Dishwashers use salt and rinse aid to enhance their cleaning performance and achieve better results. Here's why these additives are beneficial:
- Salt (Water Softener): Dishwasher salt is specifically used to regenerate the water softener system within the dishwasher. Water hardness refers to the presence of minerals like calcium and magnesium in the water. Hard water can lead to the formation of limescale deposits on dishes, glassware, and the dishwasher's internal components.
The dishwasher's water softener is a resin-based system that exchanges sodium ions in the salt for the calcium and magnesium ions in the hard water. This process helps prevent limescale buildup and ensures the dishwasher can effectively clean the dishes without leaving spots or residues.
Not all dishwashers require salt, as some models have built-in water softeners, or they may be designed to work with the local water hardness level. If you live in an area with very hard water, using dishwasher salt can be particularly beneficial.
- Rinse Aid: Rinse aid is a liquid additive used to improve the dishwasher's drying performance and prevent water spots and streaks on dishes, glasses, and cutlery. Rinse aid works by reducing the surface tension of water, allowing it to flow off the dishes more easily and efficiently during the drying cycle.
When the rinse aid is dispensed during the final rinse cycle, it helps the water form thin sheets, which then slide off the dishes rather than forming droplets. As a result, the dishes dry faster and more evenly, leaving them spot-free and sparkling.
Using rinse aid is especially important if your dishwasher doesn't have a built-in drying system or if you want to achieve the best possible drying results.
In summary, dishwasher salt and rinse aid play crucial roles in maintaining the dishwasher's cleaning and drying efficiency. Dishwasher salt helps combat limescale buildup and ensures effective cleaning by softening the water, while rinse aid enhances drying performance and leaves dishes looking spotless and shiny. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions on the appropriate usage and amount of these additives for your specific dishwasher model.