How To Use Dishwasher Salt

Make sure the cup you use is dishwasher safe.

How to use dishwasher salt. To top up the salt first you ll need to remove the bottom rack from your dishwasher. Then set a cup of white vinegar on the top rack of the dishwasher. To use dishwasher salt first remove the bottom rack in your dishwasher to expose the salt reservoir. Dishwasher salt should only be used in dishwashers with a dedicated salt compartment.

Run a full cycle with the cup in place. Once it s out of the way have a look on the floor of the dishwasher for a cap that you can unscrew it s usually off to one side. Pour your salt into the unit until it s full and wipe up any spillages with a damp cloth so the salt doesn t contaminate your dishes. Dishwasher salt is sodium chloride the same chemical that makes up table and sea salts.

It might be on rollers so you ll have to lift it a little to get it to come out. Then unscrew the water softener cap to make sure there s enough water inside and top it up if necessary. How to use dishwasher salt. Before cleaning the tub use paper towels to remove food scraps dirt and debris from the bottom of the dishwasher.

If the unit has a built in water softening system it will most likely have a salt compartment usually located around the bottom basket. This should clean and deodorize your dishwasher s interior. Most modern dishwashers have an indicator light to remind you when it is time to top off with salt while older machines have a float indicator. Fortunately some machines have an indicator that shows when dishwasher salt levels are running low.

You ll need to pull out the lower rack to access it and you should have a small funnel that came with your dishwasher to help make sure all the salt goes in the hole. Your dishwasher is ready to use again. To ensure that the salt upholds its effectiveness you should check its levels on a regular basis such as once a month to make sure that the salt tank is always full. Some 3 in 1 dishwasher tablets contain an ingredient with salt action to improve cleaning power but this is not a substitute for adding salt to the water.

You shouldn t use table salt though as it is much finer and can block and cause damage to your dishwasher. Fill the compartment with dishwasher salt close the compartment and latch it shut and your unit.