A dishwasher is a kitchen device that greatly simplifies cooking and cleaning. Like any equipment, it needs proper operation, in this case, compliance with the rules regarding washing dishes. In order for the device to efficiently wash away food residues and dirt from kitchen utensils, detergents and special salt for dishwashers are required. Especially when the city water supply contains a high percentage of calcium/magnesium, buy special tablets with a special composition.
What types of dishwasher salt are presented, what are its manufacturing features, the nuances of use - more on this later in the article. Additionally, consider a list of the most commonly used products.
Why are salts needed?
The water that flows through the pipes is hard. Regular use of such liquid will cause dishwasher failure. The water may also contain harmful elements (for example, calcium and magnesium).
They pose a particular danger to equipment. Hot water causes plaque (scale) to form. It is because of this that the heating elements of the dishwasher break down. Salt helps get rid of harmful substances.
Important! The use of salts allows you to extend the life of the equipment and prevents damage to the device. Before purchasing this product, you should carefully study the advantages and disadvantages and features of your choice.
Why is a test run necessary?
The need to turn on the dishwasher for the first time in test mode is due to several important factors:
- The first idle start allows you to check the proper operation of the equipment, correct connections, and the tightness of all components and communications. Such a preliminary check of the operation of the PMM will identify manufacturing defects, installation errors, and the serviceability of the communications system. If necessary, all problems and malfunctions are eliminated on the spot;
- cleaning the internal components of the system. Household appliances are assembled in production and delivered to points of sale, where they can gather dust in a warehouse or sit on the sales floor. Now imagine how much dirt, dust, production fluids and sediment has accumulated inside the unit during this time. Even before installation in the owner’s apartment, the body and internal parts of the machine were touched by many hands. The first test run of a Bosch dishwasher or other popular brands allows you to clean the internal elements of the equipment and prepare it for subsequent use;
- training in working with equipment at home. Even if this is not the first time a family has purchased such an appliance, you will still have to get used to using a new dishwasher. Any equipment requires competent handling, so the test mode will allow owners to understand the modes, study the elements of the control panel and understand the principle of programming the operation of the PMM.
Attention! To start the dishwasher for the first time, the dish compartment must be empty!
What is regenerating salt?
A similar term appeared in connection with the method of water softening used. Calcium gives water hardness; so that it does not damage the device, it must be “transformed” into sodium. Dishwashing machines are equipped with an ion exchanger containing resins that can replace magnesium and calcium ions with harmless sodium. But over time, sodium is washed out from the ion exchanger, and the ability to attract calcium decreases. Salt restores the “supply” of sodium and renews the “working force” of the ion exchanger.
regenerating salt
It is important! You should not use regular table salt in the dishwasher, it is of no use. Regenerating salt for household appliances undergoes special processing and has a more complex composition.
What is the best regenerating salt? It is difficult to give a definite answer to this question; each housewife makes her own choice, but there are several products that have gained popularity among all categories of consumers.
What can replace an expensive product?
An inherent question: salt for dishwashers, what to replace the special product with? And is it possible to do this? Yes, there are PMM users who find alternative options, including salt:
- Cooked - the composition includes various elements from calcium to iodine. The presence of magnesium, potassium and other things negatively affects technology. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully select a product, studying the composition, as an option - “Extra”.
- Marine - the composition is similar to that described above, and may also include chemical elements. In addition, sea water undergoes minimal cleaning and processing, so do not use it.
- Tablets differ in composition, so you can find something suitable. As an option - “Polesie”.
Differences from regular salt
The difference between regenerating salt and food salt is:
- deep purification from impurities;
- granule size.
Table salt contains impurities that disrupt the functioning of the ion exchanger and adversely affect the internal metal parts of the dishwasher.
Have you set the water hardness in the PMM? Yes, of course. No.
Thoughtful granulation of a special salt composition ensures that the substance dissolves slowly, without clogging the ion exchanger filters.
In addition, the product for PMM contains additives that are useful for the operation of the device:
- sodium citrate, which destroys germs;
- polyaspaginate, necessary for the reduction and preservation of ions.
First dishwashing
If the test is successful, the dishwasher is installed in the opening prepared for it. If the dishwasher is disconnected from the power supply, it will have to be set up again when it is reconnected - do not forget about this .
