Amana Dishwasher Persistent Odors Inside the Dishwasher

Dishes not getting clean

Black or gray marks
These marks are created when aluminum items rub against other dishes. Make sure silverware is loaded so it does not touch other dishes. Throw-away aluminum items should not be loaded into the dishwasher at all but hand washed instead. Aluminum marks can be removed with a mild abrasive cleaner.

Brown stains
These are likely the result of water with a high level of iron. You can remove these stains from a fresh load of dishes by re-washing them with affreshaffresh® dishwasher cleaner in the covered section of the detergent dispenser instead of detergent. Follow with a normal wash cycle with detergent.

If the brown stains are a constant issue, you may want to consider the installation of an iron removal unit.

White spotting and/or film
If you’re seeing this on your dishes, here are a few things to consider:

• Are you using the highest temperature wash option? This option raises the main wash temperature to improve cleaning for tough loads.
• Are you using the heated dry option? This option will give the best drying performance.
• What kind of detergent are you using? Pre-measured dishwasher detergent tablets and pacs have been proven better than powder, liquid or gel detergents when it comes to reducing filming on dishes.
• Does your dishwasher need cleaning? Refer to the “Dishwasher odors” section.

If the white film won’t come off, it could be because of how the etching of the glassware interacts with your water. Hard water, water high in minerals, or low water pressure can cause this to happen.

Detergent and rinse aid dispenser issues
Detergent remains in the dispenser
Is it caked in the dispenser? Older detergent will clump when exposed to air and might not dissolve well. Store detergent in a tightly closed container in a cool dry place to keep it fresh for as long as possible.

If it’s not caked in, but still remains in the dispenser, the upper rack may need to be moved up higher. Sometimes the upper rack can block the detergent dispenser from opening completely.

Rinse aid dripping from the dispenser
Make sure the rinse aid cap is completely closed and in the lock position. Then check to see if the “O-Ring” is properly seated in the corresponding groove of the Rinse Aid Cap.