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How to Solve Hard Water Problems in Your Dishwasher

Have you stopped using your dishwasher because you’re just not happy with the results? You know, things like spotting and streaking on your glasses and dishes?

If so, you’re far from alone. Because what you’re seeing is the result of hard water conditions, one of the two most common water supply problems in America. Hard water is caused by larger than normal quantities of magnesium getting pulled into your water supply. And trust us: if you have hard water in your dishwasher, you have hard water elsewhere in your home.

For this blog, however, we’ll confine our comments on how to get your dishwasher to perform up to par once again for your added convenience and for the protection of the dishwasher itself.

Here’s how to respond to hard water inside your dishwasher.

• Try using more detergent. Hard water decreases your detergent’s lathering ability which, in turn, causes the telltale spotting and streaking. So the easiest and first solution is to try using more detergent.

• Change to a different detergent brand. Some dishwasher detergents come pre-packaged with soft water ingredients to help ensure the kind of results you want and expect.

• Add a rinse aid. Rinse aids are designed specifically to eliminate spotting and streaking – another simple solution.

• Run your dishwasher with nothing but vinegar. Over time, hard water sediment can adhere to the inside surfaces of your dishwasher and, if not properly addressed, can cause internal rusting and motor failure.       If you notice any such white, crusty sediment, next time run your dishwasher with only a cup of vinegar placed inside on the upper rack. If that doesn’t get rid of all the sediment, repeat the process.

Looking for a “one and done” solution? We have that too: a whole-house water softener installed and maintained by the water quality specialists at Messmer Mechanical. A whole-house system will result in soft water from every water source in your home. That, in turn, will help protect your plumbing and save you money on cleaning and personal hygiene products. Contact us today for more information or to request a free and no-obligation quote.