Appearance
Patterns on the surface of the glass are dull or faded.
This is most noticeable when comparing with new glasses of the same type or with the undamaged pattern on the inside of the glass.
This problem is not caused by any fault on your dishwasher
Usually the result of:
Very soft water
Detergent overdosing
Poor quality glassware
Cause & Prevention
Cause
Fading of patterns is caused by the removal of metal ions from the coloured area and this is very often a result of very soft water.
Part of the detergent is designed to remove calcium ions from the water (builders) but if there are few ions present, such as is the case in soft water areas, then this can cause the metal ions to be removed from the coloured pattern.
Treatment
The fading is irreversible and there is no treatment or any way to restore the pattern
Prevention
Buy good quality “dishwasher safe” glasses.
Ensure that the water is not too soft. Check with your local water authority that the water is suitable.
Do not add salt to the machine if the tap water is soft or very soft.
How You Can Get Help With Dishwasher Problems
To offer support in helping people to determine the cause of dishwasher problems please use the dishwasher support forum.
It’s fast, free, easy and normally someone will pick up on the post that can assist you often with a few experts chipping in if needed. Just register if you don’t have an account, we don’t mail you, send you spam or any of that stuff.
Post up your question and give images if you possibly can and the guys in the forums will do the rest for you and try to identify the problem you have.
Cost you nothing, might save you some embarrassment or worse, a charge for a service visit that wasn’t needed.
Photographs Of Damage
If you can post photographs of the damage or problem you are having this can be really helpful in allowing the dishwasher technicians to see what the problem is.
The guys have the knowledge to assist with most problems but the more information you give them, the better they can help you.