Elevate dishwasher efficiency: a comprehensive guide to using salt effectively

Maintaining optimal performance for your Thermador dishwasher involves regular maintenance tasks, including adding salt to the water softener. Salt plays a crucial role in preventing limescale buildup and ensuring spotless dishes. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you add salt to your Thermador dishwasher efficiently.

Locating the Salt Container

1. Open the dishwasher door.
2. On the bottom of the dishwasher, locate the salt container. It’s typically a cylindrical-shaped container with a cap.

Checking the Salt Level

1. Unscrew the cap of the salt container.
2. Check the salt level. If it’s low or empty, it’s time to add salt.

Adding Salt

1. Use only dishwasher salt specifically designed for dishwashers. Do not use table salt or other types of salt.
2. Fill the salt container with salt until it reaches the top.
3. Gently tap the container to settle the salt.
4. Wipe away any spilled salt from the surrounding area.

Resetting the Dishwasher

1. Close the salt container cap securely.
2. Close the dishwasher door.
3. Start a rinse cycle to distribute the salt throughout the dishwasher.

Importance of Using Salt

• Prevents limescale buildup: Salt softens the water by exchanging calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions. This prevents the formation of limescale deposits on dishes and the dishwasher’s components.
• Enhances cleaning performance: Soft water allows the dishwasher detergent to work more effectively, resulting in cleaner dishes.
• Extends dishwasher life: Limescale buildup can damage the dishwasher’s heating element, pump, and other components. