White spots on glasses and crust around the faucet mean minerals are also working on the inside of your dishwasher. They affect cleaning, draining and heating. Not sure how hard your water is? Ask your utility or HOA who supplies it.
Do the check on a schedule that fits your use, such as the first weekend of each month. Small amounts of buildup are easy to clear, while thick scale that has been there for years is much harder to remove.
Signs of Buildup
- Cloudy glasses even after a full cycle.
- A white film on the tub walls.
- Spray arm holes that are partly blocked.
- Longer cycle times as the heater works through scale.
Monthly Routine
- Pull the filter and rinse it at the sink.
- Check the spray arm holes with a toothpick.
- Wipe the door gasket with a damp rag.
- Finish with one empty cycle using a store-bought dishwasher cleaner; your manual says whether vinegar on the top rack is also fine.
Rinse Aid and Salt
A rinse aid helps water sheet off glass and reduces spotting. Not every Dacor dishwasher uses a softener, so follow your owner’s manual rather than adding anything on your own.
What Cleaning Cannot Fix
Scale can damage the heating part, the pump seals and the inlet valve over years. If a cycle ends with cold water, or the machine leaks, cleaning alone will not solve it.
Older Machines
If your dishwasher is more than 10 years old, we can repair it in many cases and we will tell you if replacement is wiser. See our dishwasher repair page.
Call our office or request service online, and we will set up a three-hour arrival window with you.