Rating of dishwasher salts 2021-2022: TOP 15 best products and which one to choose

A dishwasher is a complex household appliance that requires proper operation and careful care. In addition to dishwashing detergent, you should also use special salt. It reduces the hardness of tap water, improves foam formation and protects the dishwasher itself from breakdowns.

How to choose the right dishwasher salt? What criteria, besides brand and weight, should you pay attention to?

We will try to answer these questions in the article, and the rating of the best dishwasher salt according to the 2021-2022 version will help you choose the right product.

TOP 15 rating of the best dishwasher salt for 2021-2022

Place	Name	Price
TOP 3 best dishwasher salt by price/quality for 2021-2022
1	Finish Special salt	Find out the price
2	Somat Special salt	Find out the price
3	BioMio Salt Bio-Salt	Find out the price
TOP 3 best tableted salt for dishwasher
1	Lotta Salt	Find out the price
2	Topperr tableted salt	Find out the price
3	Molecola Salt tablets	Find out the price
TOP 3 best salt for dishwasher, small packaging up to 1 kg
1	Paclan Special salt	Find out the price
2	Synergetic Highly purified salt	Find out the price
3	Clean & Fresh Dishwasher Salt	Find out the price
TOP 3 best salt for dishwasher, medium packaging
1	Snowter Crystal salt	Find out the price
2	Clean & Fresh Dishwasher Salt	Find out the price
3	EONIT Special salt for dishwashers 1.5 kg	Find out the price
TOP 3 best salt for dishwasher, packaging from 3 kg
1	Finish Anti-scale salt	Find out the price
2	Filtero coarse salt MEGA BOX 3 kg	Find out the price
3	Yplon Salt for dishwashers 4 kg	Find out the price

Filtero

Coarse crystalline salt with long-term effect (2016)

Large salt crystals take a long time to dissolve, providing a long-term water softening effect. The product is absolutely non-toxic, easily washed off with water from dishes, and removes lime from metal elements of the dishwasher and hoses. The manufacturer provides several options for packaging salt in packs, starting from 1.5 kg per package, which allows you to determine your convenient volume.

+ Pros of Filtero

when using salt, dishes are washed better;
economical consumption - with water of medium hardness, a sachet lasts for 1-2 months;
reasonable price: from 340 rubles for 3 packages;
ease of use - poured into the salt container as needed.

— Cons of Filtero

if the water is very hard, saturated with iron, the consumption increases.

How to choose dishwasher salt?

When choosing dishwasher salt, don't choose the first product you come across. In order for the equipment to work without failures, the drug must be ideally suited to the specific model of household appliances.

When choosing a product, pay attention to several features:

Salt can be granulated or tableted . Before purchasing, read the instructions for the dishwasher. It indicates which type of salt is suitable for a particular model.
Attention is also paid to the packaging . It should be such that the salt can be conveniently stored and poured into a special container.
Some dishwasher manufacturers also make salts for them . If a particular brand has such salt in its assortment, it is better to buy it.
The action of a specific substance also plays an important role . Most salts are intended only to soften water, but there are products that additionally protect the machine from scale formation.

It is also desirable that the salt contains no additional impurities. This guarantees high effectiveness of the product.

How to fall asleep?

Procedure for replenishing salt reserves:

Open the cell door.
Find a reservoir for regenerating crystals - it is located in the pan, near the drain filter.
To add the powder, you can use a special funnel. Dosage is on the package. But experts recommend filling the tank to capacity.

The consumption of the product is affected by the hardness of the water; usually you have to replenish salt losses once or twice a month. In addition to powdered versions, stores sell tablet products, which contain:

washing powder;
regenerating crystals;
rinse aid

The tablets are placed in a special tray, and then the washing program is turned on. Tablet products cannot fully replace salt products with high water hardness. They are used if the rigidity is minimal, but even in this case, care must be taken to install a filter at the inlet.

TOP 3 best dishwasher salt by price/quality for 2021-2022

There is no point in saving on the purchase of salt for your dishwasher, because the lifespan of the appliance depends on it. However, the lines of many brands include products that are of high quality and affordable prices.

Finish Special salt

Inexpensive, but time-tested dishwasher salt will protect its internal parts from the formation of

limescale. Using the product will extend the life of household appliances and improve the quality of dishwashing.

The product contains pure salt without additional impurities. The salt itself is specially granulated to make it easier for the user to pour it into the machine. The granules dissolve quickly, which increases the effectiveness of the product.

The salt does not contain iron or carbonates, which could damage the water softener. The drug is produced in a package made of thick cardboard, which does not get wet under the influence of water, and the granules inside do not form a tight lump during the entire shelf life.

Specifications:

action: water softening and descaling;
weight 1.5 kg;
shelf life 2 years.

pros

large granules provide economical consumption;
perfectly softens water;
protects the machine from the formation of limescale;
no additional impurities;
long shelf life.

