To remove hard water deposits from a built-in dishwasher, you can start by making a cleaning solution using equal parts of water and white vinegar. Fill a dishwasher-safe container with the mixture and place it on the bottom rack of the dishwasher. Run a hot water cycle to allow the vinegar solution to clean the interior of the dishwasher.
After the cycle is complete, sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher and run another hot water cycle. Baking soda is effective at removing tough stains and odors.
For stubborn deposits, you can also use a dishwasher-safe citric acid cleaner. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the proper amount to use and run a hot water cycle with the cleaner inside the dishwasher.
Regularly cleaning the dishwasher filter and spray arms can also help prevent hard water deposits from building up. Simply remove the parts, clean them with warm, soapy water, and rinse thoroughly before placing them back in the dishwasher. Regular maintenance will keep your dishwasher running efficiently and help prolong its lifespan.
Best Built-In Dishwashers in 2025
1
Rating is 5 out of 5
SAMSUNG Smart 44dBA Dishwasher w/ StormWash+, AutoRelease Door, Quiet Operation, 3 Dish Racks, Pre Blast Cycle, Energy Star Certified, DW80B6060UG/AA, Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel, Black
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AUTORELEASE DOOR DRY: At the end of a wash cycle, the door automatically opens to circulate air, which significantly improves drying performance
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WHISPER QUIET 44dBA: So quiet you don’t even know it’s on with Whisper Quiet 44dBA operation
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FIT MORE DISHES: A convenient 3rd rack provides extra space to load small mugs, utensils and silverware; Frees up to 30% more space for other items to help you load all you need
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PRE BLAST CYCLE: Removes the time-consuming task of washing dishes prior to loading them in the dishwasher; Simply push the Pre Blast button at the beginning of any cycle and pre-rinsing begins
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TIME DISPLAY: The display shows how long a cycle normally takes to complete; As the cycle progresses, the estimated hours and minutes left will continuously update
2
Rating is 4.9 out of 5
SHARP Slide-In Dishwasher, Stainless Steel Finish, 24" Wide, Soil Sensors, Premium White LED Interior Lighting, Smooth Glide Rails, Heated Dry Option, Responsive Wash Cycles, Power Wash Zone
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Soil Sensors Automatically Optimize Your Washing Cycles, Making Cleaning a Breeze
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More Dependable Than Condensation Drying, Our Heated Dry Option is Fast and Efficient
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Premium White LED Interior Lighting, For Better Visibility into Your Dishwasher
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Premium Smooth Glide Rails Provide Quality with the Slightest Touch
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Allows The Freedom to Wash Smaller Loads with Our Half-Load Feature
3
Rating is 4.8 out of 5
Midea MDF18A1ABB Built-in Dishwasher with 8 Place Settings, 6 Washing Programs, Stainless Steel Tub, Heated Dry, Energy Star, Black
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【Slimline Design with Large Capacity】The Midea built-in dishwasher boasts a slim body that takes up minimal space and is easy to fit. It features a digital control panel with an LED display and has been thoughtfully designed to accommodate larger plates, pots, and pans up to 11 inches in height.
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【8 Place Settings Dishwasher】With dimensions of 24.41"D x 17.72"W x 33.27"H with adjustable legs, this under sink dishwasher provides a spacious and flexible interior for maximum dishware loading.
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【6 programs+3 functions】The 18-inch dishwasher offers six programs, including Heavy, Normal, ECO, Delicate, Quick, and Rinse washing programs. It also features Heated Dry, Hi-Temp, and Sanitize functions that meet all your daily needs. Note: ONLY use detergent specially for dishwasher because regular liquid dish soap will cause dishwasher problems.
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【Heated Dry】Smart dishwasher ensures the best drying performance. The extra drying function offers a thorough drying performance (except for the Rapid and Self-clean cycle) with no additional towel drying required.
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【HI TEMP】The HYGIENE wash cycle maintains the water temperature at 136°F (58°C) max , which can tackle even the heaviest soiled dishes. It is also suitable for cleaning baby bottles and children's dinner sets.
4
Rating is 4.7 out of 5
Midea MDF18A1AST Built-in Dishwasher with 8 Place Settings, 6 Washing Programs, Stainless Steel Tub, Heated Dry, Energy Star
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【Slimline Design with Large Capacity】The Midea built-in dishwasher boasts a slim body that takes up minimal space and is easy to fit. It features a digital control panel with an LED display and has been thoughtfully designed to accommodate larger plates, pots, and pans up to 11 inches in height.
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【8 Place Settings Dishwasher】With dimensions of 24.41"D x 17.72"W x 33.27"H with adjustable legs, this under sink dishwasher provides a spacious and flexible interior for maximum dishware loading.
