Hard water deposits can be a common issue in countertop dishwashers, leaving behind unsightly white residue on dishes and inside the dishwasher. To deal with these deposits, you can try using white vinegar or a commercial dishwasher cleaner to break down and remove the mineral buildup. Simply run an empty cycle with either white vinegar or the dishwasher cleaner to help dissolve and remove the deposits. Additionally, regularly cleaning the dishwasher with a vinegar solution or citric acid can help prevent future buildup. It's also important to check and clean the dishwasher's filter and spray arms regularly to ensure proper water flow and cleaning efficiency. If the deposits are particularly stubborn, you may need to scrub the affected areas with a soft brush or sponge to help dislodge the buildup.
Best Countertop Dishwashers in 2024
1
Rating is 5 out of 5
NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwashers, Compact Dishwashers with 5 L Built-in Water Tank & Inlet Hose, 5 Washing Programs, Baby Care, Air-Dry Function and LED Light for Small Apartments
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【SMALL SIZE, LARGE CAPACITY】This portable dishwasher only measures 16.9 x 16.8 x 18.1 inches, but holds 4 full place settings and fits up to 12" dishes loaded at an angle, easily meeting daily needs for a family of 3-4; the double-layer design offers enough space for 4 x serving bowls, 4 x cups, 4 x small plates, 4 x dinner plates, 7 x spoons, 7 x forks and 7 x knives; perfect for small-sized houses, apartments, dorms, boats, and campers/RVs
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【NO INSTALLATION NEEDED】This countertop dishwasher supports 2 water supply modes, including a faucet mode and water tank mode; a built-in 5 L water tank allows instant use when fully filled. The automatic water level indicator lets you know when the correct water level has been reached; to use the faucet mode, simply connect the water inlet hose to the machine and faucet
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【BABY CARE MODE】This compact dishwasher offers 5 wash cycles - Normal, Speed, Soft, Baby Care/Heavy, and Fruit; the Baby Care/Heavy mode with 167 °F washing temperature is suitable for baby products and oily tableware, which rinses them thoroughly and gives glassware a sparkling clean finish
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【QUALITY CONTROL NOTE】 NOVETE dishwasher undergoes manufacturer's quality tests to ensure proper operation, so a little residual water in the unit is NORMAL. Before first use, it is recommended to run for 5 minutes to clear the dust and odor that may be generated during long-distance transportation in the dishwasher
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【SPEED WASH】When you are in a hurry and want your dishes ready faster, select Speed mode, which cleans dishes in just 29 minutes; the automatic air circulation helps to dry dishes so that you can use immediately
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【FRUIT MODE】A fruit basket is included so fruit and vegetables can be cleaned easily, ready to serve directly from the dishwasher
2
Rating is 4.9 out of 5
Farberware Portable Countertop Dishwasher with 5-Liter Built-in Water Tank - 5-Program System for Home, RV, and Apartment - Wash Dishes, Glass, and Baby Products
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VERSATILE CLEANING OPTIONS: The Farberware countertop dishwasher offers five different wash cycles, including baby care, glass, and fruit wash, ensuring that all your dishes, from delicate glassware to baby bottles, are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.
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TIME-SAVING CONVENIENCE: With just 40 minutes, water, and electricity, you can have clean dishes and sparkling glassware anywhere and anytime. This small dishwasher is great for busy individuals who need a quick and efficient solution for their dishwashing needs.
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EASY TO USE AND MAINTAIN: This dishwasher features a user-friendly LED display and simple controls, making it easy to select the perfect wash cycle for your needs. Plus, the built-in water tank is easy to refill and clean, ensuring your dishwasher stays in top condition.
3
Rating is 4.8 out of 5
COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher, Energy Star Portable Dishwasher, 6 Place Settings & 8 Washing Programs, Speed, Baby-Care, ECO& Glass, Dish Washer for Dorm, RV& Apartment, Black
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【6 Place Setting】- A perfect size(H438×W550×D500mm) for 2-3 people, COMFEE’ compact dishwasher is suitable for dorms, RVs and apartments. This countertop dishwasher can fit up to 70 pieces of tableware, and a plate size of up to 10 inches diameter. Note: COMFEE dishwashers are tested at the factory before they are shipped. If your new dishwasher has some water inside, this is normal.
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【Simple Installation】- COMFEE' portable dishwasher can be connected to faucet directly (Suitable adaptor needed). Depending on your needs, it can be flexibly placed on the table or fitted in the cupboard.