Minuses

not a very convenient hole in the box;
may partially remain on the dishes.

Somat Special salt

Special salt has been developed for gentle and high-quality care of your dishwasher.

The action of the product is aimed not only at softening water, but also at preventing the formation of scale on machine parts. Thanks to this, salt can be used even if very hard tap water with impurities is poured into the machine. Since the product perfectly softens water, adding salt improves the quality of dishwashing and reduces detergent consumption.

The product also extends the life of the equipment, and there are no streaks left on ceramic and glassware after washing. Regular use of such salt has a positive effect on the operation of the dishwasher and significantly extends the life of household appliances.

Specifications:

action: descaling, water softening;
weight 1.5 kg;
shelf life 36 months.

pros

perfectly softens water;
prevents the formation of limescale;
affordable cost;
large packaging ensures economical consumption;
does not leave a residue on the dishes.

Minuses

grind too fine;
Not very strong packaging.

BioMio Salt Bio-Salt

The main feature of this salt is that it is completely safe for the environment and is suitable for all types of dishwashers.

cars

The main function of the product is that it prevents the formation of limescale on dishes and scale on important elements of the dishwasher. The product can be used even with hard water to soften it. As a result, active foam is formed from the detergent, and the quality of dishwashing improves.

The product contains only pure salt. The manufacturer does not use flavors, dyes or other synthetic additives, so dishes washed in such a machine will be completely safe for health. The drug is supplied in special packaging that is resistant to moisture, so the salt does not cake, even if it is stored in a room with high humidity.

Specifications:

action: water softening;
weight 1 kg;
shelf life 2 years.

pros

low cost;
prevents the formation of limescale;
the drug is completely safe for the environment;
high-quality packaging prevents caking;
does not leave streaks on dishes.

Minuses

costs a little more than analogues;
low packaging weight.

All about salt products for PMM

Many manufacturers produce the salts in question and their packaging options. The main feature of such compositions is their high purity. They initially do not contain dyes, phosphates, chlorine and flavors, and consist almost entirely of pure sodium chloride.

Features of salt packaging

The sodium salt needed to soften water comes in the form of small colorless crystals. Many dishwasher detergents are sold in this powder form.

Their production technology is as follows:

table rock salt is extracted (classical sodium + chlorine);
the extracted material is purified from non-sodium mineral inclusions;
This powder is packaged in bags for shipping to stores.

Everything is extremely simple. The main thing here is a high degree of purification. Any inclusions of anything other than sodium only cause harm. All other chemical elements in heated water themselves become a source of scale. That is why it is strictly not recommended to use food-grade iodized or sea salt for filling your car.

Salt compositions for PMM are produced in the form of powders, tablets and capsules - they can contain only “regenerating salt” or come with rinse aid and detergent

When choosing compressed tablets, in which, in addition to salt, “soap” is immediately added, special attention should be paid to the type of surfactants in the composition. It is best to take them with non-ionic (non-ionic) surfactants. They, unlike anionic analogues, are completely biodegradable and less aggressive.

Harm from impurities in regenerating salt

Sodium-based regenerating salts have been specially developed for dishwashers. They are needed for the correct, efficient and safe operation of this equipment. Such salts contain only NaCl, which we all widely use in cooking.

Salt additives consisting of sodium chloride are harmless to the human body - this is classic table salt, which is a common food product

Only surfactants that are not washed off from the dishes with water during rinsing can pose a danger. But these substances are contained only in tablets with detergents. If tableted or powdered salt comes in its pure form, then the drug is absolutely safe. During the dishwashing process, it completely dissolves and is washed off into the drain without any residue.

Equipment manufacturers do not recommend using regular table salt for filling the ion exchanger in their instructions. However, if it is well purified and free of impurities, then use is quite possible. But it must be boiled. Before putting table salt in the dishwasher, you need to read very carefully what is written on the packaging with it.

As a substitute for branded salt formulations, you cannot use a regular food analogue, because its content of iodides, carbonates or fluorides is more than 0.5%. The degree of purification of acceptable salt is 99.9%

Sea salt with the iodine it contains is absolutely not suitable for replacement. In this case, the abundance of additional ingredients will only worsen the situation with scale. It is allowed to use only NaCl, purified from impurities by boiling. Only it will not harm the dishwasher and will soften the water properly.

It is not at all worth using other compounds and preparations from the range of household chemicals. They contain sodium salt in small proportions and always have many accompanying ingredients.

If “EXTRA” is selected for replacement, then it is recommended not to pour it into the ion exchanger, but to fill it in the form of a 1:1 water-salt solution. This will avoid the formation of a compressed lump inside. If it forms, then water will stop flowing into the ion filter and soften.

Dosage and nuances of use

The volume of salt required and the rate of its consumption in the PMM depend only on the hardness of the soapy water. The tougher it is, the more drug is consumed. Moreover, it is difficult to guess this indicator; it constantly changes depending on the season of the year and the means and technologies used by the water utility to clean the contents of water pipelines.

