Why your dishwasher leaves glassware cloudy & how to fix it

Have you pulled your glassware out of the dishwasher only to find it looking cloudy and dull? It’s frustrating because it doesn’t look clean. The good news is, that cloudy glassware is a common issue with simple causes and fixes. We’ll walk you through why it happens and how to get your glassware crystal clear again.

Keep in mind: The details in this article are intended as general advice and may not directly correspond with your particular appliance model. Differences in model features and configurations could mean variations in troubleshooting methods, error messages, or required part replacements. For the best results, consult your appliance’s technical documentation or user manual for guidance.

1. Hard water deposits 

If you live in an area with hard water, minerals like calcium and magnesium can leave a cloudy film on your glassware after a wash cycle. This happens when the water evaporates during drying and leaves behind those minerals.

How to fix it:

1. Place a cup of white vinegar on the top rack of your dishwasher.
2. Run a full cycle without detergent or dishes. The vinegar will dissolve mineral buildup and clear away the cloudiness.
3. Check the rinse aid dispenser in your dishwasher and fill it up. Rinse aid helps water slide off the glassware and reduces the chance of mineral spots.
4. Adjust your rinse aid settings if your dishwasher allows it, hard water areas may need a higher setting.
5. If you’re not sure whether you have hard water, use a water hardness test kit. It’s an inexpensive way to confirm whether minerals are to blame.
6. Consider installing a water softener if hard water is a recurring issue. installing a water softener can reduce mineral buildup not just in your dishwasher but throughout your home.

Pro tip: Run a cleaning cycle using a dishwasher cleaner specifically designed for hard water deposit, mineral and limescale removal.  

2. Too much detergent

Using too much detergent might seem like it would clean better, but it can leave a soapy film on your glassware. This happens because excess soap doesn’t rinse away completely.

How to fix it:

1. Follow the detergent instructions and use only the recommended amount for your load size. If you have soft water, you’ll need even less detergent since it foams more easily.
2. Make sure the dispenser is working properly and not releasing too much soap. If it’s damaged or jammed, you may need to replace it.
3. Make sure the rinse aid dispenser is filled. Rinse aid helps dissolve detergent residue during the rinse cycle, leaving your glassware clean and clear.
4. If you notice soap residue, try running your dishwasher with just a rinse cycle to wash away any leftover detergent.

Pro tip: Switching to a high-quality detergent or using pods can also help control the amount of soap you use.

3. Etching on glassware

If your glassware has a cloudy look that doesn’t go away, even after cleaning with vinegar, the issue might be etching. Etching happens when glass is worn down over time by harsh detergents, very hot water, or long, heavy wash cycles. Unfortunately, etching is permanent and  there’s no way to reverse it, but you can prevent it from getting worse. 

How to prevent it:

1. Rub a cloudy glass with white vinegar. If the cloudiness doesn’t clear, it’s likely etching, not hard water buildup.
2. Adjust your dishwasher settings. Use a gentler wash cycle, like “eco” or “glassware,” to reduce heat and water pressure on delicate glass.
3. Avoid using high-temperature drying cycles, as excessive heat can speed up etching.
4. Choose a gentler detergent designed for glassware or one that’s labeled as “mild” or “low-alkaline.” Harsh detergents are more likely to damage glass over time.
5. If you have soft water, cut back on the amount of detergent. Too much soap, combined with soft water, can accelerate etching.
6. Switch to hand-washing especially delicate or expensive glassware to keep it in good shape.

Read more: What is the best cycle to run your dishwasher on?

4. Improper rinsing

If your dishwasher isn’t rinsing properly, detergent, food particles, or mineral residue can cling to your glassware, leaving a cloudy appearance. This usually happens when the spray arms, filters, or rinse aid dispenser aren’t working as they should.

How to fix it:

1. Remove the spray arms from your dishwasher (they usually twist off or pop out).
2. Rinse them under warm water and use a toothpick or small brush to clear any food particles blocking the spray holes.
3. Reinstall the spray arms, ensuring they spin freely. If they are not able to be cleaned or appear damaged, replace them with a compatible OEM part. 
4. Locate the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher. Twist or pull it out, depending on your model.
5. Rinse the filter under warm, soapy water to remove any grease or debris.
6. Reinstall it securely to ensure proper water flow. If the filter is damaged or unable to be cleaned completely, replace it. 
7. Check the rinse aid dispenser and refill it if it’s empty. Rinse aid helps water slide off your glassware during the rinse cycle, preventing residue and water spots.
8. Adjust the rinse aid settings if your dishwasher allows it, use a higher setting if you’re seeing lots of residue.

DIY tip: If you’re still seeing poor rinsing, check your dishwasher’s water inlet valve. Use a multimeter to test for continuity, if it’s faulty, it may need replacing to ensure proper water flow.

Read more: best loading techniques for your dishwasher

5. Overloading the dishwasher

When your dishwasher is packed too tightly, water and detergent can’t circulate properly. This leaves your glassware and other dishes spotty, cloudy, or even dirty after the cycle. Overloading also blocks the spray arms, reducing their ability to rinse thoroughly.

How to fix it:

1. Place glassware on the top rack where the water pressure is gentler. Angle glasses slightly downward so water can reach inside and drain properly.
2. Avoid stacking or nesting glassware, as this blocks water from reaching all surfaces.
3. Make sure dishes and glassware are spaced evenly, with enough room for water and detergent to flow freely.
4. Make sure the spray arms aren’t blocked by large items, like baking sheets or pots.
5. If you have a lot of dishes, run two smaller loads instead of cramming everything into one. This ensures a thorough clean and helps prevent cloudy glassware.

Read more: surprising things that can & can’t go in the dishwasher

Additional information

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