Then you can perform the first full cycle with loading dirty dishes. For the first wash, you need to load detergents intended not for the first start, but for washing bowls, plates and other utensils. The most economical detergent compositions are those produced in powder form.
Pay special attention to the rules for loading dishes into the PMM. The quality of cleaning utensils from grease and dirt depends on this process. To avoid mistakes, carefully read the instructions supplied with the machine again. The main condition is to place the dishes in such a way that they are completely washed by the liquid from the sprinklers .
Composition of salt for PMM
People who have not immersed themselves in the study of the compositions used for dishwashers, when they hear the word salt, imagine ordinary table salt, which is used in cooking. In fact, these are qualitatively different substances.
The composition intended for the use of PMM is distinguished by large granules that have a uniform white color without inclusion of foreign impurities. Before appearing on store shelves, this salt undergoes multi-stage purification.
Sometimes the product may be available in tablet form
The main active ingredient of the dishwasher composition is sodium salt, which has the formula NaCl. In addition to it, manufacturers can add other components, including:
- sodium citrate, necessary to eliminate germs;
- sodium percarbonate;
- disilicate, which is also used to soften water;
- sodium polyaspartate, which is the basis for retaining ions and serves as a thickener;
- flavors and aromatic fragrances to give water a neutral odor.
For your information! It is common among people to call the composition for PMM “table salt,” which is not at all correct, despite the same main component.
Why is an idle start necessary?
As noted in the operating instructions for the Bosch dishwasher, a test run of the device is an inevitable operation before starting regular operation. Only thanks to this procedure can you ensure that the device is operating correctly, and at the same time clean it from transportation dust and dirt.
Some dishwasher parts come from the factory with industrial lubricant. There may be some small debris inside the device, which may clog the filters during further operation.
Many consumers want to immediately load kitchenware when first starting up and check the effectiveness of their new purchase. It is not right.
The first washing cycle is necessary to get rid of technical grease and factory debris that may be inside the unit. Getting these foreign substances on your kitchen utensils can only lead to disappointment for the machine owner. Therefore, it is enough to install all the baskets in the tank.
Important! During the test run, you need to clarify:
- water intake speed;
- degree of water heating;
- is water drained at the end of the cycle;
- drying quality and correct temperature settings.
All listed functions should work properly.
Functions of salt in the dishwasher
The quality of water in most regions of Russia leaves much to be desired. Apartment owners prefer to install filters on water pipes, but they do not always save the situation.
You can determine water hardness by the appearance of the taps in the bathroom and kitchen. White deposits indicate excessive limestone content. Tap water contains a certain amount of calcium ions. When heated, it precipitates, gradually compressing into a thick coat of scale.
If you use tap water for boiling without filtering, the kettle will quickly become covered with scale from the inside. The same thing happens with heating elements in a dishwasher. The heating tube spends more electricity to heat the water, and at a certain point, under the influence of too high a temperature, the spiral burns out.
Most PMMs are equipped with a built-in ion exchange filter with a resin consisting of sodium chloride. Water passes through it, and magnesium and calcium ions with a positive charge are deposited on the resin particles. The water is saturated with sodium ions with a negative charge and becomes softer.
The resin loses its original properties over time and needs to be regenerated with sodium chloride. The dishwasher's ion exchanger is equipped with a salt container. The salt presence indicator signals that it is time to replenish the amount.
Attention! The degree of salt consumption for one washing cycle is set in manual or automatic mode, depending on the hardness of the water.
The water softener adjustment is located on the dishwasher lid. Most models provide the ability to set 7 levels: 0 – soft water, 7 – hard water. The level is determined depending on the amount of combined detergents and water quality.
To set the correct mode, evaluate the water quality:
- get information from the Internet depending on the region;
- use indicator strips;
- wash your hands with ordinary laundry soap - if the foam is washed off quickly - the water is hard, if it takes a long time - soft;
- visually assess the presence of plaque on plumbing fixtures.
Reference. Sodium cationization is a chemical process of exchanging sodium ions for magnesium and calcium ions, which affect water hardness. As sodium ions are depleted, they are added to the water to restore the ion exchange resin.
Functions of sodium salt for dishwasher:
- softening water for washing;
- restoration of sodium reserves in the ion exchanger;
- decomposition of scale on metal elements;
- improving the quality of washing;
- protection of dishes and the human body from the negative effects of lime deposits.