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【6 programs+3 functions】The 18-inch dishwasher offers six programs, including Heavy, Normal, ECO, Delicate, Quick, and Rinse washing programs. It also features Heated Dry, Hi-Temp, and Sanitize functions that meet all your daily needs. Note: ONLY use detergent specially for dishwasher because regular liquid dish soap will cause dishwasher problems.
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【Heated Dry】Smart dishwasher ensures the best drying performance. The extra drying function offers a thorough drying performance (except for the Rapid and Self-clean cycle) with no additional towel drying required.
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【HI TEMP】The HYGIENE wash cycle maintains the water temperature at 136°F (58°C) max , which can tackle even the heaviest soiled dishes. It is also suitable for cleaning baby bottles and children's dinner sets.
5
Rating is 4.6 out of 5
LG 24-Inch Front Control Dishwasher with SenseClean in Stainless Steel - LDFC2423V
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NeveRust Stainless Steel Tub
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SenseClean Wash System
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Dynamic Dry
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LoDecibel Quiet Operation
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Control Lock
6
Rating is 4.5 out of 5
Kenmore 24" Built-In Stainless Steel Tub Dishwasher with SmartWash, UltraWash, SmartDry Plus, MoreSpace Adjustable Rack and Leak Detect, Energy Star Certified, Black
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24" BUILT-IN DISHWASHER: Ensures the right wash for your load every time with SmartWash Cycle, which adjusts the temperature, amount of water, and duration for the best cleaning results for each unique load
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INNOVATIVE SYSTEMS: UltraWash system uses 2 spray arms while constantly filtering the wash water through the wash cycle, while SmartDry uses hot water to promote the condensation of moisture in the tub for ready-to-use dishes
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CUSTOMIZABLE CAPACITY: Add flexibility to your dishwashing routine with the MoreSpace Adjustable Rack, which allows you to lift, lower, or remove the rack to accommodate large items
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FUNCTIONAL AND ATTRACTIVE: Stainless steel tub resists food stains and retains heat for an optimal drying performance each cycle while also making for a stylish addition to any home kitchen
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SERENE KITCHEN ENVIRONMENT: Operates at 51 dBA for a quiet wash that makes it easy to enjoy after-dinner chats
7
Rating is 4.4 out of 5
West Bend WB120BDWVSS Dishwasher 24-Inch Built in with 3 Wash Options and Automatic Cycles, Stainless Steel Construction with Electronic Control LED Display, Low Noise Rating, Metallic
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MAXIMUM CAPACITY: Dishwasher holds up to 12 standard place settings and features a silverware basket and cup tray
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AUTOMATIC CYCLES: Three automatic cycles (Regular, Automatic, Super), delayed start, and three additional wash options (Hi Temp Wash, Sanitize, Extra Dry) ensure the right clean for your dishes
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LOADED WITH FEATURES: Electronic control panel with LED display & cycle status indicators, quiet 57dB operation, rinse aid dispenser, eco - half load mode, nylon coated upper and lower racks
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BUILT-IN DESIGN: This stainless steel built-in dishwasher is ADA-compliant
8
Rating is 4.3 out of 5
Kenmore 24" Built-In Stainless Steel Tub Dishwasher with EasyFlex 3rd Rack, SmartWash, UltraWash Plus, TurboDry, MoreSpace Adjustable Rack, Energy Star Certified, Black
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24" BUILT-IN DISHWASHER: Ensures the right wash for your load every time with SmartWash Cycle, which adjusts the temperature, amount of water, and duration for the best cleaning results for each unique load
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INNOVATIVE SYSTEMS: UltraWash Plus system uses 3 spray arms while constantly filtering the wash water through the wash cycle, while TurboDry uses hot water and a fan to promote the condensation of moisture in the tub for ready-to-use dishes
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ERGONOMIC FEATURES: AccelaWash Option delivers clean dishes in less time, and MoreSpace Adjustable Rack allows you to lift, lower, or remove the upper rack to accommodate large items
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FUNCTIONAL AND ATTRACTIVE: Stainless steel tub resists food stains and retains heat for an optimal drying performance each cycle while also making for a stylish addition to any home kitchen
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SERENE KITCHEN ENVIRONMENT: Operates at 49 dBA for ultra-quiet cycles that make it easy to enjoy after-dinner chats and the Quiet Wash Option provides additional noise reduction
9
Rating is 4.2 out of 5
RCA RZ0842 Front Control-Built in FULLSIZE Dishwasher, 57 DBA, Stainless Steel, 24” WIDE, Stainless
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Ready-select electronic controls on a slim front panel allow you to easily select options with the touch of a button
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Ultra Quiet sound package (57 dBA) keeps the noise from your dishwasher to a minimum
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Tall-Tub design with large capacity fits up to 8 place settings so you can wash more at once
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6 easy-to-use wash cycle options meet all of your cleaning needs, including Energy Saver, pots and pans, rinse only, and light wash
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Additional options include sanitize, high temperature wash and high heat/no heat dry to ensure your dishes are thoroughly cleaned at the end of your wash cycle
10
Rating is 4.1 out of 5
EdgeStar BIDW1802BL 18 Inch Wide 8 Place Setting Built-In Dishwasher
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Accommodates up to eight (8) place settings and features a silverware basket and cup tray
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Six (6) Wash Cycles: Heavy, Normal, ECO, Glass, Rapid, and Rinse; Three (3) Options: Sanitize, Hi Temp, Heated Dry
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At only 17.75 inches wide, using this unit to replace an older appliance such as a trash compactor is a great option.
