Dishwasher Salt!

[Valeriea]

I have put off buying a dishwasher for years because I didn't like the idea of putting chemicals on my plates. Now I will buy one and use vegan products. can anyone tell me why you have to put dishwasher salt in the machine? Do you have to use it? And also, why do you have to use dishwasher cleaner and how often? thanks in advance.

[EcclesCake]

MIkey http://www.ethicalsuperstore.com/category/cleaning-and-household/cleaning/vegan.htm

[hc4361]

mikey, there is whole range of cleaning products that are classified as vegan
http://www.simplywashing.com/vegan-washing-powder-vegan-dishwasher-tablets-vegan-laundry-detergent/

Lanolin is common in many cleaners but it's not suitable for vegans, as an example. Glycerine, another common ingredient in cleaning products, can also be derived from animal fat. You'd be surprised!

[mikey4444]

Thanks you two....I have never heard of Vegan cleaning products before.

( are they what Mrs Spock uses ? )

[EDDIE51]

You can get away without dishwasher salt in a soft water area but not in a hard water area. As said the salt does not get into the actual wash water it just makes the water softener work.

[Hypognosis]

I'm in a soft water area. The dishwasher came with the house (new build). It took me about 6 years, one load per week before the light came on to tell me to reload the salt. Daily washes would make it one bag per year, I guess.

[EDDIE51]

'Vegan Salt' ?? Salt is made by evaporating sea water or being dug from a mine. It CAN NOT be anything OTHER than vegan as there is no component,part or process that has anything to do with animal products.
Mind you I bet someone will be out to make a profit by selling ordinary salt as 'Vegan' at 10x the price !