We will tell you where to pour the salt into the dishwasher. After all, for a dishwasher to qualitatively wash the cutlery, one detergent is not enough. During operation, a white coating forms on the walls and the heater of the dishwasher - scale; due to the high content of impurities in the water, it becomes hard. So the details of the equipment will quickly fail, so be sure to use a special salt to soften the water.
What is salt in the dishwasher for?
All dishwashing machines (Hansa, Siemens, Bosch and others) are equipped with an ion exchanger. This is a box that is under the pallet of the machine. Inside the box are sodium ions that neutralize the harmful effects of potassium and magnesium ions. Before entering the PMM compartment through an atomizer, water passes through an ion exchanger. Harmful impurities are attracted by ions, so the dishes are washed with soft water.
Why pour salt and how does it get into the water? Over time, the ionizer is depleted, the ions are washed out. Therefore, salt tablets should be placed periodically in the ward. They replenish the number of ions for the normal operation of the dishwasher.
Benefits of using salt for PMM:
- lack of scale;
- lack of streaks and stains on the surface of the dishes.
How and what tool to use
Before pouring, you need to decide which salt for the dishwasher to choose (more in a separate article):
- regenerating, such as "Kalgonit", "Finish", "Somat";
- in tablets, such as Topperr;
- substitute "Extra" normal or in tablets.
We will make a reservation that for the Bosch, Electrolux, Ariston, Siemens, Hansa and other brands, it is better to use specialized salt, the purity of which is 99.98%. While normal cleans only 99%. The difference is small, but table salt is too small. It will clog the container so that water cannot wash it off. A special one consists of large crystals.
The product packaging indicates the quantity for single use. You should focus on water hardness and impurities specific to your region. See table.
Russia (mEq / L) | Calcium and Magnesium |
0–1,6 1,6–2,4 2,4–3,0 3,0–3,6 3,6–4,0 | Soft |
4,0–6,0 6,0–8,0 | Medium hard |
— | Tough enough |
8,0–9,0 9,0–12,0 | Tough |
more than 12.0 | Very tough |
The ratio of impurities may change, it depends on the season. For detailed instructions on how to determine water hardness, see a separate article. The main way is to use a TDS meter to measure. If this is not available, use more affordable methods. Wet and lather the rag. Soaping bad? Hence, the rigidity is increased. Does a lime deposit form on the dishwasher parts very quickly? It also indicates the presence of calcium and magnesium.
When do I need to add pills? Open the operating instructions and read the instructions. For example, manufacturers of PMM "Bosch" have provided 7 levels regarding water hardness. As soon as the product is finished, an indicator or a special icon lights up on the display.
Where to pour salt in the dishwasher
For each brand of equipment there is an instruction, which indicates which compartment is intended for what. So, the compartment for replenishing the ion exchanger can be located below or on the side of the door. In some models, the container is located under the pallet. Then use a special funnel to load the salt.
It may be a container next to the drain filter. How to add crystals there? Unscrew the lid and fill the container. Some dishwashers have a tablet compartment on the inside of the door.
At the first start, pour water into the tank, and then put the tablet there. This will help the crystals dissolve faster and not stick to the walls.
When operating the dishwasher, monitor the amount of funds in the compartments, as well as the readings of the sensors. Now you know how and where to add salt. Do not forget to look at the instructions, because each model of PMM has its own differences.
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