Filling (powder) and laying (tablets) of regenerating salt is carried out in a special ion exchanger compartment, most often located at the bottom of the chamber for dishes - it is always indicated in the instructions for the machine

If your dishwasher is designed to use salt, it has one of two options:

Water hardness sensor.
Lever for manually setting this parameter.

The technology for using these devices is always described in the machine’s passport. It may differ depending on the model. It definitely won't hurt to read the instructions before turning on this washing equipment.

Most often, it is recommended to add anti-scale salt directly to the beginning of the wash. Moreover, often it needs to not only be poured, but also filled with water for better preliminary solubility.

The main attention should be paid to storing this product. Sodium salt is very hygroscopic; as it becomes saturated with moisture, it loses its effectiveness. It should be stored in a dry place and away from sunlight, otherwise the water will still remain hard as it was in the pipeline originally.

TOP 3 best tableted salt for dishwasher

Some dishwashers are designed to use only salt tablets. Such products are very convenient, since the user does not have to measure out the exact amount of the product: it is enough to place the required number of tablets in a special container.

Lotta Salt

Inexpensive but effective salt that has a comprehensive effect on the dishwasher.

First of all, the drug softens hard tap water. Due to this, a more fluffy active foam is formed from the detergent, which ensures high-quality washing of ceramic and glassware. Additionally, the drug reduces the risk of scale and limescale deposits forming on the surfaces of important parts of the dishwasher, extending its service life.

Another feature of the product is that it is suitable for all types of dishwashers, and since the product is available in tablets, the user does not have to measure out the exact amount of product. Simply follow the instructions on the package. The salt is supplied in a thick cardboard box, which protects the product from moisture.

Specifications:

action: water softening;
weight 1 kg;
shelf life 1080 days.

pros

low cost;
does not leave streaks on dishes;
enhances the effect of the detergent;
economical consumption;
long shelf life.

Minuses

a white coating may remain on the walls of the dishwasher;
Some users find the tablets too large.

Topperr tableted salt

This special salt effectively softens water and prevents the formation of scale on important elements of equipment.

The product is available in tablets, so the user does not have to worry about how much of the drug needs to be poured into the compartment. It is enough to put just one tablet in order for the machine to receive high-quality protection against the formation of limescale from hard water.

The tablet form is also convenient because the product quickly dissolves in water, leaving no streaks on the dishes or marks on the wall of the machine itself. By softening the water, salt improves the quality of dishwashing. This effect is achieved due to the fact that detergent dissolved in soft water forms a more fluffy and active foam to improve the quality of cleaning dishes.

Specifications:

action: water softening, descaling;
weight 0.7 kg;
shelf life 2 years.

pros

quickly dissolves in water;
To protect your dishwasher you only need one tablet;
economical consumption;
improves the quality of dishwashing;
prevents scale formation.

Minuses

Not suitable for all types of dishwashers;
low packaging weight.

Molecola Salt tablets

This dishwasher salt is more expensive than its analogues, but its price is fully justified by its pronounced effect

and convenience of packaging.
The product comes in a small plastic container with a handle, so it can be stored even in rooms with high humidity.
The tablet form is considered one of the most convenient, because the user does not need to accurately measure the required amount of product: to effectively protect the dishwasher, it is enough to put just one tablet in the compartment.

Due to the water softening effect, the product improves the efficiency of washing dishes, as the detergent forms a more fluffy and active foam. In addition, the product prevents the formation of limescale on the walls of the machine and dishes, so the use of the product does not pose any potential harm to health.

Specifications:

action: water softening;
weight 2 kg;
shelf life 1095 days.

pros

large and easy to store packaging;
convenient to load into the compartment;
improves the quality of dishwashing;
prevents the formation of limescale;
does not contain preservatives or additional impurities.

Minuses

costs a little more than analogues;
not the most economical expense.

How to soften water hardness?

Hardness is determined by the concentration of magnesium and calcium salts, which, when heated, form a precipitate - scale. You've probably seen this thick crust inside teapots. Imagine what will happen if this solid sediment covers the parts of the device? The heating element - the heating element - will be the first to disappear - it will simply overheat under a layer of scale and burn out.

To prevent the PMM elements from fouling with scale, an ion exchanger with a resin that emits sodium ions is installed in it. The resin, by attracting salt ions, softens the water. The ion exchanger has a limited resource - over time, its abilities are depleted. To replenish sodium losses, special regenerating crystals are loaded into the dishwasher. The consumer is interested in which brand to prefer and which product is better: granular or tablets.

Attention! To determine hardness, some dishwashers are equipped with a special sensor. If it is not there, the hardness indicator must be set manually and the consumption will depend on its value.

The effect of using restorative granules:

Reducing hardness - water becomes softer.
High-quality dishwashing.
Extending the service life of the ion exchanger and the entire PMM.
Prevents the formation of limescale.
Protecting users from substances that make up scale. Salts, once in the body, contribute to the formation of stones in the urinary system.

