Dishwasher salt works by softening up the water. Whether or not dishwasher salt is necessary depends on the hardness of the water.
If you live in an area that has hard water, you most definitely need to use dishwasher salt. Hard water has an abundant amount of minerals in it and to counter the effects the dishwasher salt is used.
You can also put in dishwasher salt even for low to moderate hard water so your dishes come out sparkling clean.
Key Takeaway
Is Dishwasher Salt Necessary?
The main contribution of dishwasher salt is that it negates the effects of hard water. If you live around Tampa, Phoenix, or other parts of the world where the water is hard then dishwasher salt is for you.
It is not a question of is dishwasher salt necessary but rather how much you need to put in the dishwasher so your dishware does not come out cloudy.
Here are some reasons why dishwasher salt is necessary:
Better Cleaning
The salt that we use in the dishwasher not only softens the water but has some benefits in the cleaning process as well.
It can significantly improve the cleaning performance of a dishwasher. When the salt softens the water it reduces the concentration of minerals in the water. The detergent used does its best job in soft water.
There is no specific amount that is universal. Different manufacturers have different ratings and amounts they suggest for their dishwashers.
Prevents Lime Scale Build-Up
If you keep cleaning your dishes with hard water it will slowly build up lime scale deposits. The surface of your dishware will start to accumulate and in time you will be able to see streaks of marks on them.
If you do not have salt water in the dishwasher to remedy this, you will have to use citric acid crystals to clean off the marks.
Putting dishwasher salt in there reduces the chances of this happening and you will not have to worry about your dishware collecting limescale marks.
Helps Keep the Jets and Nozzles Unclogged
The jet sprays and nozzles are what provide the water for the dishwasher during a wash cycle. Hard water minerals start to clog the jets if not taken care of in time.
When they become clogged with lime scale, the dishwasher cannot evenly distribute the water. The force of the spray reduces and it takes more time to complete each wash cycle.
Less Detergent Needs
Softening the water with dishwasher salt also has added value to it. In this economy, it is imperative to conserve whatever utility and items you use.
You will need less detergent per wash and save some money along the way. You can use dishwasher salt and get the same cleaning results from using less detergent.
Extends Lifespan
Lime Scale build-up is not just bad for the dishware but it can clog the drains and build up inside the dishwasher itself.
The dishwasher has heating elements and spray arms that move around inside it. If these get jammed because of any accumulation, your whole wash experience will be hampered.
To keep your dishwasher’s lifespan long you need to use dishwasher salt.
Rinse Aid and Other Alternatives to Dishwasher Salt
Dishwasher salt is a very handy support item. But there are alternatives to dishwasher salt if you do not have it available or on hand.
If you prefer not to use salt or if your dishwasher does not come with a salt compartment, try these instead:
Rinse Aid
Rinse aid is a very good alternative to salt. You can use it as is and put it in the detergent compartment after doing a wash cycle on the detergent.
Rinse aid like Finish works by reducing the surface tension of water so it can drain and evaporate quickly. You will not have to worry about watermarks on your dishware.
You can also use it in conjunction with the dishwasher salt. They are the perfect duo that gets rid of pesky limescale and watermarks so your dishes come out as good as new.
Vinegar
White vinegar is used as a natural and organic alternative to dishwasher salt. Adding a little bit of vinegar before you start the dishwasher can help soften the water and reduce the effects of hard water minerals.
Vinegar has natural qualities that break down the minerals in hard water and soften them.
One bottle cap full of vinegar is enough to do the job of cleaning a full dishwasher. Pour it into the container where the dishes are and then run a regular cycle so it mixes with the water.
Citric Acid
Using Citric acid is a bit unorthodox. It is a weak organic acid that has slow reactions to minerals. This is quite similar to using vinegar instead of dishwasher salt.
You can find citric acid powder at your local grocery store. You can also use citric acid crystals which is much more efficient.
Filtration System
If you are skeptical about adding anything extra to the dishwasher except for detergent, then get some filters and run it with the main water line in your house.
These water-softening filters can remove the minerals from the water before it even goes into your tank or reaches your home.
Keep in mind that you will need to change up your whole water pipe system to allow the installation of these filters. These filters get rid of the hardness via ion exchange.
These are really good alternatives. However, at some point, you will feel the need to get dishwasher salt.
Most dishwashers now come with a compartment to pour in the salt because it is the easiest way to soften up the cleaning water. So the answer to “Is Dishwasher Salt Necessary?” is definitely.
How to Know If Your Dishwasher Salt Level Is Low?
To keep the dishwasher performing at its best, you should regularly check the salt levels inside it. After a while, you have to manually replenish the dishwasher salt so it can work properly.
It only costs around $15 for every 2 lbs of dishwasher salt. Check prices here.
Here are signs that say the dishwasher is running out of salt:
- Cloudy dishes: After running a wash cycle take out some glassware and carefully look at the water. If it is cloudy or the glass has white residue on it then you need to refill the salt.
- Mineral buildup: You will be able to see clear signs of mineral buildup on the bottom of the dishwasher. If the interior is white then it will slowly start to discolor.
- Limescale accumulation: If your dishwasher’s jet spray or drain clogs up frequently that is a good sign for salt replenishment. Clean the clogged path before refilling it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Dishwasher salt on top of all-in-one tablets?
All-in-one tablets do have a bit of dishwasher salt. If the water is low to medium hard it should be enough. For really hard water, you will have to use more salt.
How often should you refill the salt?
It depends on where you live and how hard the water is in your area. But for a general idea, you should check on the salt level once or twice a month to make sure it does not run out.
Can I use table salt instead of dishwasher salt?
Not. Table salt is finely ground and can block the drains and water paths. Using table salt will damage the dishwasher and your dishware will not come out clean.
