When you next try it, it would be great if you could do what Dan suggested and take a photo of the water level of the main wash.
Are the detergent dispenser cups opening correctly? You should be able to hear them pop open during the prewash and main wash.
It will be good to see how it performs next time you use it, without that flow restrictor.
Detergent choice is another important factor. I saw that you first mentioned that everything was covered in white powder, which sounds like possible hard water residue. But then I also noticed that you said that there were white stains where food had dried on -- that sounds more like food/starch residue. Let's see what happens once we know it's filling with enough water. It's also a good idea to clean it out with critic acid, such as Lemi Shine etc. You can fill both cups full and also add a good dose straight into the machine. Then select the soak n scrub cycle.
If your water is soft, Cascade Complete powder should do a good job and can be added to both of the dispenser's closed cups and also the dispenser's open "indentation" or just on the back of the door when necessary. It contains enzymes and should clean away starchy residues and leave dishes "virtually spotless." A rinse aid could also help and would assist drying, should you wish to use it. If your water is hard, you may find a detergent such as Cascade Platinum pacs works best for you. Cascade Fryer Boil Out and Bubble Bandit both contain phosphate and will help to alleviate the effects of hard water, but they don't contain enzymes and are unlikely to work as well as premium pacs on residues left by rice, pasta etc. The Cascade gel you were using will not contain phosphate (unless it is 10 years old) and won't contain enzymes (unless it is Cascade Complete gel) so you are likely to see starchy residues and hard water deposits, if your water is hard. It does contain chlorine bleach, as does the Boil out, so at least you won't have tea stains! You really have to see what works best with your water, your water temperature, your machine, your cycles, your food soils etc.
Good luck!
Mark
Are the detergent dispenser cups opening correctly? You should be able to hear them pop open during the prewash and main wash.
It will be good to see how it performs next time you use it, without that flow restrictor.
Detergent choice is another important factor. I saw that you first mentioned that everything was covered in white powder, which sounds like possible hard water residue. But then I also noticed that you said that there were white stains where food had dried on -- that sounds more like food/starch residue. Let's see what happens once we know it's filling with enough water. It's also a good idea to clean it out with critic acid, such as Lemi Shine etc. You can fill both cups full and also add a good dose straight into the machine. Then select the soak n scrub cycle.
If your water is soft, Cascade Complete powder should do a good job and can be added to both of the dispenser's closed cups and also the dispenser's open "indentation" or just on the back of the door when necessary. It contains enzymes and should clean away starchy residues and leave dishes "virtually spotless." A rinse aid could also help and would assist drying, should you wish to use it. If your water is hard, you may find a detergent such as Cascade Platinum pacs works best for you. Cascade Fryer Boil Out and Bubble Bandit both contain phosphate and will help to alleviate the effects of hard water, but they don't contain enzymes and are unlikely to work as well as premium pacs on residues left by rice, pasta etc. The Cascade gel you were using will not contain phosphate (unless it is 10 years old) and won't contain enzymes (unless it is Cascade Complete gel) so you are likely to see starchy residues and hard water deposits, if your water is hard. It does contain chlorine bleach, as does the Boil out, so at least you won't have tea stains! You really have to see what works best with your water, your water temperature, your machine, your cycles, your food soils etc.
Good luck!
Mark
Thanks my friend!