TOP 3 best salt for dishwasher, small packaging up to 1 kg

If there is not enough space to store household chemicals, it is worth buying dishwasher salt in a small package.

Paclan Special salt

The special salt is suitable for all models of dishwashers, and the balanced composition, which does not include

additional additives provide a pronounced effect from the use of the drug.

The main effect of using the drug is to soften hard water. Thanks to this, ordinary detergent turns into active foam, and the cleaning quality of ceramic, plastic and glassware improves.

After using the product, there is no residue left on the walls of the dishwasher, and no streaks left on the dishes. The product also prevents the formation of limescale on important parts of the dishwasher, which means that the device will last as long as possible and will not require frequent repairs or maintenance.

Specifications:

action: water softening;
weight 1 kg;
shelf life 1095 days.

pros

low cost with decent quality;
economical consumption;
does not leave streaks;
no residue remains on the dishes;
extends the life of the machine.

Minuses

not very durable box;
When stored in a damp place, it cakes quickly.

Synergetic Highly purified salt

Ecologically pure salt does not harm the environment and has a high degree of purification. The drug is suitable

for all types of dishwashers.

The product perfectly softens water, so the user does not have to worry about the hardness level of tap water. By reducing water hardness, the effectiveness of the detergent increases and prevents the formation of limescale on important structural elements.

Salt is available in powder form, and the special shape of the packaging allows you to quickly and conveniently pour salt into the compartment. The box is cardboard and successfully withstands moisture, so the salt does not cake even during long-term storage. After using salt, there is no residue left on the walls of the dishwasher, and the dishes remain perfectly clean and streak-free.

Specifications:

action: water softening;
weight 1 kg;
shelf life 1826 days.

pros

perfectly softens water;
prevents scale formation;
does not harm the environment;
quickly dissolves without residue;
economical consumption.

Minuses

difficult to pour into the compartment;
small packaging volume.

Clean & Fresh Dishwasher Salt

Using this salt will help extend the life of your dishwasher. It does not contain fragrances,

flavorings or other synthetic ingredients.

The drug consists exclusively of pure salt, and it is not produced in powder form, but in granules. This allows you to more accurately measure the required amount of product, and the granules themselves quickly dissolve in water.

The product is intended to soften hard tap water, which can cause the formation of limescale on the walls and important parts of the dishwasher. In addition, water softening allows you to turn regular detergent into active foam. Thanks to this, even stubborn dirt or dried-on food particles are removed from the dishes, and no stains or streaks remain on glossy and glass surfaces.

Specifications:

action: water softening;
weight 1 kg;
shelf life 365 days.

pros

low price with decent quality;
granules reduce product consumption;
no synthetic impurities;
effectively softens water;
does not leave a white residue on the walls of the dishwasher.

Minuses

the packaging is not sealed;
small pack volume.

Eonite

With slowly dissolving grains

There are no problems when using this salt when using a dishwasher. If the indicator lights up red and crystals are still visible in the tank, you should simply stir the product with a long object and add water. Although the salt is white, it does not leave any marks on the dishes. After washing, the plates shine and squeak if you run your finger.

+ Pros of Eonite

salt is not harmful to human health;
no stains on cutlery;
thanks to water softening, less detergent and rinse aid are consumed;
The product is suitable for any type of machine;
can be used simultaneously with tablets or powders.

— Cons of Eonite

It is not very convenient to store salt in a cardboard box.

TOP 3 best salt for dishwasher, medium packaging

If the dishwasher is used frequently or the tap water used for washing dishes is too hard, you should buy special salt in a medium-sized package.

Snowter Crystal salt

This crystalline salt is considered universal and is suitable for all types of dishwashers. It comes in the form of crystals, so the drug dissolves quickly in water and has a quick effect.

The product does not contain synthetic impurities, so it perfectly softens hard tap water. Thanks to this, salt increases the effectiveness of the detergent. As a result, the plates are efficiently cleaned of dirt, and no stains or streaks remain on the surfaces.

In addition to preventing scale formation, the product turns detergent into active foam for improved cleaning performance. The drug is available in soft, moisture-resistant packaging, and detailed instructions on the package will help you choose the right amount of the drug. The only drawback of the product is in the packaging, from which it is not very convenient to pour salt into the compartment.

Specifications:

action: water softening, descaling;
weight 1.5 kg;
shelf life 720 days.

pros

quality salt at a good price;
sufficiently large packaging volume;
does not leave a residue;
quickly softens water;
prevents the formation of limescale.

Minuses

inconvenient packaging;
Some users find the salt too coarse.

Clean & Fresh Dishwasher Salt

Special purified salt is designed for high-quality and effective dishwasher care.

