Cloudy Glassware In The Dishwasher
Has two main causes,one can be reversed, the other cannot.
First cause is mineral deposits due to hard water. This sort of film is easier to prevent and remove. The second is called "etching", and once begins is permanent.
To test for the former, take a "cloudy" glass and put it to soak in undiluted white vinegar for five minutes. After the alloted time, remove the glass and wipe dry.If the cloudy residue is gone, then your problem is due to mineral hardness in the water, and you will have to make the proper adjustments. In this case it is important to adjust the amount of dishwasher detergent used in ratio to water hardness.
If the film is not removed by the above test, then you have what is called etching, and this is harder to prevent. Normally etching is caused by too much detergent, in too soft water and dishes washed at too low temperature.
Basically what is happening is the glass is slowly being worn away/reacting to the alkaline substances in the wash and rinse waters. Adding more STPP is not always the solution as most automatic dishwasher detergents contain STPP to begin with. Adding more packaged water softener,while not adjusting the detergent dose, leaves excess STPP/alkaline levels with nothing to work on, so it goes to work on your glassware.
Check your dishwasher's owner's manual for information on how to deal with etching, if indeed this is the case. Or, read up on the Internet for solutions.
Long story short: if the cloudy glassware is caused by mineral deposits, then deal with water hardness,or use a product such as "Glass Magic" along with your dishwasher detergent. However if the cause is due to etching, it may harder to prevent.
L.
