How to Use Dishwasher Salt

What Is Dishwasher Salt and What Does It Do?

Dishwasher salt is a coarse-grain sodium chloride product designed specifically for use in dishwashers that have a built-in water softener. It regenerates the ion exchange resin inside the water softener, which removes calcium and magnesium minerals from the water before it is used in the wash cycle. The result is softer water that cleans more effectively, leaves fewer spots and less limescale on dishes, and protects the dishwasher interior from mineral buildup.

Does Your Dishwasher Need Salt?

Not all dishwashers have a salt compartment. Check the bottom of your dishwasher tub — if there is a round screw cap (usually marked with an S or a salt symbol), your dishwasher has a water softener and can use dishwasher salt. If there is no compartment, your dishwasher does not have a built-in water softener and does not use salt.

• Salt compartment present → your dishwasher uses salt
• No salt compartment → use a hard water booster in the detergent dispenser instead

How to Fill the Dishwasher Salt Compartment

1. Pull out the bottom rack to access the salt compartment on the floor of the dishwasher tub
2. Unscrew the cap counterclockwise and set it aside
3. If filling for the first time, pour water into the compartment first until it is full — this is only needed on first use
4. Use the funnel that came with your dishwasher (or a wide-mouth funnel) to pour the salt into the compartment — fill until the salt reaches the top
5. Wipe away any salt that spills into the tub — loose salt can cause temporary spotting on dishes
6. Screw the cap back on firmly
7. Run a rinse cycle immediately after filling to flush any spilled salt from the tub

Finish Dishwasher Salt is a reliable, widely available option in a 2kg pack that lasts several months depending on water hardness and how often you run the dishwasher.

How Often to Refill Dishwasher Salt

Most dishwashers have a salt indicator light on the control panel that illuminates when the salt level is low. Check it regularly and refill before it runs out completely.

• In very hard water areas: refill every four to six weeks
• In moderately hard water areas: refill every two to three months
• In soft water areas: refill less frequently or consider whether salt is needed at all

Setting the Water Softener Level

Most dishwashers allow you to set the water softener level to match your local water hardness. Check your dishwasher manual for instructions — the setting is usually adjusted through the control panel or a dial inside the salt compartment area. Setting it correctly ensures the right amount of salt is used per cycle.

• Higher water hardness → higher softener setting → more salt used per cycle
• Lower water hardness → lower softener setting → less salt used per cycle

Important: Only Use Dishwasher Salt

Never use table salt, sea salt, rock salt, or any other type of salt in the dishwasher salt compartment. These contain additives and impurities that can damage the water softener resin and the dishwasher interior. Only use salt specifically labeled for dishwasher use.

Final Tips

• Check the salt indicator light monthly and refill before it runs empty
• Always use a funnel to avoid spilling salt into the tub
• Run a rinse cycle after filling to flush any spilled salt
• Set the water softener level to match your local water hardness
• Only use salt specifically designed for dishwashers