Dishwasher Troubleshooter

Tell us what the problem is so we can help you with your dishwasher troubleshooting. We'll provide you with the proper solution.

Step 1

What's The Problem?

Problems with the dishwasher

Problems with glass, porcelain and ceramics

Problems with metals

Problems with plastics & wood

Dishwasher Troubleshooter

Tell us what the problem is so we can help you with your dishwasher troubleshooting. We'll provide you with the proper solution.

Step 1

Problems with the Dishwasher

Step 2

What's happening specifically?

Dishes aren't drying

Machine is foaming

Detergent residue left at end of cycle

Discoloration inside the dishwasher

Odor coming from dishwasher

Deposits of soils or grease in outlet areas (e.g., filters, drains)

Residues blocking sprayer arms and filters

Dishwasher Troubleshooter

Tell us what the problem is so we can help you with your dishwasher troubleshooting. We'll provide you with the proper solution.

Step 1

Problems with glass, porcelain and ceramics

Step 2

What's happening specifically?

Spotting on dishes

Light filming, smears, streaks on dishes

Heavy filming, milky layer of limescale

Etching, partial to complete coverage

Bleachable stains on dishes (e.g., tea coffee)

Starch stains on dishes (e.g., rice, potatoes)

Food residue on dishes

Fading colors or decoration on dishes

Dishwasher Troubleshooter

Tell us what the problem is so we can help you with your dishwasher troubleshooting. We'll provide you with the proper solution.

Step 1

Problems with metals

Step 2

What's happening specifically?

Dull starch residues remain

Iridescent discoloration

Brownish-red rust spots

Discoloration due to silver tarnishing

Discoloration due to corrosion

Dishwasher Troubleshooter

Tell us what the problem is so we can help you with your dishwasher troubleshooting. We'll provide you with the proper solution.

Step 1

Problems with plastics & wood

Step 2

What's happening specifically?

Staining on plastics

Plastic still wet and small puddles visible

Cracking and fading on wood surfaces

Dishwasher Troubleshooter

Tell us what the problem is so we can help you with your dishwasher troubleshooting. We'll provide you with the proper solution.

Step 1

Problems with the Dishwasher

Step 2

Dishes Aren't Drying

Possible causes

Possible solutions

Possible cause

Poor performance of rinse and dry function

Possible solution

Use of/refill rinse aid dispenser with Finish® Jet-Dry® Rinse Aid, and if possible, increase dosage setting

Possible cause

Formation of puddles due to shape of dishes

Possible solution

Load and position dishes securely so that they cannot turn over and water can run off completely

Possible cause

Unloading of dishes too soon at the end of a cleaning cycle

Possible solution

Open the machine at the end of the cycle to allow excess rinse water to dry/evaporate before unloading

Possible cause

Defective heating element

Possible solution

Call a service technician

Dishwasher Troubleshooter

Tell us what the problem is so we can help you with your dishwasher troubleshooting. We'll provide you with the proper solution.

Step 1

Problems with the Dishwasher

Step 2

Machine is Foaming

Possible causes

Possible solutions

Possible cause

Dishes are cleaned first with hand dish soap liquid

Possible solution

Scrape, don't rinse dishes

Possible cause

Rinse aid was spilled during refilling, or rinse aid chamber is leaking

Possible solution

Rinse away rinse aid with cold water (will be pumped off when new cycle is started). In case of leaking rinse aid chamber, call a service technician

Possible cause

Extremely high amount of protein-based food, e.g., yogurt, cottage cheese, etc.

Possible solution

Scrape off food properly before loading

Possible cause

Defective heating element

Possible solution

Call a service technician

Possible solution

Remove foam manually as much as possible and use a special de-foaming agent. Dose 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable oil to clear suds.

Dishwasher Troubleshooter

Tell us what the problem is so we can help you with your dishwasher troubleshooting. We'll provide you with the proper solution.

Step 1

Problems with the Dishwasher

Step 2

Detergent Residue Left at End of Cycle

Possible causes

Possible solutions

Possible cause

Tab is not completely dissolved at the end of the cycle (e.g., short program)

Possible solution

Recommendation: Use normal cycle

Possible cause

Door of dosing chamber is blocked by bulky dishes or large utensils

Possible solution

Sort dishes in a way that the door of the dosing chamber can open freely

Possible cause

A damp dosing chamber can cause your detergent to stick

Possible solution

Make sure that the dosing chamber is dry when you put in your detergent

Dishwasher Troubleshooter

Tell us what the problem is so we can help you with your dishwasher troubleshooting. We'll provide you with the proper solution.

