The amount of dishwasher salt you need depends on the size and type of your dishwasher, as well as the hardness of your water.
Understanding Dishwasher Salt
Dishwasher salt is essential for softening hard water. Hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can leave white spots and streaks on dishes and damage your dishwasher's heating element. Dishwasher salt regenerates the resin beads in your dishwasher's water softener, removing these minerals.
Checking Your Dishwasher's Salt Level
Most dishwashers have a salt indicator light or a transparent salt container that lets you know when you need to add more.
- Check the indicator light: A red or blinking light usually signals that the salt level is low.
- Visual check: Look at the salt container. If it is empty or close to empty, it's time to refill it.
How Much Salt to Add
- Follow the instructions: Your dishwasher's manual will have specific instructions on how much salt to add and where to find the salt container.
- Don't overfill: Adding too much salt can damage your dishwasher.
Filling the Salt Container
- Remove the container: Locate the salt container, usually near the bottom of your dishwasher.
- Fill with salt: Fill the container with dishwasher salt, not table salt.
- Run a cycle: Run a short cycle without any dishes to dissolve the salt and activate the water softener.
Tips for Using Dishwasher Salt
- Use dishwasher salt: Never use table salt, as it can damage your dishwasher.
- Refill regularly: Don't let the salt run out completely.
- Check water hardness: If you have very hard water, you may need to add salt more frequently.