The product softens hard tap water and prevents the formation of limescale on important elements of the device. Thanks to this, the dishwasher will last longer and will not need frequent repairs or maintenance. The salt contains no flavorings or other synthetic additives, so the salt is absolutely safe for humans and the environment.

The salt is produced in a convenient package made of thick cardboard, so the product does not cake even when exposed to humid air. In addition, the drug improves the quality of cleaning dishes, since in the process of softening water, ordinary detergent turns into active foam. Thanks to this, the dishwasher efficiently washes dishes made of any materials without leaving streaks on them.

Specifications:

action: descaling, water softening;
weight 1.8 kg;
shelf life 1080 days.

pros

The quality is not inferior to more expensive analogues;
contains no fragrances;
stimulates foam formation;
effectively softens hard tap water;
prevents the formation of limescale.

Minuses

large granules are inconvenient to pour into narrow compartments;
Some users complain about streaks on glassware.

EONIT Special salt for dishwashers 1.5 kg

Special salt for a domestically produced dishwasher has all the necessary characteristics

for high-quality water softening.

The product contains only salt, without dyes, flavors or other synthetic additives, so even allergy sufferers can use the product. Salt completely dissolves in water and does not remain on the dishes, therefore it is safe for human health and the environment.

At the same time, the salt granules are quite large, which makes it easier to load the product into the compartment. This also allows you to reduce the consumption of the drug even with regular use of the dishwasher. Another benefit of salt is that it turns regular detergent into foam. Due to this, cleaning efficiency increases, and even heavy soiling is removed from the dishes.

Specifications:

action: descaling, water softening;
weight 1.5 kg;
shelf life 48 months.

pros

only natural salt in the composition;
completely soluble in water;
perfectly softens water;
protects the dishwasher from the formation of limescale;
democratic price.

Minuses

It is not always convenient to put large granules into the compartment;
may clump into a dense lump during storage.

Release forms

Regenerating salt for dishwashers is available in the form of pressed tablets or granular mass. Each type has its own disadvantages and characteristics

Tablet

The main advantage of using tableted salt is its simplicity and ease of use. It does not spill over and is easier to dose, making it a popular option.

However, not all dishwashers have an ion exchanger into which tablet salt can be placed, and this cannot always be done at the same time and in the required quantity.

There is also an opinion that such tablets dissolve worse than granulated salt, although this is not entirely correct.

Therefore, despite its convenience, compressed salt is not always the best option.

Granular

It dissolves perfectly and is suitable for absolutely any dishwasher. Falling asleep is made easier due to the fact that most manufacturers have already taken care of consumer comfort and equipped the device with a special funnel. However, when using granulated salt, you must independently calculate its amount and how often you put it in the dishwasher.

A single dose is most often half a kilogram, and the frequency depends on the hardness of the tap water and the frequency of use of the dishwasher. The cost in general is slightly lower than that of the tablet version. But this only works if their manufacturers are in the same price segment.

Otherwise, you always need to pay extra for the brand, and granular salt may be even more expensive than tablets.

TOP 3 best salt for dishwasher, packaging from 3 kg

For frequent dishwasher use, it is worth buying salt in large packages. Fortunately, such products are available in the lines of many well-known brands.

Finish Anti-scale salt

The production of this salt is carried out by a manufacturer well known to domestic consumers. The drug is different

excellent quality and allows not only to soften hard tap water, but also to effectively prevent the formation of scale.
Another feature of the drug is that it is able to dissolve existing limescale.
The product comes in a cardboard box, so it is best to store it in dry areas. Otherwise, in an open package, the drug will form a dense lump and it will be impossible to use salt. At the same time, the manufacturer thought out the packaging of the salt in such a way that it would be more convenient to pour the product into the compartment. After using the drug, the dishes become perfectly clean, and there are no stains, streaks or white residue left on them.

Specifications:

action: water softening, descaling;
weight 3 kg;
shelf life 24 months.

pros

It is convenient to pour large granules into the compartment;
the salt lasts for a long time due to the large packaging;
dissolves quickly and perfectly softens water;
dissolves limescale;
does not leave stains or streaks.

Minuses

costs a little more than analogues;
in an open package, it will form a lump over time.

Filtero coarse salt MEGA BOX 3 kg

Coarse salt for dishwashers is available in large and convenient packaging that allows you to quickly

pour the required amount of product into the compartment.

The product does not contain synthetic additives, so the use of salt is completely safe for human health and the environment. Because the product quickly and effectively softens water, the detergent turns into lush foam, providing high-quality washing even for heavily soiled dishes.

In this case, the granules completely dissolve in water, so there will be no white coating on the walls of the dishes, and salt stains and smudges will not appear on the dishes. The product also prevents the formation of limescale on the internal parts of the machine, which significantly extends its performance and service life.

Specifications:

action: water softening;
weight 3 kg;
shelf life 5 years.

pros

reasonable price considering the high cost;
does not leave salt stains on dishes;
prevents the development of limescale;
large packaging;
economical consumption.

