There are quite a few misconceptions revolving around dishwasher salt. Unless and until you have accurate information about dishwasher salt, using it is not easy.
When it comes to dishwasher salt, there are more questions than answers. I will help you out with the same today.
I will now share with you the answers to some of the FAQs about dishwasher salt. Once you go through the FAQs below, it will become easier for you to know more about dishwasher salt.
I will also help you understand how it makes perfect sense to use the dishwasher salt and when you should skip using it.
Can I Use Normal Salt Instead Of Dishwasher Salt?
Technically, the composition of both these types of salts is the same. Dishwasher salt consists of NaCl. Table salt and sea salt also consist of the same. However, the functionality of both is entirely different.
So, to answer your question:
No, you cannot use normal salt instead of dishwasher salt. The reason for the same is because table salt and sea salt are very fine. It can block the drainage system of your dishwasher.
On the other hand, when you look at the dishwasher salt granule size, it is comparatively larger. Simultaneously, the design of the dishwasher salt is such that it dissolves itself.
That is why you will not have to worry about the dishwasher salt blocking anything in your dishwasher. Thus, you cannot use any other salt in place of dishwasher salt.
Is Dishwasher Salt Edible?
Theoretically, the dishwasher salt is edible. However, it is not a good idea to eat it.
The reason for the same is that it can consist of other ingredients which might be harmful to you. Not only that, it will be unpleasant in taste as well.
The composition of the dishwasher salt is such that it can regenerate the ion exchange resin to soften the hard water. That is why it can consist of other ingredients as well.
While the salt in itself might be edible but the other ingredients might be harmful to you. Due to this very reason, it is not advisable to eat dishwasher salt.
How Often Should I Put Salt In A Dishwasher?
The answer to this depends on the frequency at which you use the dishwasher. If you have a commercial dishwasher, you will have to refill the dishwasher salt almost every week.
The dishwasher consists of a proper funnel through which you can add salt to the salt dispenser.
The more cycles you run the dishwasher for, the greater will be the consumption of the dishwasher salt. That is why, if you’re using it for personal applications, you will have to put the dishwasher salt only once a month. However, if you’re using one commercial application, you might have to refill the salt every week as well.
There are a few other factors as well which determine the amount of dishwasher salt in use. Firstly, the capacity of the dishwasher has an essential impact on the consumption of dishwasher salt.
The higher the dishwasher’s capacity, the more dishwasher salt will be in use in each cycle. It means that you will have to refill the dispenser more frequently.
Similarly, if you run the cycles longer, dishwasher salt consumption will be on the higher side. In that case, you will have to refill it more frequently.
As a rule of thumb, a personal dishwasher needs replenishment of salt only once a month, whereas a commercial one might need it every week.
How Much Salt Do I Put In My Dishwasher?
Video: “How Much Salt Do I Put In My Dishwasher?”
You can use two tools to decide how much salt you need to put into the dishwasher. The 1st tool is the measuring cup. You can fill the measuring cup up to the brim.
However, when you transfer the salt to the salt dispenser, it should be 1 cm less than the dispenser’s upper threshold. Only then will you not have to worry about spilling over the dishwasher salt.
If there is excessive dishwasher salt in the salt dispenser, it might dispense a higher amount. In that case, the consumption of dishwasher salt will increase. Excessive dishwasher salt consumption does not benefit you, the dishwasher, or the dishes.
To avoid this problem, it is good to stick to the measuring mechanism, which I have highlighted above. Once you do so, it will become easier for you to understand how much dishwasher salt you should put into the dishwasher.
How Long Does Dishwasher Salt Last?
If you’re using the dishwasher for personal applications (around every two days), 1 KG of salt in the dispenser can last for up to 50 days.
As I have highlighted above, the higher the frequency of dishwasher use, the faster it will be the consumption of the dishwasher salt.
However, for personal applications, 1 KG can easily last for 40-50 days.
A lot also depends on the overall capacity of the dishwasher. If it consists of multiple shelves and racks, the dispenser will dispense more salt even if you’re just washing a handful of dishes.
Thus, the calculation highlighted above that is 1 KG of salt lasting for 50 days is for a medium-sized dishwasher. In case the size of the dishwasher increases, the consumption of dishwasher salt will also increase.
Do I Need Dishwasher Salt In A Soft Water Area?
If you live in an area with a soft water supply, you will not have to use the dishwasher salt.
You can check out for the symptoms of hard water from time to time. If they are not present, there is no need to use the dishwasher salt.
The only purpose of using the dishwasher salt is to convert hard water into soft water. Other than that, it cannot do much. Thus, if you don’t need to convert hard water into soft water, it does not make any sense to use the dishwasher salt.
Even if you add the dishwasher salt after having soft water, it will not do any damage. However, the dishwasher will go on dispensing it at a regular pace. It means that the dishwasher will end up using the dishwasher salt at the same pace.
You might end up using the dishwasher salt with no benefit at all. It will cost you money in the longer run.
To avoid all this, the first thing you need to do is look out for hard water symptoms. Once you ensure that there is no hard water, you can skip adding dishwasher salt.
Do I Need Dishwasher Salt If I Have A Water Softener?
Yes, you need to use dishwasher salt even if you have a water softener.
These days, many dishwashers come along with inbuilt water softeners. Most consumers make the mistake of not adding dishwasher salt because they have a water softener.
However, doing so is a huge mistake.
Over a while, the efficiency of the inbuilt water softener can reduce. In that case, it might not be able to convert hard water into soft water entirely. Consequently, there will be stains on the utensils. There might be leftover residue as well.
On the other hand, if you’re adding dishwasher salt despite having a water softener, you can get sparkling dishes. Since the dishwasher salt will entirely dissolve in water, you will not have to worry about residue.
The pressure on the filter will reduce as well. Consequently, the water softener can last for a long time.
Whichever way you look at it, adding such salt despite having the water softener is a win-win situation with respect to the utensils and the life span of the water softener in the dishwasher itself. That is why you should not shy away from adding salt to the dishwasher.
Can I Use Dishwasher Salt In The Washing Machine?
Theoretically, you can use the dishwasher salt in the washing machine as well. It will act in the same way. It will convert hard water into soft water.
The soda crystals and the detergent will also convert hard water into soft water. They are a much better fit when you’re adding them to the washing machine. So, to asnwer your question:
Yes, you can use dishwasher salt in the washing machine, but it is a much better idea to use a detergent consisting of soda crystals.
Conclusion
With my guide above, you can undoubtedly know everything there is to know about dishwasher salt. I have answered the most common FAQs.
Once you go through the FAQs in my articles on dishwasher salt, it will become easier for you to decide how and when to use one.
Dishwasher salt can undoubtedly help you get sparkling dishes. Rather than ignoring the need for the same, it might be time to add the same to your dishwasher.
After you do so, you will not have to worry about hard water at all.
Not only that, it can increase the life span of the water softener filter as well as the dishwasher itself. Considering these benefits of the dishwasher salt, it makes perfect sense to go for it.
