Lime in my dishwasher!!?

Question

I have a Maytag dishwasher. We do not have a water softner, which is next on our "to do list". My dishwasher will only spray out a little but of water. I think I have a lot of lime build up in the pipes. How do I get that out without calling a professional. Thanks.

Answer 1

There's a product called Lime Away that you can get at your local hardware store or home improvement center.
Fill both detergent reservoirs with it, & run it through the longest possible cycle. DO NOT OPEN THE DISHWASHER DOOR BEFORE THE CYCLE IS DONE!
You'd be amazed to see how good it works, your machine will look brand new on the inside, & work like new.

Answer 2

If there are lime deposits in your washer chances are extremely good that there are similar problems elsewhere in your plumbing and other water fixtures.

Water heaters, ice makers, shower heads, etc., all suffer from hard water damage.

Make the "to do list" a "next to do list". A water softener has many more advantages than just ridding calcium carbonate deposits.

Before you buy an softener get a thorough water analysis and look for a product with an excellent warranty and service reputation. A softener is something should last 20 years or more with little depreciation.

To separate the jewels from the junk go to sites that certify equipment through non-partial, third-party testing and validating organizations such as www.wqa.org and ww.nsf.org. There is a reason why going cheap can be very costly.

Cheap softeners from big box stores are designed for those with little experience, knowledge in water treatment equipment or little interest in quality.

There is further treatment that you can perform on other appliances. It's just that you are seeing the problems in the dishwasher but they may exist elsewhere. Water heaters should be drained/flushed and aerators can be removed and cleaned.

Take care of your water, and it will take care of you,
Andy Christensen, CWS

Answer 3

Start the wash cycle, then stop after it if is full of water and pour in 1/2 gallon of white vinegar. Close the door and start it back up. At the end of the cycle the lime should be gone.

If this doe's not remove the lime you may need to use Lime A Way or other products made for lime removal. It would be best to rub the hot water at the sink and allow it to get hot before starting the washer as any lime remover works better when the water is hot.

Answer 4

You may have a screen filter in the water line going to your dishwasher and it is full of lime. Either that or the lime is already clogging your dishwashers jets.

It sounds like you need to move the water softener up on your TO DO list. It will do the same thing to all of your other plumbing outlets too.

Answer 5

The spray arms should be removable. If you can get them off, soak in vinegar. Not sure if you could get it strong enough by just adding a bottle to the water (after filling) and let it run it's cycle. May/may not work.