Step 1

Problems with the Dishwasher

Step 2

Discoloration Inside the Dishwasher

Possible causes

Possible solutions

Possible cause

Impurities in tap water (e.g., iron)

Possible solution

Generally removable by running Finish Dishwasher Cleaner®

Dishwasher Troubleshooter

Tell us what the problem is so we can help you with your dishwasher troubleshooting. We'll provide you with the proper solution.

Step 1

Problems with the Dishwasher

Step 2

Odor Coming from Dishwasher

Possible causes

Possible solutions

Possible cause

Infrequent use: Buildup in the machine (e.g., on the filter and seals)

Possible solution

Run Finish Dishwasher Cleaner® monthly to remove buildup in machine and filter

Possible cause

Installation issues

Possible solution

Wipe seals with cloth or Lysol® Wipe

Possible solution

Consult the installation instructions for more details

Dishwasher Troubleshooter

Tell us what the problem is so we can help you with your dishwasher troubleshooting. We'll provide you with the proper solution.

Step 1

Problems with the Dishwasher

Step 2

Deposits of Soils or Grease in Outlet Areas (e.g., filters, drains)

Possible causes

Possible solutions

Possible cause

Poor cleaning conditions caused by high concentration of soils (e.g., on filters, sprayer arms)

Possible solution

Scrape off food before loading dishes; (remove filters regularly to clean them manually, if applicable)

Possible cause

Frequent use of short programs

Possible solution

Use Finish Dishwasher Cleaner® regularly to help remove and prevent further blockages

Possible cause

Insufficient detergent is dosed

Possible solution

Use normal cycle

Possible cause

Residue on filters or sprayer arms

Possible solution

Dose detergent as recommended

Dishwasher Troubleshooter

Tell us what the problem is so we can help you with your dishwasher troubleshooting. We'll provide you with the proper solution.

Step 1

Problems with the Dishwasher

Step 2

Residues Blocking Sprayer Arms and Filters

Possible causes

Possible solutions

Possible cause

Water-insoluble solids present in wash (e.g., foil, paper)

Possible solution

Scrape off food and remove paper labels from jars, etc., before loading

Possible cause

Insufficient dosing can result in hard water buildup

Possible solution

Clear the blockage and rinse properly

Possible solution

Use Finish Dishwasher Cleaner® regularly to prevent further blockages

Possible solution

Dose detergent as recommended

Dishwasher Troubleshooter

Tell us what the problem is so we can help you with your dishwasher troubleshooting. We'll provide you with the proper solution.

Step 1

Problems with glass, porcelain and ceramics

Step 2

Spotting on Dishes

Possible causes

Possible solutions

Possible cause

Poor drying and/or rinsing performance

Possible solution

Use/refill rinse aid, and if necessary, increase dosage

Possible cause

High water hardness

Possible solution

Multi-benefit/monodose products will provide great performance up to 120 ppm. (Finish Quantum® provides great performance up to 300 ppm).

Dishwasher Troubleshooter

Tell us what the problem is so we can help you with your dishwasher troubleshooting. We'll provide you with the proper solution.

Step 1

Problems with glass, porcelain and ceramics

Step 2

Light Filming, Smears, Streaks on Dishes

Possible causes

Possible solutions

Possible cause

Poor loading and sorting of dishes

Possible solution

Ensure that cleaning solution can completely run off the dishes

Possible cause

Formation of puddles due to shape of dishes

Possible solution

Load and position dishes securely so that they cannot turn over and the cleaner solution can run off

Possible cause

Tabs still dissolving during rinse cycle (due to using short programs)

Possible solution

Use standard or normal

Possible cause

Over dosage of detergent

Possible solution

Dose detergent as recommended

Possible solution

Use Finish Dishwasher Cleaner®, or else replace affected parts or call a service technician

Dishwasher Troubleshooter

Tell us what the problem is so we can help you with your dishwasher troubleshooting. We'll provide you with the proper solution.

Step 1

Problems with glass, porcelain and ceramics

Step 2

Leaving filming, milky layer of limescale

Possible causes

Possible solutions

Possible cause

Homes with water hardness above 180 ppm

Possible solution

Use a performer booster, such as Finish Power Up®

Possible cause

For machines with salt ionization:

Wrongly adjusted water hardness control on dishwasher
Blocked or defective ion-exchanger

Possible solution

Determine water hardness and set the control accordingly

Possible solution

If possible, measure the water hardness and if softening is insufficient, call a service technician

Dishwasher Troubleshooter

Tell us what the problem is so we can help you with your dishwasher troubleshooting. We'll provide you with the proper solution.

