Why do glasses etch in the dishwasher

The causes of etching are the same as for silica film, only more time must pass for the etching to occur. Hard water dishwashing, to the contrary, results in filming of glassware caused by the presence of calcium and magnesium. However, this type of film is readily removed by acid treatment. Soaking in a mild acid like vinegar or citric acid will dissolve the hardness.

To avoid etching: Inform the customer to switch to a soft water dishwashing detergent, typically phosphate free; Use less detergent Reduce water temperature to less than degrees Fahrenheit.

A: First, you should be sure that there is not a deposit on the glass. To confirm a water soluble film, run water over the spotted area and blot dry with a paper towel. Examine the spot to see if the residue has been removed. Removal indicates water soluble deposits. To confirm a hardness deposit, determine if the film can be scratched off with a knife or similar object. If it is not a deposit, it is probably a type of etching.

There are two different causes for what appears to be etching on glassware:. In the early stages, glassware develops an amber to multicolored film, similar to an oil-on-water film. These lines follow deformities or stress lines in the glass. As the process continues, the glassware develops patches of clouded glass etch.

Neither the films or the etch will respond to acid or bleach. Many dishwasher detergents rely on enzymes to latch onto food and eat it away, Busch said. Not to mention, you will save water. News U. Politics Joe Biden Congress Extremism. Special Projects Highline.

HuffPost Personal Video Horoscopes. Follow Us. Terms Privacy Policy. All rights reserved. Suggest a correction. Read This. If you do not have a receptacle to pour a liquid dish-rinsing agent into, you should purchase one of the small baskets that hold rinsing additives and hang it in the back corner on the lowest rack in your dishwasher. The rinsing agent will help the sheeting action of the water and reduce etching.

Switch your dishwasher to the no-heat or energy saver cycle. This will cut down on etching and also save you money on your electric bill. Hand washing your glassware is the best way to avoid etching, particularly if it is expensive or special to you.

Chelsea Fitzgerald covers topics related to family, health, green living and travel. Before her writing career, she worked in the medical field for 21 years.

Fitzgerald studied education at the University of Arkansas and University of Memphis.