the spot that closes up and you're good to go.

shanwalk2 · May 2010

Leigha12:
Yeah, I think you're using too much. The open hole, I believe, is for a pre-wash. Just do the one with the lid and the rinse aid, or the packs like pp suggested and posted pics of. When we were in Austin (normal water), we used the Cascade 3 in 1 packs and never had a problem. Just put one in the spot that closes up and you're good to go.

ohhhhhhhh. Embarrassed

what is this white stuff?

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