Separate removable mineral or salt film from possible permanent glass etching before changing detergent, rinse-aid, or water-hardness settings.
First see whether the coating wipes away with a finger. On material that is safe for vinegar, gently test a small area with a small amount: removable film may be mineral buildup, while a coating that does not come off may be etching or silica film.
If the film is removable, compare the water-hardness setting with the exact model manual. Add dishwasher salt only if the appliance has a salt system and its manual instructs you to use it.
Sources: [1]
If the cloudy surface does not come off, Whirlpool says it may be etching or silica film; etching is irreversible. Review the manual's glassware guidance before washing more affected items.
Sources: [2]
Electrolux UK · Accessed
Last reviewed · Review due
Supports distinguishing wipeable salt residue from vinegar-removable limescale and reviewing salt, detergent, rinse-aid, and water-hardness settings.
Whirlpool US · Accessed
Last reviewed · Review due
Supports the small-vinegar test to distinguish removable film from possible etching and states that etching is irreversible.
Review loading, the removable filter and spray arms, the selected program, and automatic dishwasher detergent.
Open problem record →Check whether the cycle includes drying, whether rinse aid and a supported dry option are in use, and whether loading traps water.
Open problem record →Keep the dispenser dry and unobstructed, match the detergent to a suitable cycle, and use service support if basic checks do not resolve it.
Open problem record →