What have you used to get your dishes clean? We have hard water and every time I use my dishwasher I always get dishes that have the white powder on them from the soap. I was washing dishes by hand but want to use my dishwasher again but want to get them clean the first time around. THank you
Our appliance guy told us that powder detergent is best for dishwashers (liquid is best for clothes washers). Also, make sure it's filled with a rinse aid like Jet Dry.
You might need to run some vinegar through your dishwasher.
And do not pre-rinse your dishes--you can scrape, but don't rinse! We were told the dishes need to have a little "gunk" on them for the detergent to work.
We use the Cascade (or store brand) 2-in-1 pacs. I've also used Jet Dry. Though I don't think our water is considered "hard"
I would try using a rinse agent, like Jet-Dry, and liquid detergent. I've battled hard water previously, but we now have a water softener and I only get film when the salt is running low. Good luck!
Use vinegar as a rinse agent.
We have hard water, too. We've just gotten accustomed to the hard water stains. Powders are definitely better for dishwashers in areas with hard water along with Jet Dry - at least that's what the appliance repair man indicated to us when we were having some issues a few years ago.
I also have hard water and have (in the past) used each of the store bought products. Have to say I am not impressed. I now use Diamond Bright...I use less and dishes are cleaner. Even better, it is nontoxic so IF my children were to get ahold of it they wouldn't have anything worse than a tummy ache. You can only get this from Melaleuca so let me know if you are interested.
We use Finish powerball tabs. They work very well, but I don't have hard water. You may want to try Jet Dry and see if that helps.
I found a product called Lemi-Shine that you can use when the dishwasher with hard water. It is right by the dishwasher detergents... You should run it empty first as this is a cleaner for the lime scale build-up also. Then just use it everytime you use the dishwasher. Detergent in on compartment and the Lemi-shine in the other. And I also use gel packs, which seem to help with not getting any powder build-up.
Toni
My dishwasher manufacturer recommended Finish powerball tabs. I use those and Jet-Dry rinse agent and have no problems. We DO have hard water in Wichita.
Make sure to use Jet-Dry (there is usually a separate place to pour it in) in addition to your detergent.
I have that problem when I buy the cheap dish detergent. When I buy Finish Power Tabs I don't have the white film.