White film may form on glassware and dishes when using phosphate-free dishwasher detergent.
Dishwashing detergents are phasing in a new phosphate-free recipe to comply with assorted Epa regulations that became sufficient July 1, 2010. This switch to the new recipe has been slowly happening since late 2009 and is continuing to the present.
Phosphates are added to dishwasher detergents to remove minerals from the water and thus heighten dishwasher performance. Many detergents that do not comprise phosphates in their recipe tend to leave mineral deposits on glassware, plastic items, pots and pans. It also causes poor wash performance and many complaints.
The deposits are in the form of a white film on glassware and other items, even the interior of the dishwasher itself. The white film is often mistaken to be a qoute with the dishwasher instead of the detergent. All phosphate-free dishwasher detergent formulas appear to have this issue. Some appear to have this qoute more than others.
Testing has shown that packs and tablets accomplish good than some powder or gel detergents.
If a white film develops on glassware, then we can safely assume that phosphate-free detergent is the problem.
The easiest way to remove the white mineral film or build-up is to run the glassware and dishware straight through a dishwasher cycle using citric acid additive. There is a citric acid kit made by Ge. The part no. Is Wd35X151. Pour the composition in the detergent cup and close the cover and let it disperse ordinarily in the dishwasher cycle.
Place the glassware and dishware in the dishwasher. remove silverware and other metal items out of the dishwasher and run the cycle with the additive. Turn the dishwasher on and let it run straight through a cycle with the citric acid and without detergent. The dishes and glassware should come out sparkling.
Dishwasher manufacturers are working to rule the phosphate-free filming issue but the problems are likely to be with us for a long while. Dishwasher owners may want to repeat the citric acid rinse any times a year to sacrifice the mineral buildup on dishes.
