Do I need dishwasher salt if I use tablets?

Dishwasher Salt: Why It Matters and How to Use It

Minimalist kitchen countertop with succulent plant, glass bowls, and kitchen utensils.

Dishwasher salt: what you should know.

Some models use softener salt to help mitigate the effects of hard water on your dishware. How much salt should you put in the dishwasher? Is salt really needed? Our dishwasher experts share facts, tips and answers for your FAQs.

Why you need to use dishwasher salt

Some dishwasher models use salt to help mitigate hard water build-up. Salt helps soften hard water so glasses come out shiny, clean and free from water spots.

Hard water contains high levels of calcium carbonate, also known as lime. Using hard water in a dishwasher can lead to limescale build-up on utensils and can potentially damage the appliance. That's why it's crucial to soften water that has a hardness above a certain threshold.

Glass tumbler on wooden floor in bright, minimalist room.

Dishwasher salt ingredients

Dishwasher salt, like table salt, consists of sodium chloride. However, dishwasher salt comes in coarse granules to prevent clogging the dishwasher salt tank while table salt is finely ground. Though it might be tempting in a pinch, do not use table salt in your dishwasher. Doing so could damage the water softening system.

Extreme close up of coarse dishwasher salt granules.

Step-by-step: using dishwasher salt

Petri dish, pH test strips, scientific equipment, laboratory, medical research.

1. Determine the water hardness

Before using your dishwasher for the first time, you need to find out how hard your water is. There are two ways to do so: - Conduct a quick home test with a water hardness test strip. - Look at your water bill: it often indicates the hardness. - Ask your water supplier.

Desk with potted plant, book, and office supplies on a white background.

2. Adjust your dishwasher's settings

Once you know the water hardness, adjust your dishwasher settings accordingly. The rule of thumb is the harder the water, the higher the setting and the more salt your dishwasher will go through. Refer to the water hardness table in the user manual to determine which setting to use.

Microwave interior with ice cubes in a container.

3. Add salt using a dishwasher salt funnel

The tank for dishwasher salt is accessed via the dishwasher floor. Unscrew the cap, and using a dishwasher salt funnel, pour in dishwasher salt. To prevent potential damage to the inside of the machine, always run a load right after filling the salt tank. This way residual salt won't corrode the dishwasher's metal interior. Pro tip: When the refill light or symbol for salt on your dishwasher control panel illuminates, top up the salt.

All-in-one dishwasher tablets and dishwasher salt

Many all-in-one tabs contain dishwasher salt. So you might wonder: do I need dishwasher salt if I use tablets? It depends on your water hardness. If you live in a hard water area, salt is essential – for spotlessly clean glasses every day and an appliance that will work reliably long term. In moderately soft areas, all-in-one dishwasher tabs suffice.

Dishwasher Descaler

If you notice white limescale or hard water build-up on the inner walls and door of your dishwasher, use the Bosch descaler to remove it. It's easy to use and will help keep the built-up at bay if used regularly.

All about dishwasher tablets (opens in a new window)