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Dishwasher salt do I need it?

  • 18-10-2008 1:41pm
    #1
    Moanin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,136 ✭✭✭


    Hi all,

    I have a water softner installed in my house that goes through the whole system in my house. I use dishwasher tabs in the dishwasher. Is it necessary to use diswasher salt also?

    Thanks


Comments

  • #2
    Sonnenblumen
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,834 ✭✭✭Sonnenblumen


    I would think omit DS at your peril!


  • #3
    Moanin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,136 ✭✭✭Moanin


    I don't understand you?


  • #4
    Solair
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,230 ✭✭✭Solair


    There is an ion-exchange based water filter in the bottom of your dishwasher. This works by absorbing calcium and magnesium ions from the water as it flows into the machine, making hardwater soft.

    The salt is used to replenish/reset the filter by flushing out the Calcium and Magnesium ions. These are just flushed down the drain.

    It's a very environmentally friendly method of softening hard water.

    Dishwasher tablets with 'built-in salt' have nothing of the sort. They have a big dose of phosphates which they use to soften the water and don't use the filter at all.

    The problem is that

    1) It's environmentally damaging, you can use phosphate-free detergents like Sun Green Power if you're using salt. Phosphates contribute to the eutriphication of lakes and rivers i.e. they turn green with algae.

    2) The dishwasher's filter softens ALL water entering the machine, the tablets can only soften the water during the wash cycle. Because your machine may pre-wash and uses hot rinses, if you are in a hardwater area you may end up with deposits of limescale in the machine or on your dishes.

    In general it's a good idea to use salt. It will keep your machine running smoothly and free of limescale and will also prevent traces of limescale being left on your dishes.

    If you have a water softener in your home and you are satisfied that it removes enough calcium and magnesium from the water, then you may get away without salt. However, your dishwasher filter may be more efficient than the water softener you're using in your home. It's producing water for dishwashing, not drinking.


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