Dishwasher salt is a product specially formulated to correct water hardness. In fact, if the water is hard, it can make dishes look dirty, streaked or covered with an oily film. Where it is particularly tough, such as in the UK and most of Europe, almost all dishwashers have a built-in water softener that needs to be refilled with salt periodically. It is not a difficult operation and will help you keep your dishes cleaner and brighter!
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Put the Salt in the Dishwasher
Step 1. Remove the lower basket to locate the salt reservoir
Pull it out completely and place it on the kitchen counter. You will probably have to lift it slightly to unhook it from the rollers. You find it on the bottom of the car, probably on the side. If you don't see it, maybe your dishwasher doesn't have a built-in water softener.
Step 2. Unscrew the cap and check the water
The softener is equipped with a cap that must be closed tightly once removed. Unscrew it and set it aside. If this is your first time using the softener, you need to fill it with water. Pour in enough so that it reaches the brim.
The water softening system should always have some water in it after the first use. Refilling should not be necessary
Step 3. Use dishwasher salt only
You can buy it at the supermarket, hardware store or on the Internet. Regardless of which brand you choose, don't replace it with table salt, sea salt or kosher salt, as they contain additives that can increase the hardness of the water or are too thin and risk blocking the softener.
Step 4. Pour the salt into the funnel until the reservoir is full
Each dishwasher is equipped with a water softener of different sizes that can contain different amounts of salt, so there are no precise doses. Pour the salt into the water softener until it is completely full. Since you have also added the water, you will in effect create a saline solution capable of restoring the chemical processes that take place in the integrated softener.
The funnel allows you to prevent salt from leaking into the machine. Then, hold it over the tank instead of sticking it directly into the water softener. If it gets wet, you will have a hard time pouring the salt properly
Step 5. Wipe off excess salt with a damp cloth
If any specks have fallen around the softener, wipe them off with a wet cloth. What you add to the water softener will never come into contact with the dishes, as it stays inside. However, if it wanders in the dishwasher, it will mix with the wash water. It will not damage the dishes, but there is a risk that after the end of the cycle they will be slightly dirty (or salty).
In addition, you can start a rinse cycle without dishes to remove any salt that may have spread in the dishwasher
Step 6. Screw the cap tight
Put it back and check that it is tight. If it opens during washing and detergent enters the softener, it may break. Certainly it is better not to buy a new dishwasher just because the cap of the water softening system has not been closed properly!
Step 7. Put the lower basket back and start the dishwasher normally
Once you have checked the cap, you can place the lower basket in the machine. Add the dishes to wash and start it as usual. There is no need to rinse or wash without dishes after refilling the salt.
Part 2 of 2: Check if the Dishwasher Needs Salt
Step 1. Use dishwasher salt
If you are not sure if your machine is equipped with a water softening system, contact the manufacturer's technician. If you don't spot it at the bottom, it probably doesn't exist. Do not put the salt in other tanks intended for normal detergents or dishwasher detergents, otherwise they could damage your appliance.
Not all dishwashers are equipped with an integrated water softener that needs to be filled with salt. Only some models are equipped with it
Step 2. Check the salt indicator
The easiest way to know if your machine needs salt is to see when it's ready to be refilled! Many dishwashers have an indicator light on the top panel and / or on the water softening system. If it is green, it means that there is no problem, while if it is red (or it goes off on the softener), then you need to top up.
Step 3. Fill the tank at least once a month
If your dishwasher does not have an indicator light, you need to program the times. It is preferable to top up the salt about once a month if the machine is equipped with an integrated water softener. Even if it has an indicator light, recharge it if it's been more than a month.
If you notice that the indicator light takes more than a month to tell you to add salt, it is likely broken. Check the softener levels and call the technician if you are concerned
Step 4. Fill the tank if the dishes have streaks
Check them to see if the machine can correct the water hardness. If it gets too hard, the plates begin to get a white, striped patina, especially on clear glass glasses. Fill the salt reservoir to restore the brilliance of your wine glasses!
