How often do you put salt in the dishwasher, how much and how much you can, what is it for
Despite the presence of a wide variety of salts for dishwashers, few are able to answer what this product is intended for. Water from the water supply system contains various impurities, which, settling, cause the breakdown of household appliances over time. Specialized salt helps to avoid such problems and prolong the life of the devices.
Purpose, functions and composition
The dishwasher (PMM) is constantly in contact with water, which is why limescale accumulates on the internal parts of the equipment for several months. If cleaning is not carried out in time, the efficiency of the heating element (heating element) will decrease. In the future, this part, without which it is impossible to do the dishes, will fail, which will require relatively expensive repairs. To eliminate these consequences, as well as for other purposes, specialized dishwasher salt is used. This product is 98% sodium chloride (table salt).
Despite the similarity of compositions, the use of ordinary salt for descaling in dishwashers is prohibited.This is due to the fact that the particles that make up the specialized tools are smaller and differ in a different structure.
In addition to table salt, these cleansers often include the following components:
- sodium percarbonate;
- sodium citrate (disinfects the machine);
- sodium bicarbonate and disilicate;
- flavors;
- sodium polyaspartate (retains ions).
Due to this composition, salts perform the following functions:
- clean the heating element and other parts of household appliances from scale;
- soften water, thanks to which dishwashing detergents foam better;
- remove lime deposits from dishes;
- restore the sodium reserve in the ion exchanger.
The first and last points require clarification. During operation, lime builds up on the heating element. Due to this, this element begins to heat up more, which is necessary to maintain the set water temperature. As the lime builds up, the heating element expends more electricity. And in the end, due to overheating, this element fails.
To avoid such consequences, manufacturers of dishwashers began to install an ion exchanger with a resin (sodium chloride) inside the devices, which binds metal ions, preventing the sedimentation of lime. However, over time, the amount of this mixture decreases, which also leads to the failure of the heating element. Dishwasher salt will reduce the usage rate of the resin.
Types of packaging
Dishwasher salts are available in powder, capsule and tablet form. The principle of action of the product does not change depending on the chosen packaging of the product.
Tablets
The tablet cleaner is convenient to use.Otherwise (in terms of effectiveness, composition, method of application and other parameters) this product does not differ from the powder form.
Powders
Powdered cleaning mixtures are considered the most common.The popularity of these products is partly due to their relatively low price. Powders should be poured into a suitable container provided in the dishwasher.
If household appliances are deprived of such a capacity, then it is recommended to purchase salt in the form of capsules.
capsules
Capsules are convenient in that such products are placed directly in the compartment with the dishes. In addition, the salt released in this form is consumed evenly. However, it is not recommended to use capsules to clean the heating elements in cases where too hard water enters the machine. In such cases, it is more difficult to calculate the dosage of the agent.
Impurities harm
Salt formulations do not directly harm both food and humans. But some of these products contain surfactants that pose a certain danger to the body. Therefore, using cleaning products, it is necessary to activate the rinse mode in the dishwasher.
Dosage and nuances of use
The amount of salt, sufficient to clean the heating elements, is difficult to calculate. This is due to the fact that the dosage of the agent is determined depending on the hardness of the water (the higher it is, the more you have to pour). It is almost impossible to independently determine the last parameter, since this indicator changes throughout the year.
Modern dishwashers are supplemented with a water hardness sensor. If this part is not there, then it is recommended to fill the salt up to the top of the compartment intended for the cleaning product.As household appliances are used, it is necessary to periodically check the rest of the powder or tablets in the tank. On average, salt is poured into the container no more than twice a month.
Classification of brands and manufacturers
It is difficult to choose the highest quality means for cleaning heating elements, since these products contain the same component - sodium chloride. The difference between dishwasher salts is mainly limited to the brand of the manufacturer and the type of additional ingredients.
calgonite finish
Finish Calgonit is an expensive product, which the manufacturer notes:
- removes the old scale;
- prevents the formation of lime deposits;
- does not contain harmful impurities;
- dissolves quickly in water;
- eliminates the appearance of stains on dishes.
