If you live in the Valley of the Sun, your water is hard — very hard. The water supply in Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, and surrounding cities contains high concentrations of calcium and magnesium minerals. While this is not a health concern, it takes a serious toll on your dishwasher over time.
If your dishwasher is not cleaning dishes like it used to, hard water buildup is likely a major factor. Here is how mineral deposits affect your machine and what you can do about it.
How Hard Water Damages Your Dishwasher
Clogged Spray Arms
The small holes in your dishwasher's spray arms gradually fill with calcium deposits. As these holes narrow, water pressure drops and dishes on the top rack especially may come out with food residue. You can often see white mineral buildup around the spray arm holes.
Heating Element Scale
Hard water deposits coat the heating element, forming an insulating layer that reduces its ability to heat water efficiently. This means longer cycles, higher energy bills, and dishes that are not properly sanitized.
Film on Glasses and Dishes
That cloudy film on your glassware is not soap residue — it is mineral deposits baked on by the drying cycle. Once etching occurs on glass, it is permanent. Prevention is the only real solution.
Damaged Seals and Gaskets
Mineral buildup around the door gasket and other seals can prevent a watertight closure, leading to leaks. Hard water also accelerates rubber degradation, shortening the lifespan of these components.
How to Combat Hard Water in Your Dishwasher
Use a Rinse Aid
Rinse aid is essential in hard water areas. It helps water sheet off dishes instead of forming droplets that leave mineral spots. Keep the rinse aid dispenser full and adjust the dosage to the maximum setting if you are in a particularly hard water zone like Queen Creek or San Tan Valley.
Run Monthly Cleaning Cycles
Once a month, run an empty cycle with a dishwasher cleaner or two cups of white vinegar in a bowl on the top rack. This dissolves mineral buildup on the interior walls, spray arms, and heating element.
Clean Spray Arms Manually
Remove the spray arms every few months and soak them in vinegar. Use a toothpick or small wire to clear each spray hole. This is one of the most effective things you can do to maintain cleaning performance.
Consider a Water Softener
A whole-house water softener is the most comprehensive solution for hard water problems. It protects not just your dishwasher but all your water-using appliances, fixtures, and plumbing. Many the Valley of the Sun homeowners find that a water softener significantly extends the life of their appliances.
When to Call for Dishwasher Repair
If your dishwasher is not cleaning dishes properly even after cleaning the spray arms and using rinse aid, there may be a mechanical issue. Common hard-water-related repairs include replacing clogged water inlet valves, failed heating elements, and worn pump components.
Precision Appliance Care provides professional dishwasher repair throughout the Valley of the Sun. We understand the unique challenges that Phoenix hard water presents and can help restore your dishwasher's cleaning performance.
Dishwasher not cleaning like it should? Call (602) 600-6297 to schedule a same-day repair in Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, and surrounding areas.