- 1). Call your water company to determine the water hardness in your area. If the water is soft -- 0 to 3 grains -- this may be the cause of the problem. You can increase or decrease the dishwasher detergent to match the water hardness by reading the detergent directions.
- 2). Read the directions on your dishwasher detergent. Use only the amount necessary to thoroughly clean your dishes. You may be using too much or too little depending on the brand and the wash cycle. If you are using a short wash cycle, only filling the main cup in the detergent dispenser is necessary.
- 3). Adjust the temperature on your hot water heater. This is one of the best way to prevent glass etching. The ideal temperature is between 130 and 140 degrees F. (see ref 1)Check the temperature by filling a glass with the hottest water from your faucet and measure the temperature with a cooking thermometer.
- 4). Place your glasses directly into the dishwasher without rinsing them. Pre-rinsing will make any existing etching worse.
- 5). Use the Energy Cycle if your dishwasher has one. This does not use additional heat to dry the dishes and helps prevent etching.(see ref 1 #3 under Preventing Etching)
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