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What is Dishwasher Salt?

When purchasing a dishwasher, you are usually advised to buy dishwasher salt, but what is it and what does it do?

21 April, 2024

Dishwashing Salt: The Unsung Hero for Sparkling Clean Dishes

Dishwashing salt is an essential yet often overlooked component in the dishwashing process. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not the same as regular table salt and plays a crucial role in determining the cleanliness and shine of your dishes.

What is Dishwashing Salt?

Dishwashing salt is a unique type of salt specifically designed to enhance the performance of dishwashers. Unlike regular salt, it is not the same as the one we use in the kitchen.

Dishwashing salt: What is it? (Source: Bosch-home.co.uk)

While dishwashing salt has Sodium Chloride (NaCl) as its main component, similar to common salt, there are key differences in its composition. Dishwashing salt is free of iron and carbonate, which can increase water hardness and potentially damage the dishwasher. The absence of these elements helps preserve the appliance and ensures optimal cleaning performance.

Additionally, specialized dishwashing salt has larger-sized granules than regular salt. This is intentional, allowing it to dissolve slower, aligning with the dishwasher’s operation, which typically uses water over a prolonged period. The slow dissolution sustains the water softening effect for an extended duration, maximizing the machine’s efficiency.

Can you use table salt instead of dishwashing salt? Although dishwashing salt shares its primary ingredient with table salt, the differences in manufacturing and grain size make dishwashing salt the superior choice for maintaining your dishwasher’s performance and longevity.

Using table salt in dishwashers can lead to blockages and damage. Moreover, it may not provide optimal cleaning results. To ensure the proper functioning and durability of your dishwasher, it’s essential to use salt specially formulated for the appliance.

Why Do Dishwashers Need Salt?

The use of hot water for dishwashing can result in the accumulation of calcium deposits and other minerals present in the water, forming scale similar to limescale. This not only damages the internal components of the dishwasher but also reduces its cleaning effectiveness, leaving dishes less than spotless.

Dishwashing salt plays a critical role in mitigating the effects of hard water on both the appliance and the items being washed. As dishwashing salt dissolves in the rinse water, its sodium ions attract the magnesium and calcium ions (the “hardness” minerals), a process known as water softening.

By softening the water, dishwashing salt prevents scale buildup and other mineral deposits, enabling the dishwasher to function more efficiently and prolonging its lifespan. Simultaneously, the removal of hardness ions enhances the cleaning process, resulting in dishes free from water spots and residue.

Additionally, dishwashing salt may include other additives, such as anti-caking agents and brightening agents, to enhance the shine of your dishes.

Using dishwashing salt is straightforward. (Source: Istock)

Using Dishwashing Salt in Dishwashers

Using dishwashing salt in your dishwasher is a straightforward process. First, identify the designated salt compartment in the appliance. Typically, it’s located at the bottom of the dishwasher, near the main spray arm. The compartment usually has a protective lid to prevent salt from exposure to moisture and debris.

Once you’ve located the compartment, fill it with salt and a small amount of water to aid dissolution and prepare it for the washing process. Securely close the salt compartment lid, then adjust the dial to start the washing cycle.

Note: A single fill of dishwashing salt can last for weeks or even months, depending on the frequency of dishwasher use. The appliance will notify you when the salt level is low, usually through an indicator light or salt symbol on the dishwasher’s control panel.

If you notice that the salt indicator light remains illuminated for more than a month, your dishwasher may have an issue. Check for any problems with the salt supply system and address them accordingly.

Source: VTC NEWS

Frequently asked questions

While both types of salt share Sodium Chloride (NaCl) as their main component, dishwashing salt is specifically formulated for use in dishwashers. It has a larger grain size, which dissolves slower, and does not contain iron and carbonate, which can increase water hardness and harm the appliance. Table salt, on the other hand, is intended for culinary use and has a finer grain size. Using table salt in dishwashers can lead to blockages and damage, compromising cleaning results.

Dishwashers use hot water, which can lead to the accumulation of calcium deposits and other minerals, forming scale. Dishwashing salt helps mitigate this by attracting and binding to the “hardness” minerals (magnesium and calcium ions) through a process called water softening. This prevents scale buildup, protects the internal components, and ensures efficient cleaning. It also enhances the cleaning process, leaving dishes spotless and residue-free.

Locate the designated salt compartment in your dishwasher, usually at the bottom near the main spray arm. Fill it with dishwashing salt and a small amount of water to aid dissolution. Securely close the lid and adjust the dial to start the washing cycle. One fill of salt can last for weeks or months, depending on usage frequency. Your dishwasher will notify you when the salt level is low through an indicator light or symbol on the control panel.

The frequency of refilling depends on how often you use your dishwasher. A single fill of dishwashing salt can last for several weeks or even months. Your dishwasher will typically notify you when the salt level is low via an indicator light or a salt symbol on the control panel. If the salt indicator light stays illuminated for more than a month, there might be an issue with your dishwasher’s salt supply system, and it’s advisable to check for any problems.