what causes white residue on crockery and glasses after being dishwashed?

[33goingon64]

New problem even though dishwasher not new. Started using Ecover tablets few weeks ago but this has just been last few washes. Ideas?

Run out of salt/rinse aid?

clean the filters and the rotor arms. Some tablets are better than others (e.g. I dont like persil ones but finish/fairy work fine - only buy them when half price though). Use salt and rinse aid as well as tablets.

if the glasses look cloudy it can either be limescale deposits (soak in vinegar to remove) or it can be 'etching' which is permanent damage that cannot be removed

most likely you have not been keeping the salt reservoir topped up.

3-in-1 or 5-in-1 tablets do not do a proper job of softening the water.

It can also be mashed potato, which does not wash away well so should be rinsed off pans and mashers before washing.

btw Ecover dishwasher tablets are not much good and score very low in Which tests. Their advertising is however very effective.

Not sure what causes it but I use a splash of white vinegar as well as the tablet in each wash.

Might be worth running a high temp empty wash with some diswasher cleaner in it.

I believe that dishwasher detergent is alkaline, which breaks down fat or oil. Adding vinegar, which is acidic, will partially neutralise the alkaline detergent and make it less effective.

I followed pigletjohn 's advice a year ago. I read the manual (found online), set the water hardness electronically as well as manually, rinsed the filter and topped up with salt and rinse aid. Since then it's been working like a dream. I now buy the asda eco tablets rather than the finish ones I was hoping would solve the problem. Saved me a fortune plus most of my glasses are clear again.

The man is a god.