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I have a fridigaire dishwasher PLD4555RFC0. The dishwasher now only cleans poorly if at all. The detergant used is powder and the detergant has been the same since purchasing the unit 3 years ago. The detergant does not completely dissolve on some dishes and is now staining/etching the dishes. I do not have a water softener, however, have tried the flushing with vinegar multiple times with no improvemnt. The water appears to be very hot as steam emerges when opening the door during the cycle. I do notice that the heating element is covered with a white residue. Should this be replaced even if the water appears to be hot? Any other ideas? Also see water coming from the two jet locations when opeing the door mid cycle. Easy to access pieces in the dishwasher have been cleaned with vineagar with no improvement. Parts looked fine. Thanks.
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Hi Kristen,
You can go to Walmart or your local grocery retailer and purchase some dishwasher cleaner for the machine, they are usually made by the detergent manufacturers, similar to the product listed HERE.
Hope this helps
Joe
Follow the steps below to ensure proper dishwasher detergent selection and usage.
Use only powder, liquid or tablet detergent designed specifically for automatic dishwashers. Any other types may cause a sudsing and as a result, poor wash performance and possibly suds and water on your kitchen floor. GE recommends either Electrasol®, Cascade® or Cascade Complete® detergents.
Use the right amount of detergent for the job. Soft hot water requires less detergent - perhaps a quarter of a cup in the main cup. Very hard water requires a full main cup and a full open cup to get good wash performance. Conditions between these require judgment. Use enough to get the job done, but don't use more than you need.
Too much detergent in very soft water will cause etching of glassware. This is a permanent clouding of the glass. If you experience this condition, use less detergent.
Keep your detergent fresh and dry. Store the detergent in container away from moisture to prevent lumps. Do not put detergent in the cup until you are ready to run a cycle. If powder detergent gets old or lumpy, throw it out; it will not clean effectively. Liquid detergents do not age.
As a rule of thumb: Harder water requires more detergent
Was the dispenser cup wet when you added detergent?
Make sure the dispenser cup is dry before adding powdered detergent. If dispenser cup is wet, the detergent can clump.
Is the cycle incomplete?
If the previous cycle did not complete, the detergent can become caked in the dispenser cup if it is left sitting in the dishwasher.
Is the detergent old?
Older detergent exposed to air will clump and not dissolve well, which will cause the dispenser door to stick to the detergent. Replace detergent if necessary and store the detergent in a tightly closed container in a cool dry place.
Is the water temperature too low?
For best washing and drying results, water should be 120oF (49o C) as it enters the dishwasher.
Were items blocking the dispenser that kept it from opening?
Items blocking the detergent dispenser will keep it from opening. Make sure water action can reach the dispenser.
Detergent guidelines
Use automatic dishwashing detergent only.
Other detergents can produce excessive suds that can overflow out of the dishwasher and reduce washing performance.
Store tightly closed detergent in a cool, dry place.
Fresh automatic dishwasher detergent results in better cleaning.
Add detergents just before starting the cycle.
The amount of detergent to use depends on the hardness of your water and the type of detergent.
If you use too little, dishes won't be clean.
If you use too much in soft water, glassware will etch.
Suggested fill amounts are for standard powdered detergent. Amounts may vary if you use liquid or concentrated powdered detergent. Follow instructions on the package when using these detergents.
Water hardness can change over a period of time. Find out your water's hardness by asking your local water department, water softener company, or county extension agent.
Switch to a brand name powder detergent like Electrosol or Cascade. Never use ultracheap, generic DW detergent powder in any dishwasher. Run a load with dirty dishes and see the results are.
If cleaning results remain poor open the sump area by removing the lower spray arm and the filter assembly. Remove all debris in and around the sump area. Inspect the impeller down there to make sure it is not broken and that it spins freely. Clean the filter well in the sink. Reassemble. Also, check all spray arm holes for blockage.
Run a load of dishes and check cleaning results. If problems continue, you almost certainly have a failing wash motor and replacement is your next step.
Post here is you would like more assistance. Good Luck!
By far, especially on water/energy conserving dishwashers like the LDS5811, the most common reason for poor cleaning on a dishwasher that has been working well is the household has switch detergents from a name brand to an ultra cheap powder. Usually, switching back to high quality powder (e.g. Electrosol) your problems go away.
If that does not fix the problem after two loads, do this:
Start the empty DW (with no detergent added) and open the door after the hot water has begun flowing in. Open the door and add up to two cups of white vinegar. You can use the quick cycle.
Use the dishwasher normally.
If problems continue, open the jetdrycompartment and dial it down to a lower number.
Get back to me with what works best for you. There are more draconian solutions if these fail you.
Good Luck!
Try this before you jettison your current dishwasher. Yes, it is possible that the wash motor is getting weak, beginning to fail but:
Buy and use a box of brand name box of detergent powder Electrosol or Cascade. Stop using the generic powder and never use a gel or tablet in a dishwasher.
You will be amazed how how much better the detergent dissolves and the DW cleans.
Good Luck!
To the people here with the poor cleaning problems:
Try these steps:
Buy a small box of Cascade or Electrosol diswashing powder. Use only it for 30 days and report back. Do not use gel, tablets or ultra low end detergent. I have proven that ultra cheap powder WILL cause problems.
Also, fill a bowl or large cup with white vinigar, place it in the bottom shelf of of the empty dishwasher. Do not add any detergant. Run a normal or quick cycle.
If you still have poor cleaning, it is time to call for service or remove the filter beneath the lower rack and search for debris that will need to be removed.
Please report back with your results and the make/model of the dishwasher. Good Luck!
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