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Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,178
Registered: ‎09-02-2010

Re: WHAT KEEPS YOUR DISHWASHER RUNNING WELL ??

On 10/27/2014 Tinkrbl44 said:

I have an older model dishwasher that is not completely cleaning the dishes and I'm asking you to brainstorm with me here .....

I use a generic brand of DW soap and that has seemed fine up to this point, but now I'm thinking I should buy a box of a name brand powder (not liquid) soap, to compare if the soap's the problem. (any brands you can recommend?)

I also seem to remember seeing some comments here somewhere about cleaning the washer with some white vinegar .... or was it baking soda ..... or was that to clean the clothes washing machine? {#emotions_dlg.confused1}

Any suggestions or recommendations ??

Thanks!! {#emotions_dlg.thumbup1}

Have you ever taken it apart? I know some older ones have a mesh screen that can get pretty clogged up. Mine now has a built in grinder. I like Finnish also. I used to use Cascade.

~~
*Off The Deep End~A very short trip for some!*
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Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,023
Registered: ‎03-13-2010

Re: WHAT KEEPS YOUR DISHWASHER RUNNING WELL ??

We use Cascade Complete, liquid. Our last repairman said that liquids are better for the dishwasher than powders.

About aluminum bakeware, I never put mine in the dishwasher (the harsh chemicals can stain it). I also don't let it sit with water in it (soak); that also can discolor it. I hand wash and dry with a towel. I love aluminum for baking, but it takes a bit of care. (I have some that is 40+ years old and still shiny.)

Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,495
Registered: ‎03-14-2010

Re: WHAT KEEPS YOUR DISHWASHER RUNNING WELL ??

We are very good friends with an appliance repairman and after having trouble with our dishwashers and also washing machines he told us to never use any detergent in them but liquid. Since having switched all is now good with both. I use Finish liquid for the dishwasher and Tide HE liquid for the washing machine.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 16,201
Registered: ‎03-11-2010

Re: WHAT KEEPS YOUR DISHWASHER RUNNING WELL ??

Cascade & Lemi-Shine. Jet Dry quit working & I started using Lemi-Shine & my dishes are once again clean, not cloudy or spotty. I could just use cascade in my old dishwasher & it worked fine without jet dry & no cloudy spotty dishes. The dishwasher we have now you had to use Jet Dry so the dishes would look clean. It quit working & I switched to Lemi-Shine. I should have switched to it sooner. I heard lemi-shine now has a dishwasher detergent but I have not checked it out yet. If they have it at the store when I run out of Cascade I will try it.

Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,558
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: WHAT KEEPS YOUR DISHWASHER RUNNING WELL ??

I use the Finish tablets and once each month I run Glisten or a similar product through the machine. Unfortunately, I have a Kitchenaid dishwasher which is 10 years old and has needed repairs at least twice yearly for two years (thank you to the Sears Extended Warranty Plan for the free repairs).

Super Contributor
Posts: 3,125
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: WHAT KEEPS YOUR DISHWASHER RUNNING WELL ??

Diet, exercise and plenty of sleep. I'm the dishwasher. Wink

Honored Contributor
Posts: 47,045
Registered: ‎08-23-2010

Re: WHAT KEEPS YOUR DISHWASHER RUNNING WELL ??

On 10/28/2014 Kathleen said:

Diet, exercise and plenty of sleep. I'm the dishwasher. Wink

LOL !! {#emotions_dlg.laugh}

Honored Contributor
Posts: 20,143
Registered: ‎04-18-2012

Re: WHAT KEEPS YOUR DISHWASHER RUNNING WELL ??

I was having major problems with my dishes getting clean until I switched to Finish tabs. And my dishwasher is not that old.

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Regular Contributor
Posts: 151
Registered: ‎10-28-2014

Re: WHAT KEEPS YOUR DISHWASHER RUNNING WELL ??

Nothing but Finish tabs in my new Bosch!
Honored Contributor
Posts: 47,045
Registered: ‎08-23-2010

Re: WHAT KEEPS YOUR DISHWASHER RUNNING WELL ??

I used to buy the tabs with the red balls and it seemed to work fine .... may have to stop using generic soap and get the filter cleaned.