Why is My Dishwasher Leaving Grit After a Wash?
Are you baffled by the presence of grit on dishes after they are washed in the dishwasher? This common dishwasher problem has a simple explanation.
When the dishwasher does not clean properly, the high temperature at which the dishes are dried burns the food residue on the dishes. This forms grit or dust like particles on the items washed. The appearance of grit on your dishes may also occur because of short wash cycles, low water temperature, and use of poor quality dishwasher detergent.
Before you call the appliance engineer to look at the problem, try the following dishwasher maintenance steps:
- Clean the dishwasher filter of any food residue and debris
- Ensure that you use the right amount and type of detergent as described in the appliance manual
- Do not use the quick cycle if there are a lot of items to be washed
- Load the dishwasher correctly, placing the items at the right levels in the dishwasher
- Ensure that nothing is blocking the dishwasher spray arms
- Also, check that the dishwasher spray arms are clear and clean
Do not connect the dishwasher to hot supply unless it is clearly marked as suitable for use. Running the dishwasher with hot water will shorten the wash cycle, causing the detergent to decompose too early and give poor wash results.
Run the regular cycle and do not add items in the midst of a wash cycle. If the problem of the dishwasher leaving grit persists there could be a fault with the main recirculation pump. Most dishwashers take in cold water and heat the water to a higher temperature. A heating fault with the dishwasher will also result in poorly cleaned dishes. It is advisable to call the appliance technician for further troubleshooting.
The dishwasher is a wonderful time-saving home appliance. To keep it functioning smoothly, clean the dishwasher once a month and follow the maintenance instructions provided in the product manual.