Dishwasher Leaving White Residue On Dishes
If your dishwasher is leaving white residue, marks or a cloudy film on dishes, glasses or cutlery, this is a very common complaint and in the vast majority of cases it can be resolved without calling an engineer. The cause is almost always related to water hardness, salt levels or rinse aid rather than a mechanical fault.
View all dishwasher error codes
Find Your Brand
Select your dishwasher brand below for a specific guide including the relevant error codes for your appliance.
Why Is My Dishwasher Leaving White Residue?
White residue, spots or a cloudy film on dishes and glasses after a dishwasher cycle is almost always caused by limescale or detergent deposits rather than a mechanical fault. Hard water areas are particularly prone to this issue. The good news is that in most cases it can be resolved quickly with the right products and settings adjustments.
Common Causes
Low or empty salt reservoir
The most common cause in hard water areas. Dishwasher salt softens the water by removing calcium and magnesium minerals that cause limescale. Without sufficient salt, limescale deposits will build up on dishes and inside the machine. The salt reservoir needs to be topped up regularly — check the indicator on the control panel.
Incorrect water softener setting
The dishwasher’s water softener can be adjusted to match the hardness of your local water supply. If it is set too low for your area, the machine will not use enough salt to soften the water effectively. Check your user manual for how to adjust the water hardness setting on your model.
Low or empty rinse aid reservoir
Rinse aid helps water drain off dishes cleanly during the final rinse, preventing spots and residue from forming as the dishes dry. Without sufficient rinse aid, water droplets dry on the surface of dishes and leave white marks.
Limescale build-up inside the machine
If the machine has not been descaled regularly, limescale can build up on the heating element and internal surfaces, reducing wash and rinse efficiency and contributing to residue on dishes.
Too much detergent
Using too much detergent can leave a white powdery residue on dishes, particularly on plastic items. Always follow the dosage instructions on the packaging.
Checks To Try Before Calling An Engineer
Top up the salt
Open the salt reservoir — usually located in the bottom of the tub beneath the lower basket — and fill it with dishwasher salt. Use only dedicated dishwasher salt, not table salt or any other type.
Check and adjust the water hardness setting
Check your local water hardness level — this information is available from your water supplier — and adjust the dishwasher’s water softener setting accordingly. Refer to your user manual for instructions.
Top up the rinse aid
Fill the rinse aid dispenser and increase the rinse aid dosage setting if residue persists. Most dishwashers allow the rinse aid dosage to be adjusted.
Run a descaling cycle
Run an empty cycle on the hottest programme with a dishwasher descaler or a cup of white vinegar in the bottom of the tub to remove limescale build-up from the machine.
Reduce the detergent amount
Try using slightly less detergent and see if the residue reduces.
When To Contact A Professional
White residue on dishes is rarely caused by a mechanical fault. If the problem persists after topping up salt and rinse aid, adjusting settings and descaling the machine, there may be a fault with the water softener unit or rinse aid dispenser that requires professional attention. Internal components should only be inspected or repaired by trained professionals.
Related Dishwasher Fault Guides
Dishwasher Not Washing Properly
Dishwasher Not Filling With Water
Related Guides
Dishwasher error codes — all brands
🔧 Need a spare part? Find compatible parts for your appliance on Amazon with next day Prime delivery. Please double-check the part is compatible with your specific model before ordering. Find parts on Amazon
♻️ Not worth repairing? If your appliance has had its day, eco-friendly refurbished appliances are available at Renew 2 U — better for your wallet and the planet.