The problem is often worse in hard water areas where salt must always be used to activate the water softener. Detergent tablets claiming to have 'salt action' is a pure sales pitch by the tablet manufacturer. The clouding effect on glassware is evidence that the water softener has failed or more likely the user has not topped up the salt container. Recharging with salt will quickly remedy the problem.

Very badly clouded glassware can be cleaned by hand-washing using a dilution of water and vinegar or lemon juice.