Can I run my dishwasher without salt for the first time?

Tap water in most regions of Russia is extremely hard. High calcium and magnesium levels cause scale and limescale deposits to form inside dishwashers. This also negatively impacts cleaning performance, so dishwasher owners are forced to use water softening salt.

Crystals promote the regeneration of the ion-exchange resin, which softens water. Without them, a dishwasher cannot be used on a regular basis. Some users try running the dishwasher without salt the first time, even before purchasing the product. Let's explore whether this is acceptable, how to load the granules into the reservoir, and how often to refill the container in the future.

Let's run it once without salt

Many users wonder whether adding salt is necessary the first time they use their washing machine. It often happens that the appliance has been delivered and connected to the power grid, but there's no salt at home, and they don't want to run to the store to get it. Will one cycle without regenerating crystals cause the appliance to break?

The manufacturer prohibits regular use of the dishwasher without regenerating salt. However, the appliance can easily handle a single use without granules. Therefore, it's okay to run the dishwasher with an empty reservoir for the first time, but be sure to refill the container with the special solution in future cycles.

How to download salt for the first time?

After purchasing special salt, users often don't understand where to put it. The instructions for any dishwasher describe in detail all the nuances related to the operation of the device. The manual tells you where the pellet tank is located and how to properly fill it for the first time.

The compartment for regenerating salt is located at the bottom of the dishwasher working chamber.

The algorithm will be as follows:

• open the dishwasher, remove the lower basket;
• unscrew the container cap;
• pour about 1-1.5 liters of water into the tank;
• Using a funnel, pour salt into the container to the brim;
• Wipe the neck of the container and the area around it to remove crystals and salt water;
• screw the tank cap on.

The salt container lid is quite large, so it's hard to miss. You only need to add water the first time you use the machine. Subsequently, simply add more granules as they're used.

How much salt is needed?

The first time you use salt, fill the container to the brim. The granules will displace some of the water, but this is normal. The capacity of the reservoir depends directly on the dishwasher model. Some dishwashers hold 800-1000 grams of crystals, while others hold 1.2-1.5 kg of crystals.

It's okay if there isn't enough salt to fill the reservoir completely. You can add more granules next time. The key is to use special regenerating crystals for dishwashers. Never add regular table salt to the reservoir just to fill it to the top.

Regular table salt contains impurities that are harmful to dishwashers. These components can damage the resin in the ion exchanger. Therefore, it is important not to save money, but to use special regenerating salt for dishwashers. The product is inexpensive.

How quickly is salt used up?

The consumption of salt granules varies from case to case. It depends on the water hardness level in the region. The higher the calcium and magnesium content, the more crystals will be needed to soften the water.

You can find out the water hardness in your region by calling your local water utility or by measuring it yourself using special test strips.

Test strips are available at home appliance stores. Some dishwasher models, such as Bosch and Samsung, come with indicators. To read the reading, dip the strip in water.

Once you know the hardness of your tap water, you need to adjust the softener in your dishwasher. The instructions for doing this are described in the dishwasher's manual. The setting of the softener determines the salt consumption.

Most modern dishwashers have a salt level indicator—it will light when the salt crystals in the reservoir are too low. Budget dishwashers lack this feature, requiring users to monitor the salt level manually.

Tips for using salt

Manufacturers' main recommendation is to use salt specifically designed for dishwashers. Otherwise, you could damage the ion exchanger, which is quite difficult to restore. There's a wide selection of options on the market, ranging from budget-friendly to more expensive.

Before using the machine, be sure to adjust the softener. If it's not adjusted to the water hardness level in your region, salt will be used inefficiently. This procedure is simple and takes no more than five minutes.

It's recommended to refill the salt reservoir whenever the indicator lights up. On average, this is every 5-7 months. There's no need to add crystals before each use.

There's nothing complicated about using regenerating salt for your dishwasher. Simply fill the reservoir with crystals and adjust the softener settings before using the machine, then simply add granules periodically. Following these simple rules will not only protect your dishwasher from limescale and scale deposits but also improve the cleaning results.

   

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