Citric Acid in the Dishwasher: How to Remove White Film and Limescale

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

When your dishwasher leaves cloudy glasses, white streaks, or a dull film on dishes, the issue is often linked to limescale in hard water. Over time, mineral deposits build up not only on tableware but also inside the appliance. As a result, washing performance decreases and it becomes harder to achieve consistently shiny results.
Using citric acid in the dishwasher is a practical way to carry out periodic limescale maintenance and help prevent stubborn mineral buildup.

Key points of this article

• White streaks on glasses are often caused by limescale.
• The dishwasher can accumulate mineral deposits on filters, spray arms, and internal surfaces.
• Citric acid supports limescale maintenance through an empty cleaning cycle.
• Regular care helps maintain brighter, clearer dishes.
• In the presence of heavy scale, specific descaling products may be required.

Why the dishwasher leaves streaks and cloudy glasses

A white film on glassware is not always caused by detergent. In many cases, it results from mineral deposits linked to water hardness.

Common signs include:

• Cloudy glasses after washing
• White streaks on plates and cutlery
• Limescale residues at the bottom of the tub
• Less shiny stainless steel interiors

When these deposits increase, the dishwasher may lose efficiency. Consequently, you may need stronger or longer cycles to achieve the same results.

Where limescale builds up inside the dishwasher

Limescale does not settle only on dishes. Instead, it mainly accumulates in areas where water circulates most frequently:

• Filter
• Spray arms
• Stainless steel interior walls
• Heating components
• Seals and stagnant water zones

If you neglect maintenance, these deposits harden. Over time, they become more difficult to remove and may even contribute to unpleasant odors.

Citric acid in the dishwasher: empty descaling cycle

The most effective way to use citric acid in the dishwasher is through an empty cleaning cycle. This allows the solution to circulate internally and gradually dissolve mineral deposits.

Recommended method

• Dissolve about 100 g of citric acid in 1 liter of water
• Pour the solution into the detergent compartment
• Run an empty cycle

Make sure the powder dissolves completely before use. You can include this treatment in your regular maintenance routine to help limit scale buildup.

What improves after treatment

After proper limescale maintenance, you may notice:

• Brighter stainless steel interior
• Reduced cloudy film on glasses
• Fewer white streaks on dishes
• More consistent washing results

The benefit is not only aesthetic. A cleaner interior often helps maintain more stable performance over time.

For easier maintenance and brighter results

Dishwashers are especially exposed to limescale, particularly in hard water areas. Therefore, regular intervention helps prevent progressive buildup and keeps dishes looking clearer.

In this context, PURO ACIDO CITRICO is a practical option for home maintenance. It is a water-soluble granular powder designed to prepare natural acidic solutions for empty descaling cycles, helping keep the internal parts of the dishwasher cleaner.

Using a dedicated product allows you to manage maintenance in a more consistent and controlled way.

When citric acid is not enough

If limescale is already layered or visible scale is present on spray arms, filters, or internal surfaces, maintenance with citric acid alone may not be sufficient.

In such cases, you can integrate the treatment with specific descaling products such as SANI-KAL BIO and SANI-KAL FORTE, which are formulated to act on more resistant limescale deposits.

The key is always to intervene before buildup becomes difficult to remove.

How often to descale the dishwasher

The ideal frequency depends mainly on:

• Water hardness
• Number of weekly washing cycles
• Recurring white streaks on dishes

Periodic treatments help limit scale stratification and make internal cleaning easier over time.

Conclusion

White streaks and cloudy glasses are often clear signs of limescale. By carrying out regular maintenance, you can prevent mineral buildup and help your dishwasher operate more efficiently.

When used correctly, citric acid in the dishwasher offers a practical solution to improve dish clarity and reduce scale formation. Above all, consistent maintenance is the best way to avoid more intensive treatments in the future.

Still have questions?

Marbec technical support can guide you in choosing the right procedure and products for dishwasher cleaning and limescale management, helping you identify the most effective solution for your specific situation.
👉 Contact Marbec for qualified technical support.