This is becoming a huge problem with consumers. I see this getting worse not better as the current soap stock runs out. As a service company this creates an issue. The customers don't believe us. They think we are just trying to get out of a call. They want it fixed. And the manufactures don't support us. They don't pay for customer education so the customer must pay or the small shop just eat the cost. (The customer is not going to pay)
Here is some information that might help satisfy 1 out of 5 customers. You will have to live with the other 4.
Automatic dish washing detergents are now phosphate-free to comply with various state regulations that
became effective July 1, 2010. The changeover in stores has been occurring gradually since late 2009.
Phosphates were added to detergents to sequester minerals in water and thus improve wash performance.
Detergents without phosphates tend to leave mineral deposits on glassware and other items, leading to
poor wash performance complaints. The deposits are in the form of a white film on glassware and other
items, even the dishwasher tub itself.
All phosphate free automatic dishwasher detergents appear to have this problem - some more so than others.
Independent testing has shown that packs and tablets appear to perform better than powder, liquid or
gel detergents. Cascade Complete All in 1 Action Packs is an example of a detergent pack product.
If a customer is using phosphate free detergent and has recently observed a white film developing on his/
her glassware, then we can safely assume phosphate free detergent is the problem. Please note that “film”
refers to a mineral build up and not etching as a result of using too much detergent.
The easiest way for the customer to remove the white film is to run their glassware and dishware through
a dishwasher cycle using citric acid. Use a WD35X151 citric acid kit. Pour the citric acid in the detergent
cup and close the cover. Place the filmed, but otherwise clean, glassware and dishware in the dishwasher.
Leave silverware and other metal items out of the dishwasher. Turn the dishwasher on and let it run
through a complete cycle without detergent. The glassware, dishware and dishwasher should come out
film free and with a sparkle.
The use of a rinse agent such as Cascade Crystal Clear may help minimize a repeat build up of film.
The automatic dishwasher detergent manufacturers are working to eliminate the phosphate free filming
problem. However, the problem will likely be with us for some time. Therefore, dishwasher owners may
have to repeat the citric acid rinse several times a year, especially if they are using a lower performing
detergent brand or are using the dishwasher without a rinse agent
www.sobellas.com915-585-2811