Step 1

Problems with glass, porcelain and ceramics

Step 2

Etching, partial to complete coverage

Possible causes

Possible solutions

Possible cause

Glass corrosion can occur when you have soft water and the surface of the glass has imperfections (caused by manufacturing process). These weak areas become visible after several cleaning cycles

Possible solution

Use multi-benefit detergent tabs with glass protection function

Possible solution

Use short, low-temperature or china/crystal programs

Possible solution

Open the machine at the end of the cycle

Dishwasher Troubleshooter

Tell us what the problem is so we can help you with your dishwasher troubleshooting. We'll provide you with the proper solution.

Step 1

Problems with glass, porcelain and ceramics

Step 2

Bleachable stains on dishes (e.g., tea, coffee)

Possible causes

Possible solutions

Possible cause

Poorly sorted and loaded dishes

Possible solution

Ensure that cleaning solution can completely run off the dishes

Possible cause

Short and/or low-temperature programs used

Possible solution

Use standard or normal cycle

Possible cause

Insufficient detergent dosage levels used

Possible solution

Dose detergent as recommended

Possible cause

Lack of bleach in detergent

Possible solution

Use a detergent with both bleach and enzymes (e.g., Finish Quantum® or Finish All-in-1 Powerball®)

Possible cause

Tabs still dissolving during rinse cycle (due to, e.g., short programs)

Possible solution

Place one tab in detergent cup and run standard or normal cycle

Dishwasher Troubleshooter

Tell us what the problem is so we can help you with your dishwasher troubleshooting. We'll provide you with the proper solution.

Step 1

Problems with glass, porcelain and ceramics

Step 2

Starch stains on dishes (e.g., rice, potatoes)

Possible causes

Possible solutions

Possible cause

Short programs used

Possible solution

Use standard or normal cycle

Possible cause

Insufficient detergent is used

Possible solution

Dose detergent as recommended

Possible cause

Ineffective spraying action due to blocked sprayer arms

Possible solution

Use Finish Dishwasher Cleaner® monthly to prevent further blockages

Possible cause

Use of low-quality detergent

Possible solution

Use high-quality detergent products with both bleach and enzymes (e.g., Finish Quantum® or All-In-1 Powerball®)

Dishwasher Troubleshooter

Tell us what the problem is so we can help you with your dishwasher troubleshooting. We'll provide you with the proper solution.

Step 1

Problems with glass, porcelain and ceramics

Step 2

Food residue on dishes

Possible causes

Possible solutions

Possible cause

Improper loading of dishwasher

Possible solution

Load dishes in the racks so that the sides of bowls, pots and pans are face downward. Avoid nestling and contact points between dishes

Possible cause

Detergent lacking either bleach or enzymes

Possible solution

Use high-quality detergent products with both bleach and enzymes (e.g., Finish Quantum® or All-In-1 Powerball®)

Possible cause

Redeposit or debris in rinse cycle

Possible solution

Use or refill with Finish Jet-Dry®. If necessary, adjust to maximum dosage levels

Dishwasher Troubleshooter

Tell us what the problem is so we can help you with your dishwasher troubleshooting. We'll provide you with the proper solution.

Step 1

Problems with glass, porcelain and ceramics

Step 2

Fading colors or decoration on dishes

Possible causes

Possible solutions

Possible cause

Use of detergent that does not contain protection

Possible solution

Use high-quality detergent products that contain protection (e.g., Finish Quantum®)

Possible cause

Quality of dishes

Possible solution

Dishwasher Troubleshooter

Tell us what the problem is so we can help you with your dishwasher troubleshooting. We'll provide you with the proper solution.

Step 1

Problems with metals

Step 2

Dull starch residues remain

Possible causes

Possible solutions

Possible cause

Poorly sorted and loaded dishes

Possible solution

Ensure that cleaning solution can completely run off the dishes

Possible cause

Short programs used

Possible solution

Use normal cycle

Possible cause

Insufficient detergent is used

Possible solution

Dose detergent as recommended

Possible cause

Ineffective spraying action due to blocked sprayer arms

Possible solution

Use Finish Dishwasher Cleaner® to clear blockages

Possible cause

Use of low-quality detergent

Possible solution

Use high-quality detergent products with both bleach and enzymes (e.g., Finish Quantum® or All-In-1 Powerball®)

Dishwasher Troubleshooter

Tell us what the problem is so we can help you with your dishwasher troubleshooting. We'll provide you with the proper solution.