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【8 Washing Cycles】- Most of the cleaning cycles, including Heavy, Normal, Baby-Care, ECO, Glass, and Speed, helped with extra-drying function, and deliver sparklingly cleaned and dried dishes. Three more cleaning options, including Speed, Mini-party, and Rinse, are designed for COMFEE' compact dishwasher, providing high flexibility for you to choose in different situations.
4
Rating is 4.7 out of 5
COMFEE' Portable Mini Dishwasher Countertop with 5L Built-in Water Tank for Apartments& RVs, No Hookup Needed, 6 Programs, 360° Dual Spray, 192℉ High-Temp& Air-Dry Function
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Please make sure the distance between your countertop and wall cupboard is more than 19.6" 【No installation needed】: Adding water manually in the 5L built-in water tank, you can put the dishwasher in any suitable place without connecting to tap water. Or it can be hooked to the kitchen faucet directly with the included water hose (Adapter included).Water pressure : 0.04 - 1.0MPa.
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[ Ultra-compact Design]: The ultra-compact design allows the dishwasher to wash 30+ items（Max to 9.5-inch plates) at a time while occupying a small area, which is ideal for small houses, apartments, dorms, boats, and campers/RVs.
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[ 6 Program Options ]: NORMAL, RAPID, STEAM, FRUIT, GLASS washing programs, and AIR REFRESH extra drying mode meet all your daily needs. Note: Use the standard dishwasher powders or detergents because regular liquid dish soap will cause dishwasher problems. (No detergent is needed for the FRUIT program, and RAPID just needs half of the standard quantity. )
5
Rating is 4.6 out of 5
Hermitlux Countertop Dishwasher, 5 Washing Programs Portable Dishwasher With 5-Liter Built-in Water Tank, No Hookup Needed
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When we enjoy cooking, we always have to face the problem of washing dishes. hermitlux Countertop Dishwasher is not only a convenient way to clean up after a meal but also saves a considerable amount of water compared to washing dishes by hand.
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【4 PLACE-SETTING CAPACITY】The Portable Dishwasher measures 16.85×16.73×18.03 inches (W×D×H), which has a 4 Place-Setting Capacity. And fits up to 10.25" dishes loaded at an angle.
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【FIVE WASHING PROGRAMS】Countertop Dishwasher with water tank perfectly provides 5 washing programs: Standard Cleaning, Fast Cleaning, ECO Cleaning, Strong Cleaning and Fruit Cleaning. Dual high water pressure spraying arms give dishes that streak-free deep cleaning.
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【HIGH TEMPERATURE】Dishwashers can clean tableware, fruits and vegetables, and also use the drying function after cleaning to keep tableware dry and tasteless. 167℉ High Temperature and PTC Hot Wind are suitable for baby products and oily tableware to give glassware a sparkling clean finish.
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【QUIET AND EFFICIENT】Top touch button for easy operation and recognition. The small footprint makes it perfect for small-sized houses, apartments, dorms, boats and RVs.
6
Rating is 4.5 out of 5
COMFEE' Portable Dishwasher Countertop with 5L Built-in Water Tank, No Hookup Needed, 6 Programs, 360° Dual Spray, 192℉ High-Temp& Air-Dry Function, Mini Dishwasher for RVs, White
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Please make sure the distance between your countertop and wall cupboard is more than 19.6" 【No installation needed】: Adding water manually in the 5L built-in water tank, you can put the dishwasher in any suitable place without connecting to tap water. Or it can be hooked to the kitchen faucet directly with the included water hose (Adapter included)
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[ Ultra-compact Design]: The ultra-compact design allows the dishwasher to wash 30+ items（Max to 9.5-inch plates) at a time while occupying a small area, which is ideal for small houses, apartments, dorms, boats, and campers/RVs.
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[ 192 ℉ HIGH-TEMP HYGIENE ]: The HYGIENE wash cycle boosts water temperature to 162 ℉ Rinsing and Max to 192 ℉ which can tackle even the heaviest soiled dishes and is also suitable for cleaning baby bottles and children’s dinner sets.
7
Rating is 4.4 out of 5
Countertop Dishwasher, HAVA Portable Dishwashers with 5 L Built-in Water Tank & Inlet Hose, 6 Programs, Baby Care, Air-Drying Function for Small Apartments, Dorms and RVs (Black)
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LARGE CAPACITY: This tabletop dishwashers only measures 16.86"L x 16.75"W x 18.05"H, but can hold up to 4 full place settings and fit up to 10.6" dishes loaded at an angle; the storage rack and cutlery basket make it easy to clean ''top rack only'' items such as knives, forks, and spoons, leaving more space for dishes and small pots; To ensure optimum dishwasher performance, please only use dishwasher detergent.
