Hard water Dishwasher film...

[Minnie Lor]

While researching an answer for this myself last year, someone recommended a frugal substitute for Lemi shine. Just add a packet of UNsweetened lemon koolaid powder to the water and run the dishwasher empty without soap. It's really just citric acid, but be sure to use the unsweetened type. Only about .20

Good to know. I'm using the LemiShine for the first time today and thought "this could get pricey". Since phosphate was removed from all DW soaps, my dishes have been looking awful. Almost bought a new DW before I found out about the phosphate ban.

 

[Panna]

I keep thinking my rinse agent dispenser is broken (the fill needle doesnt' register if anything is in it or not). It barely over a year old, and my dishes still get filmy. I've used jet dry, vinegar, electrosol, doesn't seem to make any difference at all.

I used to make my own dish detergent, but switched out to the Dollar store brand to see if maybe that was causing problems. I cringe to think I may have to move up to name brand detergent.

 

[mom2brina]

I use vinegar too. I put it in the rinse aid compartment and I dump about 1-2 cups in the bottom before I close the door and turn it on.

The first couple times you might have to use more vinegar - like 3-4 cups to work on the build up.

 

[Minnie Lor]

I have to say that I bought the LemiShine the other day. i ran it thru my empty DW. The inside of my DW is noticeably cleaner. It looks like new. Can't wait to run the first load of dishes.

 

[jms25]

I too tried the white vinegar with poor results. We had hard water build up due to an issue with our water softener. Put it in the rinse agent section our dishwasher, over filled it really. When that didn't work so well I tried just adding it to the bottom in addition to the rinse section. I even tried soaking a few of my more effected items directly in the vinegar and saw next to no results. So I then purchased the lemishine "powder" and it worked wonders. So glad to know I can purchase it bulk if need be.

I have heard you can buy citric acid by itself and it will do the same. I read that stores would have it with their canning supplies. Our water softener is now fixed, but I might have to try the lemon kool aid sometime if I ever have issues again.