Mineral Film Buildup
 

Sorry that this is not a recipe or food related thread but I do need some help.

My dishes have developed what I assume is a mineral or film buildup. It is cloudy and slightly gritty in texture. I'm looking for a product or process that will help me remove this in a safe way. I hesitate to use Lime Away or such a chemical since I don't want any residue left behind.

I use good detergent in my dishwasher and a rinse aid. The problem only seems to be increasing.

Any helpful suggestions? Your help will be most appreciated.

Brit, what is dishwasher salt? The same thing is happening to my glassware. It's like a lime deposit. I wonder if there are more minerals in the water due to the drought? I thought of adding vinegar to my dishwasher, but I wondered what it would do to the silverware.

I'll get some dishwasher salt if it will help, but I've never heard of it. Can I use regular table salt? If so, how much do I use?
Thanks for any info,
Judy

Apparently some dishwashers have a built-in water softener, which uses "dishwasher salt". But, I doubt that many homes in The Villages have this feature. We also have this problem and periodically wash the glasses by hand, with a little bit of Barkeepers Friend when necessary. That removes the film, but I sure would like to find an easier solution that doesn't risk doing more damage than it corrects. I wonder if this problem might be unique to some areas. Perhaps there's a difference in our water supply. We live in St Charles.

In Germany, we also had a dishwasher that used salt in the cycle. It got the dishes amazing clean, even pots and pans.

If we could find a dishwasher like that [uses salt] in the US, we would buy it in a heartbeat. The only thing worse than our dishwasher is our clothes washer!

To avoid the film problem, we hand wash most glass items.

Google "Dishwasher salt"
http://www.dishwasher-care.org.uk/best.html

film on glass
 

the film on your dishes is lime from the ground water wells vinigar will take most of it off as it contains a natural acid. we have a whole house filter to remove clorine and lime.

We used to use LimeAway for discolored dishwashers at work so it may work on dishes & glassware too but you can also use Tang (the drink the astronauts drink) and I know that won't hurt dishes and glassware.

There is also a powder additive called Lemi Shine, made to be added along with your dishwasher detergent. I think Walmart sells it.

In the meantime, try adding less detergent than usual and throw a cup of vinegar in at the final rinse, let the dishes, etc. air dry, and see if there is a difference.
Trying vinegar one time shouldn't harm your flatware. (as long as it's not fine silver!)

Installing a water softner will eliminate this problem....plus many other benefits.

Try "Cascade Complete"
 

We had the same problem with the mineral build up and now use "Cascade Complete" - "All in 1." It is phosphate free

The detergent is in small sachets or "pacs" and is packaged in a plastic tub. We purchased from Sams Club.

This has improved the problem for us considerably.

Even using regular table salt will work to clean the dishes and glass wear.

I toss in an ounce of white vinegar when starting the wash cycle, which costs less than a penny, and that does a great job on this problem.

Cloudy glassware
 

The problem is a regulation that two years ago banned phosphate from being added to dish detergent compounds. This phosphate is a chemical that is very harmful to our lakes and waterways. It causes uncontrolled algae bloom. You will usually see a dark permanent tarnish on aluminum pot and pans that are washed in the dishwasher. LemiShine (WalMart) which is a salt/citrus solution helps a lot.

Finish Glass Magic
 

In Indiana our water is extremely hard. I use a:coolsmiley: product called Finish Glass Magic. You just sprinkle about 1 tablespoon in the bottom of the dishwasher and use your regular detergent and rinse aid. Your glasses and dishes will shine like new. If I forget to use it a time of two, back comes the ugly film!]
Hope this is available in TV!