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Leakage sensor automatically shuts off water flow when a leak is detected to protect your home from water damage
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Quiet 52dB operation keeps the disturbance to a minimum; Dimensions 32.5" H x 17.6" W x 22.4" D; Weight: 52.9 lbs
How to troubleshoot a dishwasher that is consistently experiencing hard water deposit buildup?
- Check the water temperature: Ensure that the water temperature going into the dishwasher is hot enough to properly dissolve detergent and prevent mineral buildup. The water temperature should ideally be at least 120°F.
- Check the detergent: Use a high-quality detergent that specifically targets hard water deposits. Consider switching to a detergent with a built-in water softener or adding a separate water softening agent.
- Adjust the detergent amount: Make sure you are using the correct amount of detergent according to the manufacturer's instructions. Using too much detergent can cause a buildup of residue on dishes and the interior of the dishwasher.
- Clean the dishwasher: Remove any visible mineral deposits and buildup inside the dishwasher using a dishwasher cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water. Run a wash cycle with no dishes using a dishwasher cleaner to thoroughly clean the interior.
- Inspect the spray arms: Make sure that the spray arms are not clogged or blocked by food particles or debris. Clean the spray arms and remove any obstructions to ensure proper water flow and distribution.
- Check the water softener: If your dishwasher has a built-in water softener, make sure it is set correctly and functioning properly. Consult the dishwasher manual for instructions on adjusting the water softener settings.
- Consider installing a water softener: If hard water is a persistent problem in your area, consider installing a whole-house water softening system to reduce mineral buildup in your dishwasher and other appliances.
- Rinse dishes before loading: To prevent food particles and mineral deposits from accumulating in the dishwasher, rinse dishes before loading them into the dishwasher. This can help reduce the amount of debris that can lead to buildup.
- Consult a professional: If you have tried all of the above steps and are still experiencing hard water deposit buildup in your dishwasher, it may be time to consult a professional appliance repair technician for further assistance. They can diagnose the issue and recommend the best course of action to resolve the problem.
What is the best cleaning solution for removing hard water deposits?
There are several options for cleaning hard water deposits:
- White vinegar: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, spray the solution on the affected areas, and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away.
- Lemon juice: Citric acid in lemon juice can help break down hard water deposits. Simply cut a lemon in half and rub it directly on the affected surfaces, or mix lemon juice with water and apply it with a cloth or sponge.
- Baking soda: Make a paste of baking soda and water, apply it to the affected areas, and scrub gently with a sponge or brush. Baking soda can help dissolve and remove mineral deposits.
- Commercial cleaners: There are many commercial cleaners specifically designed to remove hard water deposits. Look for products with ingredients like phosphoric acid or hydrochloric acid, which are effective at breaking down mineral buildup.
Ultimately, the best cleaning solution will depend on the severity of the hard water deposits and your personal preferences. It may be helpful to try a few different methods to see which works best for your specific situation.
How to clean the spray arms in a dishwasher to remove hard water deposits?
Here are the steps to clean the spray arms in a dishwasher to remove hard water deposits:
- Remove the bottom rack of the dishwasher to access the spray arms.
- Check the spray arms for any clogs or blockages. Use a toothpick or a small brush to remove any debris that may be blocking the spray holes.
- Fill a bowl with white vinegar and place the spray arms in the bowl. Let them soak for about 30 minutes to help break down and dissolve the hard water deposits.
- Use a small brush or toothbrush to scrub the spray arms and remove any remaining deposits.
- Rinse the spray arms thoroughly with warm water to remove the vinegar and loosened deposits.
- Reattach the spray arms to the dishwasher and run a cleaning cycle with a dishwasher cleaner or a cup of vinegar to further clean any remaining residue.
- Once the cleaning cycle is complete, run a rinse cycle to remove any leftover vinegar or cleaner.
- Check the spray arms periodically and clean them as needed to prevent the buildup of hard water deposits in the future.
