Many people have a dishwasher in their kitchens; it makes the work of housewives much easier. But few of them asked the question: why is salt needed in the dishwasher?
What is the function of salt in the dishwasher?
In the process of heating water, the magnesium and calcium salts present in its composition settle, and scale forms on the surface, which reduces the operating time of the heating element of the dishwasher. Therefore, the purpose of salt in this household appliance is as follows:
- water softening;
- prevention of scale formation on the heating element, as well as on the surface of the tank;
- protecting dishes from the appearance of limescale, which is important for health;
- improving the quality of dishwashing due to the fact that more foam is formed in soft water.
Of course, you can install a special filter to soften the water. But it has a high price, takes up space, and requires additional maintenance.Therefore, using salt in this situation is the most suitable solution.
How dishwasher salt works
Dishwashers are equipped with a special container containing ionized resin. Tap water becomes softer as it passes through the resin due to the attraction of positively charged calcium and magnesium ions to the negatively charged sodium ions in the resin.
The ability of the resin to make water softer decreases after some time, so the amount of sodium ions in the resin should be replenished, and they are contained in salt.
When salt is not used, the ion exchanger deteriorates, and with harder water this happens much faster.
Composition of special dishwasher salt
If you carefully read the labels on the packaging, it becomes clear that the active ingredient of the product intended for use in dishwashers is sodium salt. Its simpler name is table salt. However, in appearance it differs from the one used in cooking: its crystals are larger and more uniform. In addition, other components are added during manufacturing:
- sodium percarbonate, which helps remove stains and disinfect;
- sodium citrate, intended to eliminate microbes;
- sodium polyaspartate, which is an ion-attracting base and a thickener. An expensive component that significantly improves the quality of the product;
- disilicate, used to soften hard water;
- flavoring agent necessary for a neutral odor.
Where should I add special dishwasher salt and in what quantity?
Dishwashers have special containers for adding salt, usually located at the bottom. 
If you open the door of the appliance and take out the baskets in which the dishes are placed, you can see a special container. The granulated product is placed in it using a special funnel so that it does not crumble; if tablets are used, then it is not needed.
The amount of salt depends on the size of the compartment; it must be full. During operation, the machine will use the required amount of product, determined by the existing program depending on the hardness of the water.
Dishwashers also have a special sensor that gives a signal if it is necessary to replenish the salt tank. How often depends on how often you use the dishwasher and the water hardness level.
After using the machine several times, be sure to check the container to see how the substance dissolves in it. It is important to remember not to mix salt and detergent.
What is the difference between specialty and table salt?
If the dishwasher detergent contains regular table salt, then the question arises: can it be used instead of a special product? Moreover, its cost is significantly lower.
As mentioned above, the products differ in appearance.
In addition, table salt has a lower degree of purification. It may contain grains of sand, as well as substances such as manganese, iron, iodine, calcium and the like. This may affect the smooth functioning of the device, as these elements can settle on the internal surfaces of the machine.
In addition, special salt, due to its larger crystals, dissolves more slowly than food salt. You should also remember that it should not be used for food purposes due to its high toxicity.
If you want to replace special salt, it is better to use the “Extra” class, which has a higher purity. Before using it, be sure to check whether there are any foreign impurities or stones in it.
Types of dishwasher salt
Salt for use in the dishwasher is available in the following forms:
- powders that usually do not contain chlorine and reagents;
- granules;
- pills.
Surfactants can be added to all of these products. It is better to pay attention to non-ionic ones, since they are less aggressive.
It is important to pay attention to the fact that detergents are produced in “two in one” and “three in one” formats. But they don’t necessarily contain salt; they can just be detergents with fragrance.
How to determine water hardness
If salt is needed for use in hard water, then it is important to know how to independently determine this indicator. There are several possibilities.
One of the easiest ways is to lather your wet hands with soap. A lot of foam appears in soft water, but not in hard water. Therefore, the quality of dishwashing will be lower.
You can take two bottles of the same volume and fill one with drinking water and the other with tap water. Then weigh and compare the results: the heavier the tap water, the harder it is.
Another method is to observe the rate at which limescale settles in the kettle.
The faster it appears, the higher the water hardness.
