What is dishwasher salt used for?

What dishwasher salt is and why it’s not regular salt

Dishwasher salt is a high-purity sodium chloride specifically designed for the appliance’s internal systems. Although it is chemically similar to table salt, it is not the same: it contains no iodine, anti-caking agents, or additives that could damage the inside of the dishwasher.

Its function is not related to adding flavor or directly cleaning the dishes. The salt works behind the scenes, inside the machine, as part of a key system that keeps washing performance consistent.

What dishwasher salt is really used for

Dishwasher salt is used to soften the water. Many homes have hard water, meaning it contains a high concentration of calcium and magnesium. These minerals are what cause limescale.

The dishwasher has a built-in water softener that uses special resins to trap those minerals. The salt’s job is to regenerate those resins, allowing them to keep capturing limescale effectively cycle after cycle.

Thanks to this process:

• Detergent works better.
• Dishes come out cleaner and shinier.
• It helps prevent limescale buildup in pipes, heating elements, and spray arms.

What happens if you don’t use salt in the dishwasher

If you don’t use salt (or the reservoir is empty), the water softener stops working properly. This leads to a series of progressively worse issues:

• Whitish residue on glasses and cutlery.
• Loss of shine, especially on glassware.
• Higher detergent consumption to achieve the same results.
• Limescale buildup inside the dishwasher.
• In the long run, breakdowns in heating elements and internal components.

It is important to note that even if you live in a “soft water” area, most manufacturers recommend using salt to ensure stable performance and extend the appliance’s lifespan.

When and how to refill dishwasher salt

Most dishwashers include a warning light that indicates when the salt level is low. If your model does not have one, a common guideline is to check the reservoir every few weeks, depending on usage and water hardness.

To refill it correctly:

• Open the salt reservoir cap (usually on the base inside the dishwasher).
• Add only dishwasher-specific salt.
• Fill up to the indicated limit and close the cap tightly.
• If any salt spills, clean it up before starting a program.

It is normal for the indicator light to take one or two washes to turn off after the first fill.

Common myths about dishwasher salt

• “Salt cleans the dishes”: false. It doesn’t wash; it protects the system.
• “I can use table salt”: incorrect. Additives can damage the water softener.
• “If I use all-in-one tablets I don’t need salt”: it depends on your water; in many areas, salt is still necessary.
• “You only need it when there’s lots of visible limescale”: limescale starts damaging the inside long before you can see it.

Tips for using dishwasher salt correctly

• Set the dishwasher’s water hardness level according to your area.
• Don’t wait until the reservoir is completely empty.
• Always use products specifically designed for dishwashers.
• If you notice recurring white residue, check the salt level before changing detergent.

In short, dishwasher salt is not an optional extra: it is essential for protecting the appliance, improving washing results, and preventing limescale problems that, over time, can become costly repairs.