My heating element has white scale and build up on it

Hi,

I have an older dishwasher also and recently my wife also complained about it not cleaning right... so me being the man I am tried in vain to clean the things... Bought new spray arms online and installed them in minutes...now the thing works like new... However I have also found that if the heating element goes bad then that also can mess things up bad... So I would buy new spray arms, and also check out the heating element to make sure it is working... Here is a tip that will help you with the online buying...

Dishwasher Spray Arms not Spinning

How to Buy Appliance Parts Online

A bad heating element causes many problems in dishwashers...

Dishwasher Problems The Heating Element not Working

Dishwasher Maintenance

Dishwasher Residue and Film on Dishes

heatman101

Asker's Testimonial "explanation very clear. will give it a go and see how simple it was. thanks Ronnie " - ronnieshomes
/.././

Hi,
There are several causes in dishwashers that make dishes come out with film on them or something of the sort. Here they are.
1 Water temperature should be 140 degrees. Your dishwasher should have a "sani" cycle that heats up the water into that range.
2 Most dishwashers were never engineered for liquid soap. So if you are using it, go to powder soap.
3 A rinse agent is definitely a big plus
4 In some parts of America, such as Florida, lime deposits build up in the machine and accumulate onto the dishes and glasses. It's a white film. It also accumulates in the parts of the machine and clogs them. If this is the case. Run white vinegar in the machine.
Empty the machine.
Turn it on.
While the machine is filling with water, (not at the very very beginning as it will drain out existing water when it is started) put a quart of vinegar in and run it. If it has lime deposits it will greatly reduce them.

5 The spray arms may be jammed with pieces of food or other debris. make sure the holes in the arms are not obstructed.

That should do it.
Best, Mark

Hi,
Check your heating element..

A bad heating element causes many problems in dishwashers…

Dishwasher Problems The Heating Element not Working

Dishwasher Maintenance

heatman101

Asker's Testimonial " explanation very clear. will give it a go and see how simple it was. thanks Ronnie " - ronnieshomes

Hi,
Check your heating element..
A bad heating element causes many problems in dishwashers…

Dishwasher Problems The Heating Element not Working
http://www.fixya.com/support/r4589033-dishwasher_problems_heating_element_not

Dishwasher Maintenance
http://www.fixya.com/support/r4319937-dishwasher_maintenance

heatman101

Asker's Testimonial " expanation very clear. will give it a go and see how simple it was. thanks Ronnie " - ronnieshomes

Hi. Run your hottest and longest cycle with no soap, no dishes and 2 cups of white vinegar. Also, run the hot water into the sink before starting the dishwasher. Once the sink water is as hot as it gets, then push the start on the dishwasher. J.

Hi,
Check your heating element..

Dishwasher Problems The Heating Element not Working
http://www.fixya.com/support/r4589033-dishwasher_problems_heating_element_not

Dishwasher Maintenance
http://www.fixya.com/support/r4319937-dishwasher_maintenance

heatman101

Hi,
Check your heating element..

Dishwasher Problems The Heating Element not Working
http://www.fixya.com/support/r4589033-dishwasher_problems_heating_element_not

Dishwasher Maintenance
http://www.fixya.com/support/r4319937-dishwasher_maintenance

heatman101

When the heating element fails on dishwashers, the wash cycle water can not be heated high enough the activate the DW detergent powder.

Replacing the heating element should fix you right up.

Also, resist the temptation to switch the a cheap, generic powder. A brand name e.g. Electrosol or Cascade powder is proven to work well. The ultra-cheap powder will leave white patches on the dishes and it will not dissolve completely, even when the heating element is working properly.

Good Luck!

1.) Confirm that the holes of the spray arms are not blocked with debris.
2.) Run a short cycle with an empty dishwasher and no dishwasher soap. Run the dishwasher until you hear it finish filling with water and begins the wash cycle. Add up to two cups of white vinegar to the water and allow to wash and drain. Feel free to do the same when the dishwasher fills again.
3.) Only use a brand name powder detergent (e.g. Electrosol or Cascade) in any dishwasher. Do not use a gel or tablet in any dishwasher. Do not fill the dispenser fully.
Test your dishwasher with a standard load of dirty dishes.
If problems continue, confirm that the heating element is working properly. The heating element is vital to getting clean dishes with modern dishwashers and DW detergent.
Please report back what you find.

Switch your detergent to Cascade powder. Then use Dishwasher Magic (or something similar) to remove the lime/scale build up and to clean out your pump. 

SG