Cracked drinking glasses can be a frustrating outcome of a failing dishwasher or incorrect water temperature. Thick-base glasses may expand disproportionately under the hot dishwasher temperature and can cause the glass to crack. Delicate wine glasses may also break easily under high temperatures. Other times the culprit is a malfunctioning dishwasher. At A&D Appliances, we provide professional dishwasher repair to help prevent damaged glassware. Here are three reasons that can explain why your glass may crack in the dishwasher:
1. Disproportionate Expansion
Many cases of glass cracking in the dishwasher stem from disproportionate expansion. Glass, like other materials, expands with heat and contracts when temperatures drop. Handwashing temperatures are much lower than dishwasher temperatures. Dishwashers normally operate at a temperature between 120-170°F, which can cause the glass to expand. If the glass has a thicker and thinner part, the parts will expand at different rates, causing the glass to fracture. Abruptly switching from hot to cold water can also cause the glass to crack.
If you’re cleaning wine glasses, it is recommended to reduce the hot water temperature or they will likely break. Wine glasses are thin and can’t be washed at the same temperature as other materials. Most specialty glasses have delicate parts with different thicknesses, so they’ll expand and contract disproportionately if you expose them to high temperatures. The glass may not break the first time, but it can become weaker and more susceptible to cracking as it ages.
2. Improper Loading Technique
When loading drinking glasses into a dishwasher, the glass shouldn’t vibrate together. Keep a safe distance between each glass to prevent unwanted contact. Any slight contact under high temperatures increases the likelihood of cracking. If you have delicate antique wine glasses, the best option is to wash them on a delicate cycle or by hand. Dishwashers are efficient but can have a greater risk of causing damage if you don’t load your dishware properly.
If you decide to use the dishwasher, place the glass firmly and fully on the rack to help prevent excessive movement during the cycle. You can use a rubber band stretched around each glass and over the spokes to protect the glass from shaking. Load the glassware on the top rack of the dishwasher and keep a safe distance from one glass to the other. Avoid using the dishwasher for antique, delicate, or expensive glassware.
3. Malfunctioning Dishwasher
Dishwashers are electromechanical equipment susceptible to breakdowns. If your dishwasher is faulty, you should seek prompt repair to avoid issues. A malfunctioning dishwasher may fail to regulate internal temperatures and increase the risk of disproportionate expansion. The racks may also come loose, which increases the risk of contact and dislodging.
For a dishwasher to function at maximum efficiency, the regulators, electrical components, and other moving parts should be in top working condition. At A&D Appliances, we offer professional repair services and can help fix a broken or malfunctioning dishwasher.
Professional Dishwasher Repair
Dishwashers need scheduled service and checks to help keep them working efficiently. If your dishwasher has an issue, call a professional. Early dishwasher repair can prevent costly breakdowns and protect your delicate dishware from breaking. A&D Appliances offers factory-trained and authorized repair servicemen for your household appliances. We repair and service dishwashers, refrigerators, dryers, ovens, stoves, microwaves, cooktops, and more.
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