Dishwasher Salt: What does it do, how to refill it and common problems

Dishwasher salt helps your appliance’s built-in water softener work properly, reducing the effects of hard water on your dishwasher and dishes. If your glasses are coming out cloudy or the salt warning light has appeared, checking the salt supply and water hardness setting is the best place to start.

This guide explains where the dishwasher salt goes, how to top it up and which problems you can check yourself before arranging a repair.

What does dishwasher salt do?

Most dishwashers have a built-in water softener containing an ion-exchange resin. The resin removes calcium and magnesium from the water coming in which is responsible for water hardness.

The dishwasher salt creates a brine solution that regenerates the resins ability to soften water. The brine then passes through the softener and is drained away.

Keeping the softener well maintained helps to reduce limescale and mineral deposits that over time can damage components and decrease efficiency.

Dishwasher salt does not replace detergent, rinse aid or dishwasher cleaners, each has a different job.

Disclaimer; Table salt, sea salt or any other cooking salts are not suitable and will damage the softening system. Only use salt specifically designed for dishwashers.

Does water hardness impact how much or how often you need salt?

Yes! If you live in a hard water area it’s likely the softener will need maintaining more regularly.

• Find your level of water hardness by searching your postcode on your water suppliers online checker.
• Look up the matching range in your dishwashers instruction manual.
• Set the dishwashers softener to the recommended setting.

Water hardness may be showing in ppm, mmol/l or in levels/degrees of hardness.

What if your home already has a home water softener?

A household water softener is only relevant if the dishwasher is connected to the softened supply.

You can check the installation and test the water feeding the dishwasher if you are unsure. Then follow the dishwashers manufacturers guide for that hardness. Some models do not need salt at very low hardness levels while others have specific requirements. Do not switch off the dishwashers softener even is your home has a separate unit.

Do you still need salt with all in one tablets?

All in one tablets don’t automatically remove the need to maintain the dishwasher’s salt reservoir.

Always follow the manufacturers guidance in the owners manual. Only use a setting that disables the salt reminder where the manufacturer allows it for your water hardness.

Where does the dishwasher salt go?

With most models, the salt reservoir is accessed through a screw cap on the floor of the dishwasher underneath the lower basket. Some makes/models do have a different location so if you are unable to find it take a look at your manual.

The salt reservoir is separate to the detergent and rise aid dispensers, never pour dishwasher salt into either of those compartments.

How to refill the dishwasher salt: step by step

Before you start, you will need your dishwasher salt, the appliance’s filling funnel and a cloth ready. It’s best to only refill when you can immediately run a programme as this will clear any spilt salt.

1. If a current programme is running, ensure you allow the cycle to finish and allow the dishwasher to cool before reaching inside.
2. Remove the lower basket and locate the salt reservoir, carefully unscrew the cap.
3. If this is a new dishwasher check the first fill instructions. Some models require water to be added before filling.
4. Fit the funnel and slowly pout the specified dishwasher salt to the level or quantity stated in your manual. Do not force or compact it.
   (Salt displaces water already in the reservoir, it’s normal to see water overflow when filling).
5. Wipe the opening and the threads where the cap screws on, loose grains could stop the cap from sealing properly.
6. Refit the cap securely, it doesn’t need to be forced.
7. Wipe up a visible spilt salt, replace the basket and run the manufacturers recommended programme.

Disclaimer; Do not leave spilled salt or brine in the wash compartment, doing so could cause corrosion.

Common dishwasher salt problems and what to do next

Salt will not enter the reservoir

First check if the reservoir is full, seeing water inside does not confirm a blockage on its own.

Clear any loose salt from the funnel and any accessible from the opening, do not force a screwdriver or other tool into the reservoir, dismantle any part of the dishwasher or pour cleaner into it.

If salt will not enter the reservoir, the cap is stuck of you suspect a blockage, seek advice before taking any other action.

Rust or corrosion spots

Salt or brine left in the washing compartment can be the cause. Ensure the cap is correctly fitted so the salt doesn’t leak during the cycle, wipe any spilled salt that’s visible and immediately run the recommended cycle after filling.

Rust isn’t always caused by the salt, cutlery can also rust. Check that your cutlery is suitable for the dishwasher, if it is not, do not continue to clean this way or replace with dishwasher safe cutlery.

Adding more salt will not repair existing rust or corrosion.

Cloudy glasses or white residue

Check your salt supply and hardness settings first.

Cloudiness could be caused by a number of things. Mineral deposits may rectify by ensuring the softening settings are correct, while etched glass is permanently damaged.

Persistent poor results need diagnosis by a trained professional rather than changes to products or settings.

Accidentally added detergent to the salt reservoir

Do not start the dishwasher or attempt to flush the detergent out.

Detergent can damage the softener, to prevent any further damage contact an appliance engineer before using the appliance again.

When should you call an engineer?

• If the salt warning persists after refilling
• Salt consumption is increasing suddenly
• The cap, reservoir or seal is damaged
• Corrosion/rust or deposits keep returning
• Cleaning remains poor despite the correct amount of salt and detergent
• The dishwasher leaks onto the floor
• Displaying recurring fault codes

Disclaimer; If water is leaking outside the dishwasher, stop using it, turn off the water supply and arrange for a trained professional to take a look immediately.

Book a dishwasher repair with Glotech Repairs

If your dishwasher’s salt system is causing any problems Glotech Repair can help with an in home diagnosis from their trained engineers.

Our dishwasher repair service is award winning, our highly trained engineers can asses the problem, explain whats at fault, what needs attention and if necessary, whats required to repair the appliance.