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Dishwasher newbie

Posted: Jun 8, 2010

Okay, well not a complete newbie - we've had a dishwasher for a year, now. We've always used the same powdered Cascade and it's always worked well, but over the last couple of weeks we're getting a thick white residue over everything. Any idea what the problem could be or how to fix it?

;

same here - sm

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I've recently had the same issue with Cascade powder. Maybe they've changed their formula recently. I switched to the little Cascade pillow-type things with Dawn added. Can't remember what they are called, but the dishes are again sparkling and no residue.

sounds like - you may have a

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problem with the rinsing aspect. However, I have been reading lately that Cascade's new formula is clogging up people's lines. I always use liquid, but that is because we are on a septic system.

If that is not the problem, the only other thing I can think of is some kind of blockage. Do you put your dishes in there with a lot of food on them?

First I would try a dishwater cleaner which is - kt

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normally with the dishwasher detergents. You put it in and run a cycle without any dishes. I also use a powder detergent one time and then the next use a liquid. I read somewhere that alternating is good, not to use the same liquid or detergent every time. I too have heard that Cascade is clogging people's water lines.

Dishwasher - Eurosepsis

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I had the same problem with Cascade. My plumber said it has been causing a lot of headaches for everyone.

He suggested I use a dishwasher cleaner or a cup of Tang (the stuff the astronauts drink :) in the soap dispenser and run an empty load. He also suggested I start using a liquid since they're not as clogging.

Makes you wonder what Tang does to your stomach if it can eat scum out of a dishwasher!

I warned about clogging lines a couple months ago. - Backwards Typist

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We had a build up in the pipes leading from the dishwasher and when we took the pipes apart, well, it was a mess. Took us almost a full 24 hours to get them cleaned out. We tried everything, even vinegar/baking soda and boiling water. Finally had to use a spoon for the worse part, and then a snake as far as we could get it down. Then we used the vinegar/baking soda with boiling water for a few more hours.

Give up on the powder. I wouldn't even trust the capsules because if they are a pressed together in the capsules, it could also clog up sooner or later. I will only use liquid now.

My mother has always used a shot glass filled with - sl

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vinegar in each load to help with the rinse cycle. I started using it and have had no problems with cloudiness of glasses, etc. Cheaper than using Jet Dry.

How do you do that? - NYMT

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You said a shot glass filled with vinegar? Standing upright, or put in the door? How does it get into the rinse cycle? I'm a huge fan of using vinegar. It's inexpensive and fixes so many things, like mildewed laundry!

I just put in it in the front corner of the top rack. - sl

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It just comes out as the dishwasher is going through its cycles. It is always just filled with water when the cycles are done. I guess technically it gets thrown out throughout the wash and rinse cycles, my dishes have always looked fine, no water spots, etc.

Thanks for the tip - I'm going to try that tonight! - nm - NYMT

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xx

Had the same problem -sm - travelinMT

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I have never had any problems with my dishwashers (I have had 3) and all of the sudden all of my dishes were coming out with this dull gritty feeling on them. I was using Finish powder (usually buy whatever name brand is on sale). I switched to Palmolive ECO liquid and immediately the gritty, chalky feeling was gone.

I don't know what they are doing to the soap, but that was definitely what my problem was. My cousin had the same problem.

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I've been using a shotglass full of vinegar a night in my dishwasher for four nights, now, and the residue has reduced by, I'd say, 75%. I'll keep doing that until my Cascade runs out, and then it's onto another brand. I guess you go cheap, you get cheap. But thanks, whomever it was that gave me that tip! ...