The components included in Finish Calgonit have gone through several stages of purification from impurities, thanks to which the indicated results are achieved. This product is produced in Russia, in packages of 1.5 kilograms, thanks to which salt of this brand can be used within six months.
sodasan
An environmentally friendly product for cleaning heating elements from scale is produced under the Sodasan brand. This fact is confirmed by independent research, which is indicated in the corresponding Eco-Guarantee certificate. Sodasan is approved for cleaning machines where baby dishes are washed. The product is available in 2 kg packs, so one pack is sufficient for six months or more. This product costs 500 rubles.
somat
Like the products mentioned before, Somat does not contain harmful impurities. The salt of this brand goes through several stages of purification, which is confirmed by several quality certificates.The main feature of Somat is that the packaging contains small particles, so the composition dissolves in water faster and does not settle on the dishes.
In comparison with other products of this rating, salt of this brand has an optimal price-performance ratio.
Eonith
Two products are manufactured under the Eonit brand. These products differ only in composition. The Eonit company manufactures inexpensive cleaning products. For a package of 1.5 kilograms, the manufacturer asks about 100 rubles. Evaporation technology is used in the manufacture of products of this brand.
Natural
Natural means contain natural substances as additional components.
Cleanvon
Cleanvon differs from other similar products in that it consists of almost 100% purified salt particles.
upper house
A Swiss cleaner is able to remove third-party impurities from the water and relieve the dishwasher from limescale. With Top House you can save on dishwashing detergents: the consumption of the latter is reduced with the regular addition of salt from this brand. The main disadvantage of this product is that it is quickly consumed. And at the price of 340 rubles for a 1.5 kilogram package, this circumstance becomes important.
Snower
The Russian brand Snowter produces salt in the form of powder and tablets. There are also gel formulations on the market that differ in that they contain surfactants and a number of other additives. These products are used to clean machines from limescale and grease deposits. Plus, Snowter tablets and gel remove grease from dishes, saving you money on detergents.
The manufacturer produces dishwasher cleaners in different packages. Snowter tablets and powder are applied according to the standard algorithm. Difficulties may arise when using the Russian brand gel for the first time. This product is available in a special bottle with a rim at the bottom. The latter must be attached to the rack of the dishwasher, then remove the protective film from the neck and start the device empty, setting the temperature to 70 degrees. This procedure should be done at least once a month.
Paclan Brileo
Paclan Brileo is an inexpensive dishwasher cleaner that costs less than 100 RUB. The product is available in powder and gel form. The latter option is more popular due to the peculiarities of the composition. Paclan Brileo gel contains substances that not only remove scale and grease, but also disinfect the internal parts of household appliances and dishes. In addition, this agent is consumed more slowly than powder.
Oppo
Oppo's cleaning solution comes in the form of tablets. This product has the following advantages:
- no marks on the dishes;
- practical size;
- has been consumed for a long time;
- dissolve evenly in water.
The main disadvantage of the product is that the tablets are only effective in Oppo brand dishwashers.
Bioretto
Biretto granulated salt is characterized by the following characteristics:
- dissolves quickly in water;
- evenly consumed;
- does not harm a person;
- combined with other cleaning agents;
- odorless;
- does not contain impurities;
- prevents stains on porcelain and glassware.
Biretto brand salt is suitable for medium to low hardness water. If the concentration of impurities in the incoming liquid exceeds certain limits, the consumption of cleaning agent increases.
What can be replaced?
The detergents used to descale the heating elements of the dishwasher can be replaced by boiled table salt. Such a product is distinguished by smaller crystals that do not damage parts of household appliances. At the same time, it is not recommended to constantly use boiled salt, since this agent causes the formation of a deposit in the ion exchanger and accelerates the wear of the components of the dishwasher.