If you’ve ever wondered if dishwasher salt is important, the answer is YES! It’s often overlooked, but it plays a crucial role: it helps combat limescale, ensuring effective washes and helping your dishwasher run efficiently over time.
Let’s find out in detail what it’s for, where it should be inserted, and how often!
What is dishwasher salt used for?
Salt isn’t used to wash dishes, but to soften the water used during wash cycles . In fact, water can contain high amounts of limescale, which, over time, builds up inside the dishwasher and on dishes, causing:
- streaks and stains on glasses and plates.
- Less effective washing performance .
- Increased wear of internal components.
- Possible faults due to limescale build-up.
Salt helps reduce water hardness and protect your dishwasher , helping to maintain high washing performance over time.
Where do you put salt in the dishwasher?
Every dishwasher is equipped with a dedicated salt reservoir, generally located on the bottom of the appliance, under the lower basket.
To add it, simply remove the lower basket, unscrew the reservoir cap and pour in the salt using the appropriate funnel.
NOTE: Use only dishwasher-safe salt . Table salt, while similar in appearance, may contain additives that could prevent your water softener from working properly.
How often should salt be added?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Frequency depends mainly on two factors:
- The hardness of the water in your area.
- How often you use your dishwasher.
On average, a family that uses the dishwasher every day may need to refill the salt every 4-8 weeks , but the frequency may vary depending on water characteristics and usage habits.
Newer dishwashers display a low salt indicator light. If you have a Haier, Candy, or Hoover dishwasher connected to the hOn app , you won’t have to remember to check the salt level manually: the app notifies you when it’s time to refill and lets you check the level at any time.
What happens if you don’t add salt?
Nothing serious! It’s not an emergency, but over time, a lack of salt can affect both the washing results and the lifespan of the appliance . Among the consequences : more There are municipalities :
- Opaque glasses .
- White stains on plates and cutlery.
- Limescale deposits inside the appliance.
- Reduction of the effectiveness of washing .
- Greater risk of wear and tear over time.
Checking your salt level periodically takes just a few minutes, but it can make a big difference to the efficiency and lifespan of your dishwasher.
A simple gesture that makes the difference
Proper dishwasher maintenance helps keep it efficient for longer, reducing the risk of limescale buildup and ensuring consistently optimal washing results.
With the hOn app this becomes even simpler for Candy, Haier and Hoover washing machines: in addition to alerting you when necessary and guiding you step by step to avoid mistakes.
Want to learn more about your dishwasher? Read hOn’s maintenance guide, with tips for keeping it running efficiently and lasting longer.
