My drinking glasses are cloudy. They look awful, like they're not really clean (and they are). What has my dishwasher done to my once crystal clear glasses?

Anyone else have this problem? How do i make them sparkling clear again? I've tried soaking in white vinegar over night to no avail. thanks!

-- Buk Buk (bukabuk@hotmail.com), July 21, 2001

Answers

I am afraid your drinking glasses have been etched and will never appear sparkling clean again. I had this same problem. Then a little sentence in the owner's manual mentions this and after some inquiries we found that dishwashers with the harsh detergents and the force of the water cause an etching effect. The only thing you can do is keep your valuable dishes out of the dishwasher and buy new glasses. Any glassware you do put in the dishwasher is better off on the top rack.

-- R. (thor610@yahoo.com), July 21, 2001.

try vinegar,, let them soak overnight. Or akaseltzer (?),, if those dont work,, then they are etched and not deposits on the glass

-- Stan (sopal@net-port.com), July 21, 2001.

But why would my mother's dishwasher clean her glasses sparkling clear while i was growing up. There's got to be a reason why my glasses have turned an ugly cloudy. Either the soft water we have out here in the country, or the hot water heater is turned up to high. Her glasses have always been place on the bottom rack in the washer whereas mine are on top. not sure if that has anything to do with it. hmmmm

-- Buk Buk (bukabuk@hotmail.com), July 21, 2001.

Any possibility your Mom had better glasses? That could make a difference, too, I'd think. Just a thought... Hope this helps.

-- Gary in Indiana (gk6854@aol.com), July 21, 2001.

I had the same problem and so when I used my "fancy" glasses and goblets, I always hand washed them. Then I got a free sample of "Jet Dry" in the mail. My cloudy, everday glasses were crystal clear again. It works just like they say in the ads! Kathie

-- Kathie in Western Washington (twinrosefarm@worldnet.att.net), July 21, 2001.

Glass varies. Some quality crystal actually has a high lead content, to make the glass denser and get a better "sparkle". It also makes the glass softer, and more susceptible to etching. That may not be your problem, but also it may.

-- Don Armstrong (darmst@yahoo.com.au), July 21, 2001.

You might try soaking them in bleach water. That usually works for me!

-- Cheryl (cherylmccoy@rocketmail.com), July 21, 2001.

Thanks guys. I've already tried soaking in vinegar, but haven't tried jet dry or bleach. You've given me ideas. If that doesn't work, i'll plan to wash any new glasses by hand to keep them nice. Uuggghh! My dishwasher is the pits!

-- Buk Buk (bukabuk@hotmail.com), July 21, 2001.

I have the same problem! Just threw away 6 beer mugs that were so bad that I was ashamed for anyone to use them. I'll hand wash my glass wear from now on. We use large plastic tumblers for everyday and my good glasses are hand washed.

-- Debbie T in N.C. (rdtyner@mindspring.com), July 21, 2001.