Need suggestions -- Dishwashers just not washing.

[gadgetgary]

Electrasol

I agree. That is what I use in my two KA's and GE 2800. I don't get good results with Cascade. And I also like the Walmart Brand detergent......results are equal to Electrasol.

 

[tomturbomatic]

Maybe you should try one of the detergents that have chlorine in the formula. The 21 series did not have the long extended washes that the new machines have to make the best use of the enzymes.

 

[panthera]

idea

I don't believe that two machines are likely to fail in the same way at the same time without some external cause.
There are some pretty reliable self-test kits for your water at places like Home Depot.
The extension service of your state's agricultural services also will offer water testing at a reasonable price.
My guess is that the mineral content of your well water has shifted and this has affected the ph at the least, added "hardness" most likely and may have some consequences for health or other appliances using the water.
Quick check: Why not get enough water from a known good source and use it to fill and run a load through one of the machines? If the problem goes away, that is reason enough to go for the testing.
I do think you should stop drinking the water until you know for sure what has happened.
Who knows - maybe it now qualifies as an exclusive "mineral water" and you are sitting on a potential fortune!

 

[selectomatic]

Testing my water

I think this is a good idea.

The portion of my property where my house and well are located is solid limestone, and the well is 70 feet deep.

Because of my location and the depth of the well, I don't fear industrial or agricultural contaminants, so the usual causes of well-water-related illnesses are unlikely, but I've always had ridiculously hard water and no water softener.

The limestone definitely hardens my water, creates quite a bit of build up, and makes my water decidedly alkaline (which is probably why vinegar -- dilute acetic acid -- helps).

I'll check out Home Depot, and I'll call my County Agent (I always hesitate to do this, since I always imagine I'll end up talking to Hank Kimball).

On another note, I'm a bit surprised at the vehement anti-Cascade sentiment expressed by Laundromat. I've certainly never studied this, but as I said in my OP, I have been using Cascade in these dishwashers with these same glasses for over 17 years, and they haven't been damaged.

I'll freely admit that I haven't done any comparisons of dishwashing detergents, but I've never had any problems in the past. Other products may well be better, and I'm more than willing to switch, but my Libbey Accent glasses have survived the experience intact, if sometimes a bit milk-stained.

Let me know what the best automatic dishwashing detergent available in my area is, and I'll gladly try it.

-kevin

 

[appnut]

Well the one time I tried Electrasol and also Walmart brand, didn't get as good of results as Cascade Complete, so I went back.

 

[mixfinder]

Cascade

I prefer Cascade. The smell of Electrasol makes me feel nauseous and it has been my experience it doesn't clean as well. Consumer Guide rated Sam's detergent a best buy. I do not have a Walmart grocery store in my area so I haven't tried the detergent.
In the 70's I had a GE Mobile Maid and my dishes were spotty. It was recommended that I try Palmolive dishwasher detergent in a milk carton style box. It worked in that machine, but soon it was gone from the market place.
Kelly

 

[westytoploader]

I agree with what Tom said in his first post. For some reason, I have a feeling that it's a machine-related issue and not related to the water or detergent, especially considering that both machines are around the same age. Are you sure the spray arms are turning and delivering adequate pressure?