Miele Dishwasher: glassware etching

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Miele dishwasher is leaving your glassware dull, cloudy, or permanently etched, you are experiencing glassware etching. This chemical abrasion occurs due to factors like alkaline detergent reactions and improper loading. Unfortunately, once etched, the damage cannot be reversed.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Miele Models

  • Miele official troubleshooting lists ‘glassware dull and discolored’ as a symptom but does not provide specific corrective procedures beyond general use improvements (rinse aid, proper cycle). Etching is not unique to Miele.

Possible Causes

Alkaline detergent + soft water chemical reaction causing glass ion removal

How to Identify: Cloudy/dull glass that does not clear with vinegar — indicates etching rather than mineral spots. Occurs even with proper loading.

Part: Wash chemistry (detergent + water)

Excessive detergent usage

How to Identify: Cloudiness develops over time; glasses appear more etched when heavy detergent doses used especially in soft water areas.

Part: Detergent dosing

High wash temperatures

How to Identify: Etching more noticeable on glassware washed on hottest cycles; occurs less on lower temperature settings.

Part: Wash cycle temperature

Improper loading causing physical abrasion contributing to etched appearance

How to Identify: Glassware touching or knocking during cycle can create microscopic scratches that exacerbate cloudiness.

Part: Dishwasher rack/load arrangement

DIY Solutions

Adjust detergent amount and type

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Test detergent amount: reduce to minimum suggested for load size and water softness
  2. Switch to a milder dishwasher detergent formulated for glassware or soft water areas
  3. Avoid detergent pods with high alkaline content when washing delicate glassware
⚠️ Safety First: Follow detergent maker instructions to avoid poor cleaning results

Use lower temperature or glass/delicate cycle

Easy 2 minutes
  1. Select the glass or gentle wash cycle on the dishwasher (lower temperature)
  2. Avoid high‑heat sanitizing cycles for glassware loads
  3. If available, reduce the wash temperature setting

Ensure proper loading to avoid physical contact

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Place each glass spaced apart so they don’t touch
  2. Avoid placing glasses near heavy dishes or large utensils
  3. Top rack placement is usually gentler for glassware

Professional Repairs

Water quality assessment & softener installation

Estimated Cost: $500 - $2,500

When to Call a Professional

Persistent etching despite optimized detergent, water, temperature, and loading adjustments
Water quality issues suspected requiring professional water testing/softener setup

Preventive Maintenance

  • Regularly refill and adjust rinse aid: Helps reduce spots and can mitigate some etching risk when water chemistry is balanced
    Frequency: each load or weekly
  • Test and adjust water hardness: Appropriate detergent dosing to reduce chemical etching
    Frequency: initial setup and annually
  • Use glass/delicate cycles for glassware: Excessive heat exposure to glassware
    Frequency: each load with glassware

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Miele Dishwasher glassware etching?
Glassware etching is caused by alkaline detergent reactions, excessive detergent use, high wash temperatures, or improper loading.
How do I fix Miele Dishwasher glassware etching myself?
To fix etching, reduce detergent amount, use milder detergents, select gentle cycles, and load glasses properly.
How much does it cost to fix glassware etching?
Professional repairs for water quality assessment and softener installation can cost between $500 and $2,500.
When should I call a technician for glassware etching?
If etching persists after DIY fixes or if water quality issues are suspected, it's time to consult a technician.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Use of high-alkaline or phosphate-rich detergents
  • Water hardness leading to mineral deposits
  • Incorrect dishwasher settings or cycle selection

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Switch to a low-alkaline, phosphate-free detergent. Use only the recommended amount as per the manufacturer's guidelines.

  2. Install a water softener to reduce water hardness. This can help prevent mineral deposits that lead to etching.

  3. Adjust the dishwasher settings to a gentler cycle that is less abrasive on glassware. Refer to the user manual for specific cycle recommendations.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Fix for Soft Water Etching

Community Discussions

glassware getting etched and chipped

Use half the amount of detergent and check for silica in water.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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