Help! My glasses are getting so 'etched' or something in dishwasher

Question

I have a new dishwasher and the glasses are getting so etched or something. Totally being ruined. I've changed detergents, I've cleaned the dishwasher, I don't know what to do to stop this. I'll have to buy new glasses and measuring cups again. Help me.

Workerbee · Answer

When we bought our new dishwasher, Asko, we had the same problem. They told me I had to use a very expensive detergent to avoid it. I stopped using the high heat setting and I use a rinse aid but I just use the Sam's brand detergent and it seems to help.

Wendy Willey · Answer

Try running your glasses through a rinse cycle with white vinegar added to it. Just pour 1 cup into the bottom of your D/W and start it up. If you're still not happy with the results try some cheap white toothpaste...Just apply some to the glass, scrub it with a toothbrush, and rinse.

Terri Kleimann · Answer

I put a cup of white vinegar in a small bowl on the top rack before running the wash cycle. As new water is dripped into the cup of vinegar, small amounts of vinegar is overflowed throughout the wash cycle. My glasses are clear!

Jeanne · Answer

Lemi shine

Terri S · Answer

thanks for the info. I'll try some. Lemonshine didn't help at all. and soaking in vinegar in the sink didn't help remove the discolor, but I was told by a repair person that I should NEVER rinse dishes before putting them in dishwasher as newer ones are intended to do that job and so are the powders and tabs of detergent. I always use a rinse agent - tried 3-4 brands even. I appreciate you making a comment.

Claire M · Answer

I used a packet of unsweetened lemonade powder drink and ran my dishwasher cycle (empty). Cost twenty cents and my glasses sparkle again!

Terri S · Answer

Claire, that sounds like it's to clean the dishwasher, but mine is new, just a couple months old. I don't think that's the issue.
but thanks for the tip!!

Terry · Answer

I use the finish which is recommended as I have hard water...yes it is expensive you are doing your dishwasher no good either if you don't soften your water somehow.

Sherrie · Answer

When glasses are like this they are probably etched.  Try wiping them down with vinegar, or you could even use a little of The Works toil bowl cleaner on a rag and wipe them off Then wash them.  If it doesn't come off they are etched.  Because of hard water.  We always use jet dry in our dish washer.  The same thing is hard water build up does damage and when it get goes to far it's time to just buy new ones.  We also have hard water where I live, and well water is the worst for hard water build up.

Terri S · Answer

I did try vinegar, and I even soaked all them in the sink in vinegar for hours and it didn't work, or at the most only a very little. I do use a rinse thing in the dishwasher, have tried 3 different brands. supposedly this is hooked up to a water softener. Like I said, it's perplexing to everyone I've asked.
I do appreciate all the comments, I'm trying to get this resolved

Terri S · Answer

thanks for these tips, however it's been tried or was unsuccessful. I'd love more ideas.

Sherrie · Answer

Once something has been etched it ruins the glass.  Even through you can get rid of hard water build up the scratches remain in the glass.  And every you wash them the hard water will settle back in and they get cloudy again.  I would suggest you change to a gel dishwashing soap and use jet dry.  Or another rinse agent,  soap used in a dishwasher has a lot to do with your dishes remaining clean.  I find when I use powder it makes it worse.  I always use gel.  Your glasses probably won't come clean.  My last suggestion is to use The Works toilet bowl cleaner.  It has muratic acid in it.  We use it in showers that have been etched and lime build up is on them.  We can remove lime build up....but it will be back because it has already been etched.  It is temporary.

Terri S · Answer

Sherrie, thanks for the info. I kinda thought they were all ruined, and in fact just bought 12 new glasses. I use those little packets of dishsoap w gel and also jet dry (always have except when trying out another brand) but it keeps happening. I even had my water softener checked a few weeks ago, and although it did need a minor adjustment seemed to be working fine. thanks for The Works tip though.

Beth · Answer

This happens when you have soft water and are using to much detergent. Cut back on the detergent. Once they get etched you can'fix it.

Susan · Answer

When  I got my new dishwasher I was not happy  with the film that developed.  I would have to use a scrubby on them.  One time I ran out of dish detergent and sprayed twice with dollar store degreaser.  I was really impressed with the results.  No coating on the heating elements either.

Millicent Lewis · Answer

I believe that all dish washing detergents contain sand, or silicates, to scrub your dishes. This is likely how glassware gets etched. The other ideas are helpful, but until the silicates are removed, there will always be etching.

Kris · Answer

soft water and less detergent.

ND · Answer

I have this same problem and use pods. I had this issue with a water softener and still have this issue when I stopped filling it with salt. Nothing helps. I just ran brand new plates in the dishwasher and they are covered in deep scratches :( Changing pod brands hasn't helped and my dishes are ruined.

Dolores · Answer

It has always seemed to be the issue with dishwashers. I tried everything on the market including the (expensive) Jet Dry thingys.

I got tired of replacing glassware/having cloudy looking dishes and went back to hand washing.

Help! My glasses are getting so "etched" or something in dishwasher

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Help! My glasses are getting so "etched" or something in dishwasher

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