Step 1

Problems with metals

Step 2

Iridescent discoloration

Possible causes

Possible solutions

Possible cause

Caused by food such as vegetables (e.g., cauliflower, potatoes)

Possible solution

Easily removable using surface cleaners for stainless steel, glass or ceramics

Possible solution

Use high-quality detergent products with both bleach and enzymes (e.g., Finish Quantum® or All-In-1 Powerball®)

Dishwasher Troubleshooter

Tell us what the problem is so we can help you with your dishwasher troubleshooting. We'll provide you with the proper solution.

Step 1

Problems with metals

Step 2

Brownish-red rust spots

Possible causes

Possible solutions

Possible cause

Acidic or salty food (e.g., mustard or ketchup) left on metal surfaces for too long before cleaning

Possible solution

Avoid prolonged contact with such acidic and/or salty food residues

Possible cause

Lower grade stainless steel being less resistant to corrosion in damp dishwasher environment

Possible solution

Use high-grade quality stainless steel (e.g., 18/10)

Possible cause

Steel and silver cutlery items in contact and reacting

Possible solution

Empty dishwasher straight after wash cycle

Possible solution

Separate silver from steel items in cutlery basket

Dishwasher Troubleshooter

Tell us what the problem is so we can help you with your dishwasher troubleshooting. We'll provide you with the proper solution.

Step 1

Problems with metals

Step 2

Discoloration due to silver tarnishing

Possible causes

Possible solutions

Possible cause

Discoloration due to food residues (e.g., mustard, eggs, mayonnaise). Discoloration due to bleaching agents (e.g., oxidation)

Possible solution

Avoid prolonged contact with sulfur-containing food; Pre-rinse

Possible cause

Steel and silver cutlery items in contact and reacting

Possible solution

Tarnishing can be removed easily by using an immersion and de-tarnishing bath

Possible solution

Use high-quality detergent with integrated silver protection (e.g., Finish Quantum®)

Possible solution

Tarnishing is removed by applying a silver polish

Possible solution

Separate silver from steel items in cutlery basket

Dishwasher Troubleshooter

Tell us what the problem is so we can help you with your dishwasher troubleshooting. We'll provide you with the proper solution.

Step 1

Problems with metals

Step 2

Discoloration due to corrosion

Possible causes

Possible solutions

Possible cause

Brightening (e.g., of unsealed base of layered pans)

Possible solution

Wash by hand unless aesthetic changes to the material are acceptable to the user

Possible cause

Blackening on kitchen utensils (e.g., garlic press)

Possible solution

Dishwasher Troubleshooter

Tell us what the problem is so we can help you with your dishwasher troubleshooting. We'll provide you with the proper solution.

Step 1

Problems with plastic & wood

Step 2

Staining on plastics

Possible causes

Possible solutions

Possible cause

Staining caused by color-intensive food such as tomato sauce or gravy, plus either:

Use of short- or low-temperature programs
Damp detergent used (leading to loss of bleaching performance, typically with powder)

Possible solution

Prevent by scraping or rinsing off sauce before loading, plus:

Use standard or normal cycle
Place one tab in detergent cup and run standard or normal cycle

Dishwasher Troubleshooter

Tell us what the problem is so we can help you with your dishwasher troubleshooting. We'll provide you with the proper solution.

Step 1

Problems with plastic & wood

Step 2

Plastic still wet and small puddles visible

Possible causes

Possible solutions

Possible cause

Poor drying/rinse performance due to low residual heat in plastics

Possible solution

Use or refill with Finish Jet Dry®

Possible cause

The use of detergent containing rinse aid in an energy efficient dishwasher

Possible solution

If your detergent already contains a rinse aid, try Finish Jet-Dry Turbo Dry® in your rinse aid dispenser

Possible solution

If necessary, adjust to maximum dosage level

Possible cause

Wrongly sorted or concave dishes (form puddles)

Possible solution

Load so items cannot turn over and the rinse water can run off completely

Possible cause

Unloading dishes too soon after program has finished

Possible solution

After the program has finished, open the door for a short time, then close again and wait before unloading

Possible cause

Defective heating element

Possible solution

Call a service technician

Dishwasher Troubleshooter

Tell us what the problem is so we can help you with your dishwasher troubleshooting. We'll provide you with the proper solution.

Step 1

Problems with plastic & wood

Step 2

Cracking and fading on wood surfaces

Possible causes

Possible solutions

Possible cause

Wood items are not dishwasher safe

Possible solution

Dishes made of wood, e.g., cutlery with wooden grips should not be cleaned in a dishwasher

Possible solution

Recommendation: use cutting boards made of plastic, or clean wooden pieces by hand and replace them regularly