Dishwasher Troubleshooter

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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 cause
Poor performance of rinse and dry functionPossible solution
Use of/refill rinse aid dispenser with Finish® Jet-Dry® Rinse Aid, and if possible, increase dosage settingPossible cause
Formation of puddles due to shape of dishesPossible solution
Load and position dishes securely so that they cannot turn over and water can run off completelyPossible cause
Unloading of dishes too soon at the end of a cleaning cyclePossible solution
Open the machine at the end of the cycle to allow excess rinse water to dry/evaporate before unloadingPossible cause
Defective heating elementPossible 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 cause
Dishes are cleaned first with hand dish soap liquidPossible solution
Scrape, don't rinse dishesPossible cause
Rinse aid was spilled during refilling, or rinse aid chamber is leakingPossible 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 technicianPossible cause
Extremely high amount of protein-based food, e.g., yogurt, cottage cheese, etc.Possible solution
Scrape off food properly before loadingPossible cause
Defective heating elementPossible solution
Call a service technicianPossible 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 cause
Tab is not completely dissolved at the end of the cycle (e.g., short program)Possible solution
Recommendation: Use normal cyclePossible cause
Door of dosing chamber is blocked by bulky dishes or large utensilsPossible solution
Sort dishes in a way that the door of the dosing chamber can open freelyPossible cause
A damp dosing chamber can cause your detergent to stickPossible 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

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 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 filterPossible cause
Installation issuesPossible solution
Wipe seals with cloth or Lysol® WipePossible 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 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 programsPossible solution
Use Finish Dishwasher Cleaner® regularly to help remove and prevent further blockagesPossible cause
Insufficient detergent is dosedPossible solution
Use normal cyclePossible cause
Residue on filters or sprayer armsPossible 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 cause
Water-insoluble solids present in wash (e.g., foil, paper)Possible solution
Scrape off food and remove paper labels from jars, etc., before loadingPossible cause
Insufficient dosing can result in hard water buildupPossible solution
Clear the blockage and rinse properlyPossible solution
Use Finish Dishwasher Cleaner® regularly to prevent further blockagesPossible 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 cause
Poor drying and/or rinsing performancePossible solution
Use/refill rinse aid, and if necessary, increase dosagePossible cause
High water hardnessPossible 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 cause
Poor loading and sorting of dishesPossible solution
Ensure that cleaning solution can completely run off the dishesPossible cause
Formation of puddles due to shape of dishesPossible solution
Load and position dishes securely so that they cannot turn over and the cleaner solution can run offPossible cause
Tabs still dissolving during rinse cycle (due to using short programs)Possible solution
Use standard or normalPossible cause
Over dosage of detergentPossible solution
Dose detergent as recommendedPossible 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 cause
Homes with water hardness above 180 ppmPossible 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 accordinglyPossible 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 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 cyclesPossible solution
Use multi-benefit detergent tabs with glass protection functionPossible solution
Use short, low-temperature or china/crystal programsPossible 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 cause
Poorly sorted and loaded dishesPossible solution
Ensure that cleaning solution can completely run off the dishesPossible cause
Short and/or low-temperature programs usedPossible solution
Use standard or normal cyclePossible cause
Insufficient detergent dosage levels usedPossible solution
Dose detergent as recommendedPossible cause
Lack of bleach in detergentPossible 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 cause
Short programs usedPossible solution
Use standard or normal cyclePossible cause
Insufficient detergent is usedPossible solution
Dose detergent as recommendedPossible cause
Ineffective spraying action due to blocked sprayer armsPossible solution
Use Finish Dishwasher Cleaner® monthly to prevent further blockagesPossible cause
Use of low-quality detergentPossible 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 cause
Improper loading of dishwasherPossible solution
Load dishes in the racks so that the sides of bowls, pots and pans are face downward. Avoid nestling and contact points between dishesPossible cause
Detergent lacking either bleach or enzymesPossible 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 cyclePossible 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

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 cause
Poorly sorted and loaded dishesPossible solution
Ensure that cleaning solution can completely run off the dishesPossible cause
Short programs usedPossible solution
Use normal cyclePossible cause
Insufficient detergent is usedPossible solution
Dose detergent as recommendedPossible cause
Ineffective spraying action due to blocked sprayer armsPossible solution
Use Finish Dishwasher Cleaner® to clear blockagesPossible cause
Use of low-quality detergentPossible 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 cause
Caused by food such as vegetables (e.g., cauliflower, potatoes)Possible solution
Easily removable using surface cleaners for stainless steel, glass or ceramicsPossible 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 cause
Acidic or salty food (e.g., mustard or ketchup) left on metal surfaces for too long before cleaningPossible solution
Avoid prolonged contact with such acidic and/or salty food residuesPossible cause
Lower grade stainless steel being less resistant to corrosion in damp dishwasher environmentPossible solution
Use high-grade quality stainless steel (e.g., 18/10)Possible cause
Steel and silver cutlery items in contact and reactingPossible solution
Empty dishwasher straight after wash cyclePossible 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 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-rinsePossible cause
Steel and silver cutlery items in contact and reactingPossible solution
Tarnishing can be removed easily by using an immersion and de-tarnishing bathPossible solution
Use high-quality detergent with integrated silver protection (e.g., Finish Quantum®)Possible solution
Tarnishing is removed by applying a silver polishPossible 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

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 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 cause
Poor drying/rinse performance due to low residual heat in plasticsPossible solution
Use or refill with Finish Jet Dry®Possible cause
The use of detergent containing rinse aid in an energy efficient dishwasherPossible solution
If your detergent already contains a rinse aid, try Finish Jet-Dry Turbo Dry® in your rinse aid dispenserPossible solution
If necessary, adjust to maximum dosage levelPossible cause
Wrongly sorted or concave dishes (form puddles)Possible solution
Load so items cannot turn over and the rinse water can run off completelyPossible cause
Unloading dishes too soon after program has finishedPossible solution
After the program has finished, open the door for a short time, then close again and wait before unloadingPossible cause
Defective heating elementPossible 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.