Minuses

It’s not very convenient to pour into the compartment;
Some users complain about poor quality packaging.

Yplon Salt for dishwashers 4 kg

This foreign-made salt was specially created for all types of dishwashers. The product does not include

flavors or fragrances, so even allergy sufferers can use it.

In addition, salt granules completely dissolve in water and do not leave salt stains on the walls of the machine or dishes. Thanks to this, the product is completely safe for human health and the environment.

The action of this salt is no different from its analogues. It softens water, increasing the efficiency of cleaning dishes even from grease and other serious contaminants, and also prevents the formation of limescale on important internal parts of the machine. Due to this, household appliances will last much longer and will not require frequent repairs or maintenance.

Specifications:

action: water softening;
weight 4 kg;
shelf life 3 years

pros

perfectly softens water;
quickly dissolves in water;
prevents scale formation;
economical consumption;
large volume of packaging.

Minuses

overpriced;
is not always washed off the surface of the dishes.

What can be replaced?

Regular table salt is much cheaper than reducing granules for PMM. Consumers are wondering: is it necessary to pour a special anti-scale substance into the device? Salt compositions for PMM are specially purified and are saturated with special substances that effectively remove white limescale. They can only be replaced with table evaporated salt. Unlike stone, it has smaller crystals that will not damage the elements of the machine. Dangers of using table and sea salt:

form a precipitate in the ion exchanger;
accelerate wear of the machine.

Which company should you choose?

There are not very many manufacturers of dishwasher salts, but the choice is still quite wide, and there are usually no problems with choosing the right product.

In 2021-2022, users highly rated products from Finish, Somat, BioMio, Lotta, Topperr, Molecola, Paclan, Synergetic, Clean & Fresh, Snowter, EONIT and Filtero. Salts from these manufacturers were included in the rating.

Rating of brands and manufacturers

Almost every manufacturer of dishwashers also produces salt and detergent compositions for them, or recommends directly in the instructions for the machine to use a salt version of a particular brand with a specific dosage.

Prices for sold salt formulations vary little by brand - if saving money is not a priority, then it is best to purchase branded preparations recommended by the manufacturer of the dishwashing equipment in the kitchen

It is difficult to create a comprehensive rating of dishwasher salts, taking into account many different parameters. A similar composition is almost pure sodium chloride (usually the mass fraction of NaCl in them is 99.5–99.7%). Inventing something special here is problematic.

According to the standards, the product in question should not contain additives, rinsing aids, impurities or detergents. If anything similar is included in the description of the composition, then this is not an active salt for the ion exchanger, but a regular dishwashing detergent in an automatic dishwasher such as “3 in 1”, “5 in 1”, “ALL in 1”, etc. . Such tablets and powders are placed in a completely different compartment in the dishwasher.

The best option for regenerating salt is large NaCl crystals. The finely ground powdered analogue is used up too quickly; it is better to avoid it in the store. You need to look for a salt product in the form of granules with a minimum size of 4–6 mm. Tablets are also good in this regard, but not every ion exchanger can contain them simultaneously in the required quantity.

1st place – Finish Calgonit

First place was given to Finish Calgonit due to the almost complete absence of negative reviews from housewives for products under this brand. In terms of cost, this salt is in the middle price segment.

Finish Calgonit is distinguished by high quality NaCl purification and large granules, whose characteristics are more consistent with premium products

This manufacturer also has products designed for washing dishes. We talked more about the brand's products in this material.

2nd place – Sodasan

Sodasan is as good as Finish Calgonite in sodium chloride purity, but costs a little more.

The brand “Sodasan” (this is not only salt) is produced by the famous, which is the undoubted leader among manufacturers of household chemicals for a wide variety of purposes

3rd place – Somat

Somat is distinguished by high levels of salt purity and the absence of any impurities in it. However, the crystals in the packaging of this manufacturer are smaller than those of others.

Final third place - Somat is a classic middling player.

In addition to salt, this manufacturer's product range includes highly effective tablet dishwashing detergents.

4th place – Eonite

Under the Eonit brand, there are two types of anti-scale salts on the market: regenerating NATURAL and CLEANVON.

The first product is positioned as made from natural raw materials, and the second – with 99.9% purification. But the naturalness of NaCl is a big question.

All such salt is produced using the same technology by evaporation. This is more of an advertising ploy from a specific manufacturer, aimed at gullible housewives, rather than some kind of innovation.

Moreover, the price of both options is closer to 100 rubles/1.5 kg. Fourth place for the presence of different products in the line and budget price.

5th place – Top House

Closes the top five in the Top House rating. These are the largest crystals among competitors, but the price is high. This salt lasts a long time in the ion exchanger.

If the dishwasher is used frequently and a lot of dishes are washed, then this is a great option. However, if you use the dishwasher infrequently, it is better to take a cheaper anti-scale product

In all cases, you will have to pay about 100–250 rubles for a 1.5 kg pack of salt. The price depends on the region, the seller and discount promotions.

