Have you ever wondered what would happen if you used coarse table salt in your dishwasher? Find out what should be done to keep your appliance in perfect working order.
Using the dishwasher is a fundamental routine in many homes, but some important aspects of its maintenance are often overlooked. Among these, the use of specific dishwasher salt, necessary for the correct functioning of the water softener, is often ignored or considered replaceable with coarse kitchen salt. But is it really like that? In this article we will explore the function of salt in the dishwasher and why using coarse salt may not be a good idea.
The fundamental role of salt for dishwashers
The dishwasher works not only thanks to the detergent and hot water, but also thanks to the dishwasher salt which acts on the water softener. This component reduces the hardness of the water by removing the calcium and magnesium minerals responsible for the formation of limescale. Limescale is a substance that deposits on dishes and on the internal parts of the dishwasher, compromising its efficiency and reducing its useful life. Thanks to the salt, the softener keeps the water “soft”, preserving the dishes and improving the action of the detergent.
If dishwasher salt is neglected, you risk not only getting dull and limescale-stained dishes, but also damaging the machine in the long term. This is why it is important to use the correct product. The specific salt for dishwashers, unlike coarse salt, is particularly pure and free of substances that could cause problems in the operation of the appliance. The water softener is a delicate component, and using an unsuitable product could compromise its functioning.
Is coarse salt really a valid alternative?
A common question is whether the coarse cooking salt can be used as a specific salt substitute for dishwashers. Although coarse salt and dishwasher salt seem similar, the former is not purified in the same way and may contain impurities that risk damaging the softener. These impurities, which are harmless to the human body, can be harmful to the dishwasher system, causing accumulations of residues or compromising the efficiency of the water softener.
Many dishwasher manufacturers advise against the use of coarse salt for these reasons. The main risk is that residues and impurities present in the coarse salt are deposited in the softener, reducing the capacity to retain the minerals that cause limescale. This translates into less clean and duller dishes and possible malfunctions of the dishwasher over time. Let’s now see what the main risks are of replacing dishwasher salt with coarse kitchen salt.
Risks of using coarse salt in the dishwasher
Using coarse salt in the dishwasher may seem like a viable option, but there are numerous disadvantages to consider:
- Accumulation of impurities: coarse salt often contains traces of minerals which can deposit in the softener, clogging it.
- Limescale on the dishes: a compromised water softener is unable to eliminate minerals from the water, causing limescale stains on crockery and glasses.
- Water softener malfunction: the accumulation of impurities can cause direct damage to the softener, reducing its functionality.
- Risk of costly breakdowns: Without the water softener working properly, the entire dishwasher can begin to deteriorate, requiring expensive repairs.
Using coarse salt in the dishwasher, although it may seem like a cheap alternative, could therefore lead to higher costs in the long run.
What to do if you don’t have specific dishwasher salt
What to do if you run out of dishwasher salt? In cases of extreme emergencyyou may consider using a small amount of coarse salt, but only as a temporary solution. By using coarse table salt for only a short time, you can avoid immediate damage to the water softener, but it is important to replace it with the appropriate salt as soon as possible.
If you use coarse salt in an emergency, remember to monitor the efficiency of the dishwasher and check the quality of dishwashing. Once you have the specific salt available, fill the tank with it and consider a cleaning cycle of the dishwasher to avoid accumulations of impurities.
Because specific dishwasher salt is essential and bulk is harmful
Dishwasher salt is specially designed to keep your water softener working efficiently and prevent limescale build-up, which could damage your appliance over time. Unlike coarse table salt, this salt is purified and free of impurities, making it safe for extended use and ensuring that there are no unwanted residues that could interfere with the correct functioning of the water softener. Thanks to its purity, it ensures optimal functioning of the water softener, which thus manages to remove the minerals responsible for limescale without obstructions, giving shinier dishes and protecting the appliance in the long term.
Using dishwasher salt therefore represents a minimal investment that makes a big difference to the performance of your dishwasher, keeping it in excellent condition and reducing the need for expensive maintenance.
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