QUESTION: Can you help me with a problem? When my dishwasher has gone through its cycle, sediment appears on the glasses, inside cups and the back of saucers. It looks like sand, but isn't gritty. It only shows up in the upper tray. I've run an empty dishwasher with citric acid, then I tried a bowl of vinegar at the bottom of the dishwasher but nothing seems to help. Grace, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Your first step is to rinse your dishes well before loading them and make sure that nothing is obstructing the spray arms from turning. Clean the filter and check the water temperature. Test the temperature by running hot water in your kitchen sink; gauge the water with a kitchen thermometer. The temperature of your hot water must range between (60C) 140F and (70C) 160F or your dirty dishes will probably still be dirty after running the dishwasher. If you discover the temperature of your hot water is less than (60C) 140F, turn up the temperature accordingly.
Next, make sure that your filter is clean, not clogged; occasionally the spray arms can get clogged with debris. This can be caused by food or even hard-water deposits. Clogged spray arms prevent water and detergent from getting to the dishes to clean them. If you notice a clog, use a pipe cleaner, straight pin or toothpick to clean the holes, or just replace the spray arm. Also, check the spray arm and pump cover for splits or leaks.
The water-inlet valve is another possibility. This valve is connected to the main water line from the house. If the dishwasher can't get enough water, it can't wash the dishes. If it loses power, it cannot turn itself off. Check for sediment build-up at the valve. Sometimes when a water-inlet valve is defective, you might hear a sound like a thump or bang.
You can test your water pressure using a pressure gauge. You would install this gauge to one water line in the house, and make sure no other water is flowing anywhere else in the home. Pressure over 60 psi should be regulated by a pressure reducing valve. If the water-inlet valve is faulty, replace it. Check pump re-circulation; make sure the dishwasher sounds like it is spraying the water around with enough pressure. Make sure the dishwasher is draining after each cycle. There should only be a little water in the bottom of the tub.
During the drain cycle, the drain valve opens to allow the dirty water out. When the drain cycle is over, this valve is supposed to remain closed to prevent water from leaving the dishwasher until the next drain cycle. If any debris plugs the valve, it will not close or seal properly. If it is not sealed, water will drain out while the unit is washing the dishes. If this is happening, you will hear water running in the drain pipes from the dishwasher. This is a sign that you need to clear the obstruction or replace the drain valve.
A faulty pressure switch can sometimes leave dirty water in the unit, or not let the unit fill enough. If you notice too much water leftover in the machine after a cycle, the switch may be defective. Sometimes the float itself can become gummed up with mineral and food deposits and stick in the float tube. It needs to be swapped out. The dishes must be loaded properly, not overloaded.
Lastly, switch detergents. Some liquid-gels will bubble and a pump cannot pump bubbles. Studies show that powdered detergents are often more effective than liquid, but experiment by trying both.
QUESTION: In a recent column, there was a lady that had a question regarding the smell in her front-loading washing machine. We leave the door to the machine open as well as the drawer for the detergent, fabric softener and bleach, and we don't seem to have a problem. We also use a liquid fabric softener (the environmentally friendly kind). If we were to run one cup of vinegar through the machine occasionally, which slot would we put it in?
By the way, we don't use dryer sheets because we read somewhere that they aren't good. If we don't use dryer sheets and shouldn't use liquid fabric softener, what other suggestions can you provide so that we don't get static cling? Thank-you, Marlene, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Adding a half-cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle of your washing machine saves you from buying a separate laundry softener. Add vinegar to the fabric-softener compartment of your washing machine. Vinegar works naturally to soften your laundry, reduce static cling and has the added benefit of breaking down laundry detergent effectively. This added benefit means fewer detergent-sensitive allergies for families that struggle with sensitive skin. Don't be put off by the fragrance of vinegar. The odour disappears when the fabric dries.
Come and see me at the Winnipeg Autumn Home Show, September 25 & 26 at the Winnipeg Convention Centre.
Reena Nerbas's website is www.householdsolutions.ogrg. Contact her at Box 429, Blumenort, MB, R0A0C0