Where and how much product should be poured
Why use the product? We looked at where to pour it and in what quantity? The machines have a special compartment. When you turn it on for the first time, fill the salt container with up to one liter of water. Then load the product so that the container is completely filled. You can launch PMM.
Frequency of falling asleep
The required amount for washing dishes is stated in the machine instructions or on the packaging of the product itself.
Dishwasher salt rating
There is a large selection of special compositions for water softening on the domestic market. Let's see what's popular with consumers and what they say about their effectiveness. To decide which salt to choose for PMM, you need to compare the properties and cost of the products offered.
Finish Calgonite
Salt manufacturer Finish promises that its products:
- capable of removing the thickest layer of scale;
- prevents scale formation;
- does not contain impurities;
- prevents the appearance of smudges on dishes;
- easily dissolves in water.
Package weight - 1.5 kg. Price - 590–600 rubles. This product contains sodium chloride. But carefully processed, without impurities and debris. Its granules dissolve slowly and evenly - just as a dishwasher needs.
“Finish” is sold in different packages, but there are no fundamental differences between the offered options. In addition to the one and a half kilogram package, there are packs of 1.2 and 4 kg. Produced in Germany, Poland, Russia. We sell the Russian version - weight 1.5 kg, inscriptions - in Russian. European products are more expensive, and getting them in Russia is problematic. Reviews about “Finish” are rather positive; users note the following features of the drug:
- adds shine to dishes - no plaque or smudges;
- 1.5 kg is enough for 3–4 months of PMM operation.
The disadvantage of Finish is its high cost. Some users note the size of the granules, but this fact is not negative - their size is designed for a certain dissolution rate.
Somat
Somat brand products are manufactured by the German company Henkel. The basis of the composition is sodium chloride. Packaging: 1.5 kg cardboard boxes. Cost - 240 rubles. Advantages:
- affordable cost - “Somat” is cheaper than “Finish”;
- the cardboard packaging is equipped with a spout through which it is convenient to pour granules;
- there are no harmful impurities in the composition;
- effectively softens water;
- A pack lasts for almost a year.
Tips for choosing
When choosing salt, you should pay attention to several criteria:
- Action. Salts can have different effects - they soften water, remove scale from the dishwasher chamber, and prevent breakdowns. Choose a product depending on your needs; before purchasing, you can call a specialist and identify the weak points of the machine.
- Type. Salt is available in two forms - granules and tablets. Tablets are considered a convenient form, since one tablet contains all the necessary substances for caring for the dishwasher.
- Degree of purification. Salt is most effective if manufacturers have abandoned foreign additives and impurities. The presence of additional components leads to scale formation.
Release forms
Dishwasher salt comes in granular and tablet forms. Housewives usually determine in practice what is more suitable for a particular car model.
Pills
Miniature salt briquettes (brands “VkusVill”, Oppo) are easy to use and store. The powder compressed in them does not need dosage; it is enough to put the product in a special compartment.
Unlike powder or granular mixtures, tablets do not crumble, but not every brand of dishwasher has the ability to use tablets.
Granules
A popular option among most housewives, as it is suitable for dishwashers of any brand. Brands: Finish, Somat, Elly, Paclan Brileo, Mozyrsol, Clean&Fresh and others.
The granules are poured into the compartment; for convenience, a funnel is usually attached to the units.
The product dissolves quickly and starts working almost immediately. Disadvantages: you have to constantly calculate the dosage of granules and manually add the required amount, taking into account the degree of water hardness. When comparing tablets and granules of the same brand, the former are more expensive, but this does not mean that the result will be better.
Nuances
Before adding table salt, you should read the information on the product packaging. Ordinary table salt cannot be a substitute, since its content of iodides, carbonates and fluorides is over 0.5%. And the level of purification of acceptable salt must be 99.9%.
Sea salt with iodine present in it cannot be used. In this case, the presence of additional components only worsens the situation with scale. You can only use NaCl, which has been cleared of impurities by boiling. Only then will it be safe for the car.
You should not use other household chemicals. In them, the sodium salt is present in small quantities and always has many additional components. If the “Extra” option is selected as a replacement, then it is not advisable to pour it into the ion exchanger. It is necessary to fill in a water-salt solution (1:1). This helps prevent a compressed lump from appearing inside. If it occurs, the water will not soften and enter the ion filter.
