Hard Water Solutions: How to Protect Your Dishwasher

Having hard water is enough of a drag, but did you know it can also damage your dishwasher without you knowing? The high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium can clog up parts and make detergents less effective, meaning your dishes come out dingy and less clean!

But don't worry; while you might not be able to change your water source, there’s still plenty you can do to keep your dishwasher running smoothly. And since Dick Van Dyke Appliance World is the service expert, we thought we'd give you the inside scoop on tackling these hard water issues and protecting your appliance!

So Many Spots

Closeup of a spotty glass being pulled from the dishwasher

Why are your dishes and dishwasher covered in spots? It’s more than likely because you have hard water, which can leave mineral deposits of calcium and magnesium all over your dishes and throughout your machine! So, to avoid constantly having dirty-looking dishes, try following these steps:

Make it a habit to clean your dishwasher monthly. Run an empty cycle with vinegar or a commercial dishwasher cleaner to remove mineral buildup.
Add a rinse aid to your dishwasher. It helps prevent spots and keeps your dishes looking shiny.
Consider installing a water softener for your home or using water-softening additives. These can reduce the mineral content in your water, preventing deposits from forming.

Got Detergent?

Closeup of a detergent packet in a dishwasher

Are your dishes still dirty after a wash cycle? Hard water might be the culprit. Sometimes, the minerals in hard water and the chemicals in your detergent don’t play nice and can cause ineffective cleaning results. To ensure your dishes come out spotless, try these tips:

Use detergents specifically formulated for hard water. These are designed to work better with mineral-heavy water.
Add water-softening agents to each wash cycle. They can help neutralize the minerals, allowing your detergent to do its job.
Ensure you're using the correct detergent dosage. Too much or too little can affect cleaning efficiency, so follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

Check the Nozzles & Spray Arms

Closeup of the spray arms of a dishwasher

Is your dishwasher not cleaning as thoroughly as it should? Mineral buildup from hard water can clog the nozzles and spray arms, reducing water flow and poor spray coverage. However, by following these steps, you can prevent the blockage:

Perform regular maintenance and manually clean the nozzles and spray arms. This helps remove any blockages caused by mineral deposits.
Run descaling cycles with vinegar or commercial descaling agents. These products can dissolve the buildup and restore proper water flow.
Use water softeners to prevent mineral buildup. This proactive measure can keep your dishwasher running smoothly and efficiently.

The Worst Scum

Closeup of someone deep cleaning the dishwasher

Are you noticing a sticky film or dull spots on your dishes? Hard water minerals can react with soap to create soap scum, a stubborn residue that coats your dishes and the inside of your dishwasher. While this can lead to increased wear-and-tear and unpleasant odors, luckily, you can do a few tricks to avoid it!

Instead of relying solely on rinse aids, add a cup of white vinegar to the bottom of your dishwasher before running a cycle to help break down mineral deposits and soap scum.
Powdered detergents can be more effective in hard water conditions than liquid or gel detergents. They often contain higher levels of water-softening agents that help prevent soap scum buildup.
Sprinkle a half-cup of baking soda into the bottom of your dishwasher before running a cycle. Baking soda helps neutralize hard water minerals and enhances cleaning power, reducing soap scum.
Beyond monthly descaling, perform a deep clean every few months. Remove and soak the spray arms, racks, and filters in a solution of water and vinegar or baking soda to remove stubborn buildup.
Ensure your dishwasher’s water temperature is set to the manufacturer’s recommended level, typically between 120 to 150°F. Hotter water can help dissolve minerals and soap residues more effectively.

The Heat is Down

Did you know that hard water can also affect the heating elements in your dishwasher? The heating element is vital for heating the water during the wash cycle and drying your dishes afterward. But when minerals build up, it can greatly reduce the heating efficiency, increase energy consumption, and cause the element to fail!

Use a commercial dishwasher cleaner or a cup of white vinegar once a month to dissolve mineral buildup on the heating elements. Simply place a dishwasher-safe cup filled with vinegar on the top rack and run a hot water cycle.
Add a packet of citric acid to your dishwasher’s detergent compartment once a month and run a cycle. Citric acid is highly effective at breaking down mineral deposits and keeping heating elements clean.
Schedule regular check-ups with an appliance service technician (like us!) to inspect and clean the heating elements properly. They have the tools and expertise to safely remove any buildup without damaging the components.

Feeling Rusty

Is it possible for your dishwasher to get rusty? In the literal sense — yes! Hard water can react with the metal parts of your washer and lead to rust, corrosion, and strange metallic odors. Once things get rusty, it can be hard to turn back.

So, to avoid that, try regularly using a rinse aid, run a vinegar rinse cycle, and have your machine professionally inspected! Service techs (like us!) can inspect and treat any early signs of rust or corrosion to prevent more severe damage!

Cleaning Smarter, Not Harder