Why do my glasses come out cloudy?
There are two different kinds of cloudiness. If the film rinses off with a little white vinegar on a cloth, it is limescale, which means checking that the salt reservoir and rinse aid are topped up if your machine has them, and that the water hardness setting matches your area. If the cloudiness does not shift and looks slightly rainbow-etched, that is permanent glass etching from very hot cycles and too much detergent — you cannot reverse it, but you can stop it getting worse by using a gentler programme and less detergent for glassware.
How often should I clean the dishwasher filter?
Every week or two for most households, and after any load that included a lot of sauce, rice or anything that breaks down into small particles. It is a two-minute job once you have done it a few times, and it prevents nearly all the problems that make people assume their dishwasher is dying.
Does the way I load it really matter?
More than the detergent does. Scrape plates but do not rinse them thoroughly, because most detergents need a little soil to work against; leave space between items so water can reach every surface; face dirty sides towards the centre where the spray arms hit; and keep large plates and trays out of the way of the arms so they cannot block the spray. If one area comes out consistently dirty, the load is almost always the reason.
