How Hard Water Damages Your Dishwasher

The Role of Hard Water in Dishwasher Performance and Repairs

Hard water is a common issue in many areas of Britain. It affects many aspects of our everyday lives, from laundry and washing to plumbing. When it comes to dishwashers, there are a few signs that point directly to hard water problems - cloudy glassware, water spots, or an underperforming appliance.

In this article, we'll explain how hard water affects your dishwasher, common signs of damage, and solutions on how to keep your dishwasher running efficiently.

What is Hard Water?

Hard water contains high levels of dissolved minerals, mainly calcium and magnesium. While these minerals are not harmful to our health, they can cause serious problems for appliances that use water, including your dishwasher.

How Hard Water Affects Dishwasher Performance

Hard water can create various issues that impact your dishwasher's efficiency and shorten its lifespan. Here are the most common problems:

1. Limescale Build-Up

Minerals from hard water accumulate over time, forming limescale deposits inside the dishwasher. This build-up would eventually clog spray arms, coat heating elements, and obstruct or block water pipes, reducing water flow and drainage, and leading to poor washing results.

Solution:

• Clean the interior of your dishwasher regularly, using a commercial dishwasher cleaner or a homemade vinegar solution.
• If possible, install a water softener to prevent excessive limescale build-up.

2. Spots and Cloudy Dishes

Hard water leaves mineral deposits on dishes and glassware, leaving them spotty or cloudy even after a full wash cycle.

Solution:

• Use a rinse aid - this will help water slide off dishes without leaving marks.
• Select a detergent specifically formulated for hard water.

3. Soap and Detergent Efficiency

The minerals in hard water reduce the effectiveness of soap, resulting in dishes and dishwasher parts being covered in filmy residue.

Solution:

• Choose a detergent with water-softening components.
• Use slightly more than the usual amount of detergent to dissolve the minerals responsible for limescale build-up.

4. Clogged Spray Arms

Limescale build-up can clog the tiny holes in your dishwasher's spray arms, preventing proper water circulation, and leaving your dishes dirty.

Solution:

• Remove spray arms and soak them in a vinegar solution a commercial cleaning detergent to dissolve mineral deposits.
• Use a limescale remover once a month to maintain optimal spray arm performance.

5. Shortened Appliance Lifespan

Dishwashers in areas with hard water have to work harder, which leads to increased wear and tear on internal components like heating elements, pumps, and gaskets. This could result in expensive repairs or early replacement.

Solution:

• Consider installing a whole-house water softener to protect all household appliances that use water.
• Schedule routine maintenance checks to catch early signs of hard water damage, and avoid expensive dishwasher repairs.

6. Increased Energy Consumption

When limescale builds up on the heating elements, the dishwasher uses more energy to heat water properly, and you'll be paying higher electricity bills.

Solution:

• Descale the dishwasher regularly to remove limescale build-up.
• Regularly check and make sure the heating element is functioning properly.

7. Blocked Dishwasher Drain

Hard water minerals and soap residue can accumulate in the dishwasher's drain, causing slow drainage or water not draining at all.

Solution:

• Inspect and clean the drain filter regularly to prevent clogging.
• Run a cleaning cycle with vinegar and baking soda or using commercial detergent to clear any build-up.

8. Bad Odours in the Dishwasher

Mineral deposits mixed with food particles could cause a persistent musty or sour smell inside the dishwasher.

Solution:

• Clean the dishwasher with vinegar and baking soda to neutralise odours.
• Make sure to clean the filter and drain area of debris after every each, or at least every couple of washes.

9. Worn-Out Rubber Seals and Gaskets

The high mineral content in hard water causes rubber components such as door seals and gaskets to wear down quicker than usual, leading to leaks and lowering the dishwasher's performance.

Solution:

• Inspect and clean rubber seals regularly to prevent mineral build-up.
• You can also apply a silicone-based seal conditioner to maintain flexibility and durability.

10. Rust on Internal Components

Some minerals in hard water can speed up corrosion, causing rust formation on metal components such as racks, screws, and other internal parts of the dishwasher.

Solution:

• Use a rust remover or install an anti-rust filter if you live in an area with high iron content in water.
• Dry the dishwasher after each cycle to prevent rust formation.

How to Prevent Hard Water Damaging Your Dishwasher

While you can't control the natural mineral content of the water in your area, you can do certain things to protect your dishwasher from hard water damage.

1. Use a Water Softener

A water softener removes excess minerals from water before it goes into your dishwasher. This prevents limescale build-up and improves detergent effectiveness.

2. Add Rinse Aid

Rinse aids help water slide off dishes more easily, reducing spots and residue. Most dishwashers have a built-in rinse aid dispenser - make sure to check and fill it up regularly.

3. Choose the Right Detergent

Look for dishwasher detergents designed for hard water, as they contain additional water-softening ingredients that break down mineral deposits. Don't be tempted to use handwashing liquid detergent - it won't help with hard water, and can lead to blockages and leaks.

4. Run a Monthly Maintenance Cycle

Once a month, run an empty dishwasher cycle using vinegar or a commercial dishwasher cleaner to clear limescale deposits.

5. Inspect and Clean Components Regularly

• Check the filter and spray arms for mineral build-up.
• Remove and clean spray arms and filters every few weeks.

When to Call a Professional

If your dishwasher is still not performing at its best after you've tried the above solutions, it might be time to call a professional repair technician. Some hard water-related issues, like a failing heating element or clogged inlet valve, require the attention of an expert.

Signs Your Dishwasher Needs Professional Help:

• Persistent limescale build-up despite regular cleaning
• Poor cleaning results even after troubleshooting
• Dishwasher making unusual noises or failing to drain properly

Hard water can have a significant impact on your dishwasher's performance and lifespan. If you use rinse aid, water softeners, and regularly take care of your appliance, you can keep your dishwasher running smoothly and prolong its life.

For persistent hard water-related problems, investing in a water-softening filter can be the solution for limescale-free dishwasher that's performing at its best.