why do glasses go cloudy in a dishwasher?
You load it up with your dirty dishes, shut the door, input the cycle and off it goes. Then you come to unload it, and you find the glasses are still dirty! It is always a huge frustration, and for some, quite embarrassing.
Glasses can go cloudy because of two main reasons:
- Hard water deposits
- Soft water Corrosion on glass
Each of these issues requires a different type of care.
A quick test you can do is soak a cloudy glass in vinegar for 15 minutes, and if it comes out clean that will show you it is limescale, and you live in a hard water area.
If it does not clear the glass, then you may live in a soft water area, and they are suffering from corrosion.
Possible cause #1: Hard water area
After completing the test, you will know if you live in a hard water area. Therefore, you will get deposits from limescale on your glasses, causing them to go cloudy.
Unlike corrosion which irreversible, thankfully, you can prevent this from happening.
You will need to clean your dishwasher regularly. Once a month is fine.
The best way to clean it is to add salts. Salts will soften the water by reacting with the calcium and in turn, eliminating more debris.
The best product to add is Finish dishwasher cleaner. A cap full in the detergent drawer is more than enough to keep the limescale, grease, and food deposits from clinging to your glasses.
For maximum efficiency, it always recommends adding rinse aid to your cycle.
Handy Tips:
- Run the hot tap for 10 minutes before a cycle. Doing so will flush out all the built-up debris inside the supply pipe before it reaches the dishwasher
- Rub your glasses in lemon before you wash them. Although it seems stupid, if you do use this tip you will find it makes your glasses even more sparkling than before
- Place a dishwasher-safe bowl on the bottom rack of an empty washer, and add one cup of white vinegar. Add the cloudy glasses on top the top rack and run a cycle without any detergent. This will clean your cups and your dishwasher in one go
Check out this cool video. This lady knows exactly how to clean cloudy glasses!
Possible cause #2: Soft water Corrosion on glass
Another form of glass clouding is corrosion, and if you live in a soft water area, you are more exposed to the risks.
Because different factors cause corrosion, such as heat exposure, excessive cycle times and poor quality glasses, it can happen at any time.
You must protect your glasses from these problems before the corrosion sets in. Fortunately, you can nip it in the bud very early.
Handy Tips:
- Only buy dishwasher friendly glasses
- Use a good detergent like finish all-in-one power balls to protect your glasses from cloudiness and give them a fresh scent
- If you have the option on your dishwasher, use delicates for glassware and wash at a low temperature to lower the heat exposure. Again, use a high-quality glassware detergent from Finish as they are the best brand
- Unless you have a modern machine with a fan, make sure you allow the steam to escape before removing items. Let your glasses cool down before putting them away
- Check the user manual to see if you have a water softener unit. Sometimes they may be up too high, which increases the risk of corrosion, so turn it down a few notches
Because the softness of the water of where you live is not in your hands, we recommend you follow these tips if the vinegar test fails.
If you are unsure if you live in a soft area, take a look at this handy map to find out.
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Founder of homeappliancegeek.com, avid cook, and lover of Asian food.
Signature dishes include Thai Red Curry, Chicken Saag, Bibimbap and Sushi.
Massive clean freak; a habit baked-in after spending 9 years in the catering industry.
The one appliance he couldn’t live without? Easily the dishwasher (total relationship saver!).
