ChatterBank0 min ago
Help with dishwasher
17 Answers
I have recently bought a dishwasher - never used one before and the instructions are useless! I know I live in a soft water area but how do I tell how soft ? If I use 3 in 1 tablets do I still have to use salt and rinse aid? I would be graeful for any advice. Many thanks.
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For more on marking an answer as the "Best Answer", please visit our FAQ.Why do you need salt in a dishwasher?
If the water is soft (i.e. does not contain calcium particles), the detergent will work more effectively and there will be less streaking on dishes. Hard water can also block the washer jets with lime scale and cause deposits on heating elements, which will reduce the cleaning efficiency, increase electricity costs and shorten the life of the machine. All dishwasher manufacturers and detergent suppliers want you to get the best results from the machine - and soft water is one of the most important factors in achieving this. The way to ensure water remains soft is to regularly top up the reservoir with granular salt.
If the water is soft (i.e. does not contain calcium particles), the detergent will work more effectively and there will be less streaking on dishes. Hard water can also block the washer jets with lime scale and cause deposits on heating elements, which will reduce the cleaning efficiency, increase electricity costs and shorten the life of the machine. All dishwasher manufacturers and detergent suppliers want you to get the best results from the machine - and soft water is one of the most important factors in achieving this. The way to ensure water remains soft is to regularly top up the reservoir with granular salt.
this seems to be a useful link. if what it says is true, the salt isn't used in the washing process so those tablets which have salt in them aren't doing anything. anyhow, see what you think:
http://www.dishwasher-care.org.uk/best.html
http://www.dishwasher-care.org.uk/best.html