Knowing when to replace appliances (purchase, softener, install) - New Jersey (NJ) - City-Data Forum

Magic78 · 07-31-2011, 09:52 AM

We are wrestling with the idea of replacing our dishwasher that is from 2002. It is a GE Profile, so a nice, quality one. We've noticed that our glasses don't seem as clean as before but everything else seems fine (dishes, silverware, etc.) Our water is very hard (we don't want to install a water softener) so maybe that is the problem.

We are jsut torn about replacing it and having the same problem. Any tips would be appreciated. Also, where is the best place to purchase appliances?

Thaks!!

Obrero · 07-31-2011, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magic78

We are wrestling with the idea of replacing our dishwasher that is from 2002. It is a GE Profile, so a nice, quality one. We've noticed that our glasses don't seem as clean as before but everything else seems fine (dishes, silverware, etc.) Our water is very hard (we don't want to install a water softener) so maybe that is the problem.

We are jsut torn about replacing it and having the same problem. Any tips would be appreciated. Also, where is the best place to purchase appliances?

Thaks!!

Similar thing happened to me..and I had just bought a new dishwasher. Couldn't figure it out until I found out phosphates were banned from the detergent which makes it pretty much useless. Once I went back to the "good stuff" the d/w was back in business. I would try that before I forked out for a new d/w.

http://www.npr.org/2010/12/15/132072...re-still-dirty

brook2ga · 07-31-2011, 07:32 PM

What kind of detergent do you use? Some (lemon) will etch glasses. The hard water can also cause this.

WyoNewk · 07-31-2011, 08:17 PM

A new dishwasher won't solve the problem; it's your hard water.

A water softener will fix the problem, but since you don't want to do that, you could soak your glasses in vinegar every now and then. It should clean them right up. There used to be an easier way -- picking the dishwasher detergent with a high phosphate content. Apparently that's no longer an option, and it's probably why your glasses are suddenly not coming out clean. (See Obrero's link.)

mumra · 08-01-2011, 08:08 AM

I forgot to fill my rinse aid dispenser and i had to rewash all the glassware. I use cascade rinse aid and it works for me

NJGOAT · 08-01-2011, 08:25 AM

It doesn't sound like your problem is related to the dishwasher itself as much as it is to other factors. Personally, I replace appliances only if they break or we are remodeling, otherwise no need.

I would first clean the dishwasher thoroughly, apparently vinegar is real good for this and then maybe try some different detergents and make sure the rinse aid is topped off.

annerk · 08-01-2011, 03:49 PM

I jsut went through this and agree with one of the above posts about the dish detergent. All of the major makers changed their formulation within the past year--Cascade was the most noticeable difference. I switched to Finish with the Powerball which is made in Europe and somehow can still include a bit of phosphate in their product and I've got clean dishes again.

Magic78 · 08-01-2011, 07:34 PM

I had no idea about the phosphate thing...interesting. We clean baby bottles in our dishwasher, so I'm nervous about using a phosphate rinse aide.

Any other good ones out there?

annerk · 08-02-2011, 08:24 AM

white vinegar is better than nothing, but not as good as a true rinse aid.

Obrero · 08-02-2011, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magic78

I had no idea about the phosphate thing...interesting. We clean baby bottles in our dishwasher, so I'm nervous about using a phosphate rinse aide.

Any other good ones out there?

Just go back to using your old detergent...the one you were happy with for years before our government "helped" us.