If a cheaper product is offered under a different brand with a cost below 100 rubles, then you should take it with caution. Cheapness here is the first sign of too small granules or low purity of sodium chloride. As a result, you will pay less for salt, but it will quickly be used up or cause damage to the washing machine.

Loading dishes correctly

Now that we've sorted out the means, let's start loading. Poor washing is in 85% of cases a sign that the dishes were put in incorrectly, and not at all a signal of problems with the dishwasher.

How to load dishes correctly?

We clean the dishes from food residues;
We fold the dishes tightly and compactly, but so that they do not interfere with the rotation of the sprinkler arms, the opening of the dispenser, and the free passage and drainage of water. In many PMMs, sections can be rearranged to accommodate vases and baking trays;

Pour in the powder or add a tablet; if necessary, add rinse aid and salt;
Select the appropriate program and launch it. If you forgot to put something in, you can open the door and add the dishes, the machine will resume operation in a few seconds.

Glasses and fragile glassware are placed at the top. It is important that it does not touch the walls. But the dishes with the most contamination are placed downwards, because this is where the strongest water jets are;
The correct thing to do is to load the dishwasher completely, and only then turn it on;
You can place a small batch of dishes after dinner in the tray and close the lid - this way the utensils will not dry out while waiting for the next batch. Better yet, select the half-load mode;
The dirtiest surfaces should face down, so bowls, pans, etc. are turned upside down.

And for small utensils such as knives and spoons, there are special trays that need to be used. It is better to alternate forks and spoons, and place the knife with the blades facing up. Only after you have correctly positioned the dishes can you turn on the machine.

Do not forget that the equipment washes dishes with hot water, so it is not allowed to place in it:

Appliances with steel elements that may rust;
Dishes with inserts of wood, mother-of-pearl, tin or copper elements;
Cups with patterns or coatings that are not thermally durable;
Glued items;
Antique dishes;
Plastic elements that do not have the appropriate approval markings;
Sponges and kitchen towels;
Crystal can be washed, but be careful, as it may become cloudy over time.

Environmentally friendly products

Since when washing plates, cups, and pots, their surface comes into direct contact with detergents, it is important that the latter do not harm humans. Although conventional dishwashing detergents contain minimal amounts of hazardous substances, manufacturers also offer environmentally friendly formulations based on plant extracts

Such mixtures often contain minerals that provide an abrasive effect.

Although conventional dishwashing detergents contain minimal amounts of hazardous substances, manufacturers also offer environmentally friendly formulations based on plant extracts. Such mixtures often contain minerals that provide an abrasive effect.

A relatively new option is capsules. They are tablets or gel, packaged in dissolving packaging, which allows you to protect your hands from irritation when in contact with highly concentrated substances

In addition, such preparations, which can be produced either in powder or tablet form, are usually completely free of fragrance and often no preservatives. One of the brightest representatives are powdered products, gels and tablets BioMio, which are attractive due to their environmental safety and the absence of an allergic reaction.

When choosing, you need to keep in mind that environmentally friendly products are characterized by:

higher cost;
low foaming, especially in the initial stage of processing;
average quality of washing due to the lack of fast-acting enzymes and surfactants;
increased consumption, which is explained by the low concentration of detergents.

However, these products can be recommended for treating dishes intended for children, people with allergic reactions, or chronically ill people.

Where to put salt

When figuring out where to add it, you can hardly go wrong: in almost every PMM model, the compartment is located inside the hopper under the lower dish container. To place granules without losing some of them, manufacturers recommend using a funnel.

Important! When loading the product into the dishwasher for the first time, pour some water into the compartment. When adding granules, excess water will be drained, and you will calculate the exact dosage.

Select the desired program

You can wash dishes in the dishwasher using various programs. The instructions included with your assistant describe the entire range of features and functions; you should definitely read them.

In most cases, good results are achieved when using a standard program (economy or eco). If the dishes are very dirty, then the intensive washing mode is used - it washes well, but consumes maximum energy and water, so it is better to run the PMM at night.
The delicate mode is designed to wash particularly fragile dishes, such as glasses or crystal wine glasses. The delicate mode means the machine has a built-in heat exchanger that helps raise the water temperature during the first rinse.
In the case when you collect completely different dishes in the dishwasher, it is also worth turning on the gentle mode.
The machine will wash dishes for 1.5 hours or 1 hour in the standard program. The dishes will be hot after the cycle has completed, so wait another quarter of an hour before opening the door.
To prevent drips, the lower compartment is emptied first, followed by the upper one.

Brand rating

Almost all companies that produce PMM also produce dishwasher salt. At the same time, the instructions for washing equipment often indicate the brand of product that is recommended to be used to service the equipment.

Finish calgonit

This is the most popular product, because it has the largest number of positive reviews.

