I've been noticing that my dishwasher leaves a strange, soapy film on my cups even when I don't use any detergent. When I fill a fresh cup with filtered water, it seems like the water is absorbing some sort of film, which disappears after I dump the first fill. We've typically used dishwashing powder, but I tried running a cycle without any detergent at all, and the issue persisted. I know that hard water might be a culprit, but it's confusing since it's happening with no detergent. Has anyone else dealt with this issue and knows how to fix it?
3 Answers
It sounds like you might be dealing with trapped air in the water. This could happen if there's been any recent plumbing work, which can introduce air into your water system. You might want to let a glass sit for a bit and see if the film clears up. If this has been ongoing for six months, then it's likely not just air, though. If you're dealing with hard water, investing in a whole-house softener could help, but that's tricky in an apartment. Have you noticed if the residue remains even after sitting?
You could give vinegar a try instead of rinse aid; that helped me a lot with similar issues. Just add it to the rinse aid compartment. I've heard it works wonders in reducing residue and improving the clean look of your dishes.
Interesting! I did try a bit of white vinegar in the main compartment once, but I wasn't sure if it did anything. I'll have to make a habit of using it in the rinse aid section.
Have you thought about adding a dash of citric acid to your rinse? It can help with that film you're seeing. It’s a popular trick for dealing with hard water issues and might be worth a shot.
Yeah, it’s been like this for a while. I live in a low-rise apartment, so I can’t exactly install a softener. And yeah, the glasses stay the same even after sitting in the cupboard for a while.