The Best Dishwasher Detergent to Prevent Cloudy Glass

Dishwashers have made life a bit easier for many of us. And many people feel that using the dishwasher gets dishes cleaner than washing by hand. However, your dishwasher is not fool-proof. Dishwashers often leave film and residue behind on your dishes, especially glass. The residue leaves glasses looking cloudy and unclean.

Calcium carbonate clings to your dishes. The deposits will not cause you any harm but do give glassware a cloudy appearance. Poor quality water shares some of the blame for these spots. Hard water cannot remove all the calcium carbonate and also leaves behind some detergent residue. Wthr.com reports that changes in laundry detergent manufacturing have also caused an increase in cloudy-looking glass. As of 2010, following new laws, manufacturers removed the phosphate in most detergents. Phosphates played a major role in preventing calcium carbonate buildup.

Wthr.com recommends using a powder dish-washing detergent. The powder versions tend to work harder than the liquid counterparts and can help remove the cloudy appearance. Cascade Complete All-in-One Powder dissolves quickly to remove stuck-on foods and includes ingredients that wash away quickly, reducing film. Seventh Generation Automatic Dishwasher Detergent uses organic ingredients. This powder does not contain any chlorine, dyes or perfumes. Electrasol with Powerball tabs use a condensed powder and liquid cleaner combination. This product comes in small bricks that break apart into powder in the wash.

You can use a second additive in the rinse cycle to reduce cloudiness. Finish Jet-Dry helps remove spots and film. The Jet-Dry releases during the rinse cycle and removes any leftover food or reside that the dishwasher left behind. Add Jet-Dry to the rinse dispenser. Replace the product at least once a month. Cleaning your dishwasher with a specialized dishwasher cleaner will remove residue built up inside the appliance. You should use a dishwasher cleaner once every six months, according to Wthr.com.

White vinegar will remove spots, leftover food particles and film from dishes and glassware. The acidic nature of vinegar breaks down residue and washes away. To use, fill a bowl or small cup with one-cup worth of white vinegar. Place the container on the top rack of your dishwasher and wash the dishes as normal. Only use containers safe for dishwashers.