When you open the dishwasher eager to get back to your sparkling glasses, how disappointed are you to discover them tarnished by annoying white streaks? Isn't this one of the little tragedies of everyday life? Rest assured, these salt and lime deposits are not inevitable. With a few tricks and a bit of know-how, you'll soon be able to restore your glassware to the shine it deserves.
Where do the white marks on the lenses come from?
Before embarking on a battle against white streaks, it's a good idea to understand where they come from. Glasses can come out of dishwasher with a whitish veil for several reasons.
Lenses that are too old (or of poor quality)
The leaching - an elegant term for the chemical ageing of glass - is the result of slow erosion caused by numerous washing cycles. When the outer coating is damaged, the glass loses its lustre and reflects light less well. If a rinse removes this haze, but it reappears after drying, it's a sign that your glass is unfortunately irreversibly damaged.
Regenerating salt residues
The culprit may be poorly managed regenerating salt. Whether the salt tank is not properly closed, the seal is damaged or the salt pot is cracked, it's vital to ensure that your system is watertight. Incorrect dosing or a faulty regeneration valve are also potential causes. Take care to check these elements to prevent salt grains from wandering where they shouldn't.
Water that's too hard
The limescale is another enemy of clean glass. Hard water, rich in calcium and magnesium (with a high TH), encourages the formation of limescale. The result: stubborn white marks. Adapting your dishwasher settings to local water hardness is essential, as is the use of regenerating salt in areas with particularly hard water.
A detergent problem
The wrong dosage of detergent, too little or too much rinse aid, or the use of all-in-one products, can also be responsible for the tarnishing of your glassware.
Inconsistent wash temperature
Finally, the wrong washing temperature can compromise the cleaning process. Water must be at the optimum temperature to ensure effective washing and rinsing, and to prevent any damage to the glassware.
How to avoid whiteout on lenses?
Carry out a regular anti-scale treatment
One small gesture can make all the difference: a monthly anti-scale treatment. By adding a large cup of white vinegar in the dishwasher and run an empty cycle, you'll remove the limescale deposits that have built up in the machine.
Clean your dishwasher regularly
A clean dishwasher is a more efficient dishwasher. Don't hesitate to use the self-cleaning program if available, and get into the habit of cleaning the various components of the appliance, especially the drain filter.
Take water hardness into account
Knowing the hardness of your local water is essential. Adjust your dishwasher settings accordingly. If necessary, use a TH test kit to help you determine the hardness level and make any adjustments recommended by your appliance manufacturer.
A combination of knowledge, good practice and careful monitoring of your equipment will ensure that you never again see the slightest whitish haze dulling the transparency of your lenses.
Conclusion in clear glass
There's no need to rely on magic or supernatural forces to make your glasses shine again. With these tips and regular application of these methods, you can say goodbye to white streaks. Your glassware will once again reflect the purity and finesse you've come to expect after a trip through the dishwasher. Your next toast can celebrate the new-found clarity of your glasses, as much as the event you're celebrating. Cheers! 🥂
FAQ
What causes white streaks on lenses?
White marks on glassware can be caused by a number of factors, such as natural wear and tear, regenerating salt residues, excessively hard water or a problem with detergent dosage. The wrong washing temperature can also be responsible for this phenomenon.
How can I prevent white streaks from appearing on my lenses?
To avoid these undesirable marks, we recommend regular anti-scale treatment, frequent cleaning of the dishwasher, and ensuring that the appliance settings are adapted to the water hardness. In addition, avoid combination products such as 3-in-1 tablets, and prefer to use separate products for best results.
How do you maintain your dishwasher?
We recommend regular cleaning of the dishwasher, including using a self-cleaning program if available, manually cleaning the filters and rotating arms, and running a cycle with an anti-scale product, such as white vinegar, to remove limescale deposits.
How do I adjust my dishwasher to suit the hardness of my water?
To correctly adjust your dishwasher, first determine the water hardness in your area using a test kit. Then refer to your appliance's user manual to adjust the settings accordingly, and be sure to use regenerating salt and rinse aid to protect your glassware.
What products can be used to limit white streaks on lenses?
We recommend using a quality detergent suitable for machine washing, dosing the product correctly according to the manufacturer's instructions, and topping up with rinse aid and regenerating salt according to water hardness. Avoid all-in-one products and prefer separate products for better control and efficiency.
