For cloudy glassware and white film on the Whirlpool WDT970SAKZ, Whirlpool's own article lists six checks in a fixed order: water on and open, rinse aid in use, the high-temperature wash option, the heated dry option, the right detergent, and a clean dishwasher. Whirlpool says premeasured tablets and packs beat powder, liquid and gel for reducing filming, that hard water of 15 grains per gallon or more causes deposits a water softener is needed to prevent, and that affresh cleaner or a white vinegar rinse removes existing spots, sometimes needing more than one treatment.
Differential
Likely causes of “Whirlpool dishwasher leaves spots, film or cloudy glassware”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Rinse aid is empty or the level is too low
What separates it Spots and streaks dry on glassware and the dispenser indicator looks clear
How to confirm Refill the dispenser and raise the level in the settings menu, one step at a time
- 2
Hard water above 15 grains per gallon
What separates it The white film returns quickly after cleaning because the hard water is above 15 grains per gallon
How to confirm Install a water softener, as Whirlpool recommends, and run the cycle again
- 3
The wrong or old detergent, or dish soap
What separates it Cloudy glasses and suds when the door is opened
How to confirm Use fresh premeasured tablets or packs and only automatic dishwasher detergent
- 4
Limescale and residue inside the tub
What separates it White residue on the tub walls as well as the glass
How to confirm Clean with affresh Dishwasher Cleaner or a white vinegar rinse
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether the film wipes off with vinegar, which points to mineral deposits
- The rinse aid level setting and how long since the dispenser was filled
- The detergent type and your water hardness in grains per gallon
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedFill the rinse aid and set the level
ReversibleRinse aid needs adding every 1 to 3 months. In the settings menu the Rinse Aid Level runs A0 to A6, from off to 5.2 mL. Whirlpool says to change only a little at a time and run a few cycles before changing again.
Use the right detergent
ReversibleWhirlpool recommends high-quality premeasured tablets and packs, which reduce filming better than powder, liquid or gel. Put them in the main compartment and close the lid; use automatic dishwasher detergent only and store it closed in a cool dry place.
Use high temperature wash and heated dry
ReversibleThe Hi Temp option raises the main wash temperature for baked-on soil, and Heated Dry with rinse aid gives the best drying. Heated Dry will not dry plastics or remove all moisture from convex-bottomed items.
Clean the interior
ReversibleRun affresh Dishwasher Cleaner monthly, or a white vinegar rinse: 2 cups in an upright glass measuring cup in the lower rack on a normal cycle with the dry option off. Repeat if the spots are severe.
Treat the water
ReversibleIf your hardness is 15 grains per gallon or more, Whirlpool strongly recommends a water softener.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Tools and supplies
- A flashlight, a bath towel and a shallow pan for water, a sponge and warm water, white vinegar or affresh Dishwasher Cleaner, a 5/16 inch nut driver for the access panel and a small level. Whirlpool says not to operate the dishwasher unless all enclosure panels are in place and to disconnect power before opening any panel.
- Pre-wash detergent marker
- The Pre-Wash indicator on the dispenser lid is for powder or gel detergent when you want extra detergent in the pre-wash; it holds about 8 cubic centimeters if filled level, and is added immediately when the cycle starts, unlike the main compartment, which releases in the main wash. Premeasured tablets and packs always go in the main compartment.
- Parts for this problem on the WDT970SAKZ (RepairClinic, 2026-09-21)
- detergent dispenser, part number W11412300, at $115.21; micro filter assembly, part number W11460958, at $46.34.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models WDT750SAKZ, WDT730HAMZ, WDT540HAMZ, WDP540HAMZ, WDTA50SAHZ, WDF520PADM.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If film persists after a vinegar rinse, a clean tub and a softener, note the hardness and contact Whirlpool with the model and serial number
- !If the wash water never gets hot, check the hot supply is 120 F before blaming the dishwasher
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Whirlpool's own article on a dishwasher that will not fill, including the Start/Resume indicator and the 3 second door rule.
Whirlpool's own manual for this model, English pages 1 to 29: maintenance, loading, care, setting menu, error codes, installation and the check-operation cycle.
Whirlpool's own help articles for its dishwashers, each; the article for this page is named in the page's notes.
Whirlpool's own product-assistance and cleaning articles for its dishwashers.
Parts and list prices as shown on RepairClinic's parts search for this model number on 2026-09-21.
Exact questions
Common questions
How do I remove white film?+
Run affresh Dishwasher Cleaner or a vinegar rinse; severe spots may need more than one treatment.
Do tablets work better than powder?+
Whirlpool says quality tablets and packs have been proven better at reducing filming, and over time they reduce or eliminate white film.
How much rinse aid does it dispense?+
From 0 mL up to 5.2 mL per cycle depending on the A0 to A6 level.
How often do I refill rinse aid?+
Every 1 to 3 months depending on use.
What is the hard-water limit?+
15 grains per U.S. gallon or more can damage the dishwasher and make good results hard; a softener is recommended.
Does Heated Dry dry plastic?+
No. Heated Dry will not dry plastic articles or remove all moisture from convex-bottomed items.