The manufacturer of this salt notes the following advantages of its product:

can remove even old and thickened scale;
prevents the formation of lime deposits;
does not have any unnecessary impurities in its composition;
easily dissolves in liquid;
prevents the occurrence of smudges on plates, cups and other kitchen items.

Pack weight: 1.5 kg. Cost - from 590 to 600 rubles. The active substance of the product is sodium chloride. At the same time, it went through several stages of processing and was cleared of debris and impurities. Finish granules dissolve evenly and slowly, which is required for effective cleaning of dishwashers.

Also on sale are packages weighing 4 and 1.2 kg. The substance is produced in Russia, Poland and Germany. European-made products are overpriced, but they are practically never found in Russian stores.

Sodasan

An organic product, the quality and safety of which is confirmed by a specialized Eco-Garantie certificate. There are no impurities in its composition, so the product is considered safe.

A package with 2 kg of powder costs about 490 rubles. Among the disadvantages, consumers note only the high cost of the substance.

Somat

This powder is characterized by high purity of salt and complete absence of impurities. The quality of the substance is confirmed by numerous certificates. The crystals in the pack of this product are smaller than others. Among the advantages, consumers note the excellent ratio of quality and cost. You can buy Somat powder in almost any household chemical store.

Eonite

This brand produces 2 types of salt: Cleanvon and Natural (regenerating). The latter product is made only from natural ingredients, while the former is 99.9% purified.

Eonite salt is produced using evaporation technology. The cost of both products is about 100 rubles. per package of 1.5 kg.

Top House

This product has the largest crystals. Among the shortcomings, users note only its high cost. In this case, the salt mixture in the ion exchanger lasts for a long time. The average cost of 1 pack weighing 1.5 kg is 150 rubles.

Differences from regular salt

The difference between regenerating salt and food salt is:

deep purification from impurities;

granule size.

Table salt contains impurities that disrupt the functioning of the ion exchanger and adversely affect the internal metal parts of the dishwasher.

Have you set the water hardness in the PMM? Yes, of course. No.

Thoughtful granulation of a special salt composition ensures that the substance dissolves slowly, without clogging the ion exchanger filters.

In addition, the product for PMM contains additives that are useful for the operation of the device:

sodium citrate, which destroys germs;
polyaspaginate, necessary for the reduction and preservation of ions.

How to know when it's time to add

The easiest way is to watch the salt indicator light on the control panel of the device. It is marked with an S-shaped icon and usually looks as shown in the photo. On some brands, the PMM lights up in a very bright red color when activated, for example, on my Bosch, but in some copies the glow is dull, pale yellow and you need to take a closer look.

The indication is controlled by a special sensor. It is built into the machine’s ion exchanger and monitors the saturation of the saline solution. Triggers when the concentration decreases below the permissible values: an indicator lights up on the panel - a sign that there is little salt in the dishwasher, and until you add it, it will constantly glow.

What to do if there is no indicator

When there is no special light on the display, you will have to remember to refill yourself - write the date on a self-adhesive sticker and place it where the detergent is stored.

And also monitor the quality of the washed dishes. It's time to add salt when you notice one of the signs:

Cloudy glass, whitish drops or milky residue on dishes. If this problem is eliminated by manual washing, it means that the saline solution in the softener is not concentrated enough, and the ion exchanger resin cannot be completely regenerated.
Dishes do not come clean with multi-layer tablets. For hard water (above 21°dH) with combined detergents, you need to use salt - the one in the composition is not enough to soften.

It is the cleanliness of the plates and the shine of the glass that will tell you when it’s time to “add more salt” to your assistant. If there is an indicator, you also don’t have to wait for it to light up and add product if the quality of washing deteriorates. And with what frequency? Every month or once a year?

Why can't I use regular kitchen salt?

This question probably worries many thrifty housewives who are accustomed to using cheap improvised means. Kitchen salt should not be poured in because it contains many foreign impurities. Impurities are more likely to ruin your dishwasher than to extend its life.

What kind of salt should I use? A special salt of the same name is sold in stores among other dishwasher products. It is packaged like powder in cardboard boxes or other similar containers. Typically, each package contains about a kilogram or one and a half kilograms of the product.

What is regenerating salt?

A similar term appeared in connection with the method of water softening used. Calcium gives water hardness; so that it does not damage the device, it must be “transformed” into sodium. Dishwashing machines are equipped with an ion exchanger containing resins that can replace magnesium and calcium ions with harmless sodium. But over time, sodium is washed out from the ion exchanger, and the ability to attract calcium decreases. Salt restores the “supply” of sodium and renews the “working force” of the ion exchanger.

regenerating salt

It is important! You should not use regular table salt in the dishwasher, it is of no use. Regenerating salt for household appliances undergoes special processing and has a more complex composition.

What is the best regenerating salt? It is difficult to give a definite answer to this question; each housewife makes her own choice, but there are several products that have gained popularity among all categories of consumers.