Dishwasher - Causes of Spotting, Grit, and Film on Dishes

If you are getting grit or seeing spotting or filming on the dishes in your Dishwasher, there are many reasons why this is happening. Please check out the many possibilities and remedies for this concern provided below.

Extremely Hard Water

• Try using a rinse agent.
• Invest in a water softener for your home.

Rinse Aid Dispenser Is Empty

• Use of a rinse aid can improve wash and dry performance by causing the water to sheet off of the dishes inside the Dishwasher. This prevents water spots from forming on the glassware and dishware.
• View a short video about checking and filling the rinse aid dispenser (appearance may vary):
   
  Video - Dishwasher - Rinse Aid for Better Wash
   
   
  Note: Video may not appear if Advertising cookies are blocked. Re-enable Advertising Cookies to view videos or visit our GE Appliances Video Gallery for product, maintenance, and support videos by appliance.
   

Temperature Concerns

• A sandy grit left on dishes is typically from water not being hot enough to dissolve liquid or dry detergent. The water coming into the Dishwasher should be a minimum of 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
• To check the water temperature, run the hot water at the kitchen sink and measure the temperature of the running water with a canning or meat thermometer. Adjust the temperature of the water heater accordingly.
• To be sure that the Dishwasher is filling with the hottest water possible, run the hot water faucet at the kitchen sink prior to operating the Dishwasher. Also, avoid running the Dishwasher while hot water is being used for other activities.

Overloading or Improper Loading of Dishes

• Check the dish loading in the Dishwasher and make sure dishes are loaded properly to ensure that water can reach all of the soiled surfaces in both racks.
• View a short video about proper loading:
   
  Video - Dishwasher Loading Tips
   
   
  Note: Video may not appear if Advertising cookies are blocked. Re-enable Advertising Cookies to view videos or visit our GE Appliances Video Gallery for product, maintenance, and support videos by appliance.
   

Detergent Issues

• You may be using an incorrect detergent amount. Also, use only fresh detergent made for use in Dishwashers.
• Soft water requires less detergent, perhaps a quarter of a cup in the main cup. Very hard water requires a full main cup and a full open cup to get good wash performance. Conditions between these require judgment. Use enough to get the job done, but don't use more than you need.

Poor Water Pressure

• Check the sump area (lowest recessed area in the Dishwasher basin) inside the Dishwasher for restriction. This can cause poor water pressure in the spray arm.
• Check the water inlet for kinks. Dishwashers require 15 to 120 PSI and should be installed using a 3/8" O.D. copper or 1/2" O.D. plastic water line. Using a water line that is too small will restrict proper water flow into Dishwasher.
• View a short video about white film on dishes:

Repair Service Suggested

Should you review all of these suggestions and still experience a concern, service may be necessary. For service, please schedule a repair appointment with GE Appliances Factory Service.