Commercial dishwashers are heavy-duty machines specifically designed and manufactured for commercial uses. They are mostly found in hospitals and restaurants. Commercial dishwashers can wash and clean multiple batches of dishes within a few minutes. But, in some cases, the glassware comes out to be cloudy or foggy when it should be squeaky clean. Do you need to worry about it and consult a commercial appliances repair expert? Below are some potential reasons behind cloudy classes and how you can fix the issue since it can be frustrating.
What Causes Cloudy Glasses In A Dishwasher?
There are two main things that cause cloudy glasses. The first is hard water and the second is permanent glass erosion. Hard water contains minerals that reduce the strength of detergent. You can’t do much about hard water. If you live in a region that has hard water, you cannot do much but use a water softener or other sources to make the water soft.
The minerals present in the water result in the formation of a cloudy film on the glass. Plus, etching also takes place due to a variety of reasons and you need to figure out the issue that is causing it because only then you can avoid it.
To make sure that the cloudy glasses are a result of hard water, you will need to use the vinegar method that will reveal the actual result. To utilize the method, you will need to soak the glassware in vinegar for five minutes. If the cloudy film happens to disappear, it means the hard water is the culprit. But, if the film doesn’t, it means etching is taking place and it is permanent. You can’t fix etched glassware. You can only prevent the issue.
How To Prevent Hard Water Deposits?
When it comes to dealing with hard water deposits, people normally tend to use a bit more detergent to prevent cloudy glasses. But the fact of the matter is that hard water itself can create issues when the dishes are drying. Using too much soap or detergent is going to leave a film on the dishes that is equally troublesome.
So, you should try different quantities and types to find a good balance. One way to offset the issue is by using dishwasher boosters. Adding these to the pre-wash cycle helps reduce hard water spots. It’s a good solution because you can use it old machines as well.
Another option to deal with hard water deposits is by using a rinse aid that is available in both solid and liquid forms. Using rinse aid helps break the bond between the water and dishes.
Furthermore, you should also check the water temperature. Washing the dishes with either too hot or cold water is going to be ineffective. To measure the temperature, you will need to run the sink water for a while and use a thermometer in a glass of water for measurement.
The majority of the experts suggest a temperature of 130 degrees Fahrenheit. That said, instead of turning the water heater extremely high, you should simply use the high-temperature settings. The water temperature should not go beyond 140 degrees.
And, if the water heater is slightly at a distance from the kitchen, it will take a while for the water to get hot. So, run the water for a while and turn on the dishwasher when the water is hot.
Dishwashers With Built-In Water Softener
If you live in a hard water region, you might want to consider upgrading your existing dishwasher with a modern one with a built-in softener. Most of the prominent manufacturers today tend to make dishwashers with built-in water softeners.
Although, these types tend to be a bit more expensive but come with a bundle of features as well. These dishwashers come with a separate container that houses the softener. As the machine runs the cycle, the softener is utilized to keep the water from creating spots on the glasses as they dry.
If you have hard water, then other appliances will cause problems as well. For example, the ice machine will produce cloudy ice. So, before consulting a commercial ice maker repair Fairfax service, get your water tested and install a water softener.
How To Prevent Etching?
If the vinegar method does not work on the glasses, it means the glassware is experiencing etching. As mentioned earlier, it is a permanent thing and cannot be helped with but only prevented. Etching is the wearing away of the glass, which involves scratches and other issues causing the glasses to turn cloudy.
It can be caused due to very soft water, hot water, or using too much detergent. Finding the cause of glassware etching in this case can be time-consuming. But there are some tips that you need to consider to protect the glassware.
For instance, modern detergents tend to contain harsh alkaline salts that are neutralized by food and oil particles in the dishes. This means if you were to remove all the leftover food from the dishes and place it inside the dishwasher, the detergent or water would have relatively nothing to act against or with.
This results in a harsher effect on the dishes themselves. The best way to deal with this situation is to use less detergent especially if you have soft water. Experiment with different amounts but do not use excessive detergent.
At the same time, you should also try different detergents. The best detergent is the one recommended by the manufacturer of the dishwasher but that is not always true. You should experiment with a few to find a good one.
How To Wash Cloudy Glasses?
To make sure the cloudy glasses are squeaky clean, you need to be fully informed and familiar with the right washing techniques. It is often that people tend to underestimate the importance of using the right amount and type of detergent. In most cases, they tend to play guessing games to eventually end up damaging the expensive glassware.
Much sooner than later, the cloudy glasses need to be replaced. Plus, if you observe that glasses are turning cloudy, you should hand wash them instead of putting them in a dishwasher until you can find out the reason.
At the same time, you should also keep a check on the water temperature. You should not be using too hot or cold water. It will make washing the dishes equally complicated. You will be spending more time clearing the water spots.
Maintaining The Dishwasher
In the end, you should make sure to maintain your dishwasher and other restaurant equipment as well. Sometimes, the dishwasher may struggle with cleaning the dishes properly due to dirty or clogged filters. It could also be due to dirty water. This means, the dishwasher needs equal attention and should be frequently inspected and maintained by a professional.
This not only helps improve the quality of the cleaning process but also prolongs the lifespan of the dishwasher.
Conclusion
Dealing with cloudy glasses is not that big of a deal if you are familiar with the causes and how to prevent them. This is why, the information mentioned above should be kept in mind the next time the glasses turn out cloudy. These are tried and tested tips that have worked for others and will surely work for you as well. If you’re not sure whether your dishwasher is malfunctioning or you have hard water problem, call in commercial dishwasher repairs Alexandria services.