What can be used instead of dishwasher salt?

The price of dishwasher detergents shocks some users, particularly the price of special regenerating salt. So many are trying to find a cheaper alternative. What can be used instead of salt, how to do it correctly, and is it even necessary to replace it with alternatives? We'll answer all these questions.

Replacement options

What is dishwasher salt? The answer that immediately comes to mind is that it's a sodium chloride-based substance. Therefore, the first option users suggest for replacing special salt is regular table salt. Besides table salt, some try the following as substitutes:

• sea ​​salt;
• tableted salt;
• 3 in 1 tablets.

Table salt and sea salt

Table salt, also known as edible or rock salt, can have a variety of compositions. This depends on the conditions and methods of extraction. This is clear from the substance's appearance. Some salt is fine, others coarse; some are very white, others have a grayish tint, and sometimes even contain gray grains. However, all table salt is 96-97% sodium and chlorine. It may also contain potassium, calcium, magnesium, clay, iron, boron, manganese, iodine, and other substances, as well as food additives such as E536.

This composition of table salt indicates that its use in a dishwasher may not be safe. Various impurities will settle in the ion exchanger, which will lead to its rapid wear and tear and breakdown.

Important! If you need to replace special salt, choose premium-grade salt without any additives and not iodized. For example, "Extra" salt is considered such a salt.

Dishwasher users are divided between those who favor using "Extra" salt and those who oppose replacing special salt. Those who support it say nothing happens to the machine, and that 1 kg of this salt lasts exactly the same amount of time as 1 kg of special salt. Opponents see no point in replacing the salt at all, as it lasts a long time. And over a year of using the machine, it's a small investment, so it's not worth the risk.

Sea salt is similar in composition to table salt, but it contains even more various impurities, more than 80 minerals. It undergoes minimal processing and purification, so this salt definitely cannot be used in a dishwasher.

Tableted salt

As for tablet salt, it comes in different forms. There's a special regenerating salt, but it's available in tablet form rather than granules. But there's also table salt tablets, such as "Mozyr Universal Salt." These tablets are made from Polesie extra table salt, which doesn't contain the additive E536. The price for 25 kg of this salt is $3.5–$4, and it will last for about 2 years, which is a significant savings.

3-in-1 tablets

Finally, 3-in-1 dishwasher tablets aren't really a replacement for dishwasher salt, as they're a complete set of essential dishwasher detergents. The tablet consists of several layers, each with a specific dissolution time in water:

• the first and second layers are the detergent and salt, they dissolve during the heating process of the water;
• the next layer is neutral - it dissolves during the first rinse;
• The last layer is a rinse aid that dissolves during the final rinse of the dishes.

The 3-in-1 product can be used in place of all other detergents, and there's no need to add salt. However, dishwasher users note that while the tablet dissolves normally during long wash cycles, the powder doesn't always dissolve during short cycles, resulting in powder ending up in the rinse water.

Please note! Don't crush 3-in-1 tablets into powder, as this will cause the rinse aid to dissolve during the dishwashing process, rendering it useless.

How does special salt for dishwashers work?

Why is salt so important in a dishwasher? Why are some people so eager to replace it, while others don’t want to take the risk? The fact is that the dishwasher is equipped with a special ion exchanger, which is responsible for softening the water entering the machine; the softer the water, the better the dishes will be washed. The ion exchanger tank contains a resin with sodium ions, which causes calcium and magnesium impurities in the water to settle on the resin.

Dishwasher salt is needed to restore sodium ions in the resin, in other words, it restores (regenerates) the resin's ability to attract magnesium and calcium ions from the water. The salt is poured into a special compartment in the dishwasher, located under the bottom container. Depending on the water hardness, it lasts for several wash cycles—for some, two months, for others, four. If the salt level in the dishwasher is low, a red indicator light will light on the control panel.

Conclusion: you can't avoid using salt in your dishwasher, otherwise the ion exchanger will fail and cannot be repaired; only a complete replacement of the unit will help.

Let's sum it up: is it worth looking for a salt replacement?

So, dishwasher salt is a necessary product, review of special salts It showed that they're not cheap. But for some, $9–$10 a year isn't a big deal, while others are trying to save. So, if you can save, you should do it wisely. Tableted table salt is the best substitute.

• Firstly, the salt dissolves evenly in the tablet, achieving the required concentration.
• Secondly, a 25-kilogram bag will last a long time, and you will always have salt on hand.
• Thirdly, it is convenient to lay it.

If you can't buy tableted salt, you can use fine salt. It should be well-refined, white, and free of food additives. It's recommended to moisten this salt before use to prevent lumps from forming.

Very important! If you replace the special dishwasher salt with table salt or anything else, the warranty will not cover the dishwasher if it breaks. Therefore, you should begin experimenting after the warranty period has expired.

As for 3-in-1 tablets, you can use them too, but they won’t help you save money. In this case, it's important to choose the right tablets, as most are only effective when water hardness is less than 21 dH, so read the packaging carefully. For very hard water, it's best to use salt, detergent, and rinse aid.

Therefore, it's up to you to decide whether to replace special salt with table salt. And most importantly, consider the water hardness in your region.

   

Readers' comments