Another at-home method is to test for turbidity. To do this, place a transparent vessel with water in a dark room for two to three days. If turbidity has formed in the container, then the water is very hard.
You can also find information about water hardness in a given region on the Internet. They change depending on the weather and time of year.
The most reliable result is obtained if you use special test strips. They are often supplied with individual models of dishwashers and come in several types:
- a set of several strips, the principle of which is as follows: the more strips from the set change color, the harder the water;
- a set of strips and a reagent poured into the water after the strip is lowered into it;
- strips that change color entirely within a minute after they are lowered into the water.
If you follow the instructions, then using test strips gives an accurate result when determining the hardness of water.
There is another way to guarantee the correct use of a special analyzer - a TDS meter. Its only drawback is a very high price.
Top 7 manufacturers of salt for dishwashers
The choice of products for dishwashers in stores is huge. They differ in price, composition, volume. Below are the most popular brands.
Finish 
It is produced by Russian companies and is the leader among analogues. In stores you can find packs of this powder of one and a half and three kilograms. Such a volume is calculated approximately for three to six months. The price range starts from 220 rubles. A package weighing 1.5 kg is enough for 25-30 washing cycles. The product has the following characteristics:
- softening of water, preventing the appearance of scale;
- promoting the formation of foam, as a result of which the dishes get rid of streaks;
- improving the quality of washing.
Filtero 
It is made from coarse-grained salt, packaged in packages of 1 kilogram.Additionally, it is packed in a waterproof film, which makes storage convenient. It can be used in any model, softens water well. Prevents the formation of limescale, helps to reduce the consumption of detergents.
Magic Power 
The main advantages are low price and good quality. It is produced in powder form. The cost is about half that of the previous product. Salt is spent more economically, thanks to large granules. However, with an increase in water hardness, the consumption increases.
This company also produces tablets for washing, which contain salt. If the dishwasher instructions provide for the use of "three in one" products, then such tablets will do.
Paclan 
Low price and good quality. It is produced in powder form in packages of one kilogram. This is very convenient, so the entire pack is poured into the machine at one time, and there is no need to store the started one.
Sodasan 
It is made from highly purified salt. Eco-friendly, as there are no dyes, fragrances or other additives. However, this reduces the quality of washing. The market offers two-kilogram packages costing about 500 rubles. Such packaging can be used for a year, depending on the water hardness.
This product is declared as biodegradable, but its cost is quite high. And it can be assumed that this characteristic on the packaging is more of a marketing gimmick.
Topperr 
It is produced in the form of powder and tablets. Contains large-crystalline salt. No fragrances are used, economical to use. The powder is packaged in 750 grams and 1.5 kilograms (there are two packages).Tablets in packs of one and a half kilograms cost approximately 450 rubles.
Yplon
Contains coarse salt, which makes it an excellent water softener. Prevents the formation of smudges. This product is difficult to find on the market. There are packages weighing 4 kg, the cost varies from 500 to 700 rubles.
How can I replace special salt for dishwashers?
As noted above, salt must be used in dishwashers to prevent plaque and improve the quality of washing. However, some ladies are wondering whether this product can be replaced with something. Home craftsmen have come up with several ways:
- Use regular table salt. You should know that if left undissolved, it will form a dense lump that will interfere with the normal operation of the device. Therefore, the container must be filled to one third of the volume recommended by the manufacturer. Unlike a special product that can be added monthly.
It must be remembered that rock table salt should be used occasionally, as this may cause damage to the device. Sea table salt is unsuitable for this purpose due to the high amount of impurities. Therefore, the conclusion is the following: if you want to replace a special product, then you need to use only “Extra” class salt, evaporated and without any impurities.
- Apply saline solution. To do this, you will need to make a solution of one part water and one part salt and fill a container in the machine. When used in this way, the salt does not compact into a lump, but the disadvantage should be noted that the composition must be done regularly.
- You can use tablet products and three-in-one products.They should be loaded into the container according to the manufacturer's recommendations. In this case, the substance will be washed out gradually and will not form a solid lump.
It is important to remember that if you do not follow the instructions and use various substitutes, in the event of a malfunction, warranty repair will be denied. Therefore, it is better to carry out various replacement experiments after the end of the warranty period.
So, using salt in the dishwasher is necessary, but you have to decide for yourself which product to choose and how to use it.
