Error: the dishes are scratched in a Beko dishwasher: causes and solution

What this warning means

Marks, fine lines, dull areas or small chips on glasses, plates and cups after a cycle in a Beko dishwasher almost always point to a usage or maintenance issue — not an electrical fault or control-board failure. The two usual culprits are a poorly distributed load and regenerating salt spilled outside its reservoir. Both allow microscopic abrasion (from rubbing items or loose salt grains) to act like sandpaper on polished surfaces. Fortunately, the problem is normally fixed by simple adjustments: rearranging the dishes, cleaning up salt residue and ensuring the salt cap is correctly closed.

What happens inside the dishwasher

The dishwasher is a dynamic environment: spray arms push pressurized water, racks vibrate and items shift. When two pieces touch for several minutes, repeated friction — even if gentle — produces visible wear over multiple cycles. If regenerating salt gets outside its compartment, loose grains can remain in recesses or at the tub bottom and be carried around by the water, turning into an abrasive residue that rubs against fragile surfaces. The result is gradual deterioration that usually shows first on glassware.

Main causes and how to identify them

Disorganized loading

When dishes are crowded, tilted, or resting against one another they move as a block under the force of the jets. Glasses, goblets and thin-walled items are particularly vulnerable: even small, repeated contacts create faint lines that deepen with time. Typical signs: the same item shows recurring marks, damage concentrates on glassware while heavy plates remain intact, or you notice movement during the cycle.

Spilled regenerating salt

Salt should stay inside its dedicated compartment. If it is poured around the opening or the cap is not properly tightened, grains can settle at the tub base or in crevices. These remnants may partially dissolve but still leave abrasive particles that get dragged across dishes in subsequent cycles. Typical signs: visible particles or residue at the bottom of the tub, marks that appear after a refill, or continued scratching despite careful loading.

Practical fixes

• Rearrange the load: Separate glasses and fragile items so they do not touch. Place items on their proper supports and avoid tilting fragile pieces toward the rack or each other.
• Reduce crowding: Leave consistent spacing so water can circulate and items do not shift under pressure.
• Clean spilled salt: Remove any visible salt residue from the tub and recesses immediately after refilling.
• Run a prewash/rinse: After cleaning up spilled salt, run a short prewash to flush any remaining grains before the next full cycle.
• Check the salt cap: After refilling, ensure the reservoir cover is fully seated and tightened; a loose cap can leak salt over multiple uses.
• Inspect supports and racks: Make sure tine rows, cup supports and rack adjustments are intact so items sit stably during the cycle.

Quick cause → solution summary

• Load rubbing against itself: Reposition items, separate fragile pieces, use dedicated supports.
• Salt residue in tub: Remove residue, run a rinse/prewash, ensure the salt cap is closed properly.
• Persistent marks after corrections: Inspect racks, spray arms and the salt compartment for damage; consider service if mechanical parts are broken.

Prevention checklist (do every refill and before each cycle)

1. Place glasses and delicate items so they don’t touch neighboring pieces.
2. Avoid overloading; keep regular spacing between plates and bowls.
3. Refill salt carefully; wipe any spill immediately.
4. Verify the salt reservoir cap is fully closed after refilling.
5. Periodically inspect racks and holders for wear or misalignment.
6. If you spill salt, run a short rinse/prewash before the next full wash.

Scratch vs chip — how to tell the difference

A scratch typically appears as a whitish, dull line or loss of shine without material missing. A chip shows an edge with visible material loss. Scratches usually point to rubbing (load or salt); chips often result from direct impacts or sharp knocks. Identifying the pattern helps decide whether to adjust loading habits or check for loose/broken parts.

When to seek professional service

If marks persist after correcting loading and salt handling, or if you find broken tines, damaged holders, a cracked salt reservoir or loose spray arms, contact a technician. Continued damage despite correct usage can indicate mechanical issues that need repair or replacement of parts.

Remember: this warning is primarily a domestic alert about routine and maintenance. Simple, consistent habits — careful loading, clean salt refills and checking the cap — prevent most wear and keep your glassware looking its best. If you need help diagnosing other errors, you can use our free error code finder to identify and solve additional problems.