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5 WASH CYCLE OPTIONS & DRY MODE: Supports Normal, Speed, Soft, Heavy/Baby Care and Fruit modes for your various dishwashing needs; after each wash cycle finishes, an extra Dry mode provides an extra 60 minutes of drying, and offers 72-hour ventilated storage to prevent odors and keep your dishes clean 【NOTE】Do not move the dishwasher while it is operating or paused. Only move it when the water tank is completely drained
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360° CLEANING WITHOUT BLIND SPOTS: 14 water ports on the spray arms are designed to provide both top and bottom spraying for 360° cleaning coverage, rinsing your dishes thoroughly and giving them a sparkling clean finish
8
Rating is 4.3 out of 5
Portable Countertop Dishwasher with 5 Programs, 3-Cup Water Tank, Fruit/Veg Basket, High Temp, Air Dry
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Build- in Lights Function, Portable Size: 16x16x17.5(H) inch, 26.4 LB Net Weight, Convenient Dishwasher can fit a Variety of Dishes (up to 12-inches in diameter at an angle) and is ideal for small-sized Houses, Apartments, Dorms, Boats and Campers/RVs
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Multi Washing Programs: Six Wash Programs - Standard, Quick, Strong, ECO, Fruit and DRY. Lower and Upper Spray Arms give Dishes that Streak-Free Deep Cleaning
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Easy-To-Use Control Panel: The LED Digital Controls show a Clear Picture-View of Wash Controls and the Automatic Water Level Indicator Lets you Know When the Correct Water Level has been Reached
How to spot early signs of hard water deposits in a countertop dishwasher?
- White residue or film on dishes: One of the most common signs of hard water deposits in a countertop dishwasher is a white residue or film left on dishes and glassware after washing. This residue is caused by minerals in the water building up on the surfaces of the dishes as the water evaporates.
- Cloudy or spotty glassware: If your glassware is coming out of the dishwasher looking cloudy or spotty, it could be a sign of hard water deposits. The minerals in hard water can stick to the surface of the glass, leaving behind a cloudy or spotty appearance.
- Build-up on the dishwasher: If you notice a build-up of white or chalky residue on the interior of the dishwasher, particularly around the edges of the door or on the heating element, it could indicate the presence of hard water deposits.
- Inefficient cleaning: Hard water deposits can interfere with the effectiveness of your dishwasher, causing dishes to come out dirty or not fully cleaned. If you notice that your dishwasher is not cleaning as well as it used to, it may be due to hard water deposits.
- Dull or streaky dishes: Hard water deposits can also cause dishes to come out of the dishwasher looking dull or streaky. This is because the minerals in the water can leave a film on the surfaces of the dishes, creating a dull appearance.
If you notice any of these signs, it may be time to start treating your countertop dishwasher for hard water deposits. Using a dishwasher cleaner specifically formulated to remove hard water deposits can help to keep your dishwasher running smoothly and your dishes looking clean and spot-free.
How to eliminate hard water residue in a countertop dishwasher?
- Vinegar soak: Fill a bowl with white vinegar and place it on the top rack of the dishwasher. Run the dishwasher on a hot water cycle without any detergent. The vinegar will break down and remove the hard water residue.
- Baking soda scrub: Make a paste using baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the affected areas of the dishwasher and scrub gently with a soft brush or sponge. Rinse thoroughly with water.
- Lemon juice rinse: Cut a lemon in half and rub the cut side over the hard water stains. Let the lemon juice sit for a few minutes before wiping clean with a damp cloth.
- Commercial dishwasher cleaner: There are several commercial dishwasher cleaning products available that are specifically designed to remove hard water residue. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for best results.
- Regular maintenance: To prevent hard water residue build-up in the future, consider using a water softener or installing a water filtration system for your dishwasher. Additionally, make sure to clean out the filter regularly and run a maintenance cycle with a dishwasher cleaning tablet.
What is the impact of hard water on the longevity of a countertop dishwasher?
Hard water can have a significant impact on the longevity of a countertop dishwasher. Hard water contains high levels of minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which can build up inside the dishwasher over time. This mineral buildup can clog the dishwasher's internal components, reduce its efficiency, and eventually lead to malfunctions or breakdowns.
In addition, hard water can leave mineral deposits and soap scum on the interior and exterior of the dishwasher, which can be difficult to remove and may cause staining or discoloration.
To prevent the negative effects of hard water on a countertop dishwasher, it is important to regularly clean and descale the appliance using specially formulated cleaning products. Additionally, using a water softener or installing a filtration system can help reduce the mineral content in the water and prolong the lifespan of the dishwasher.
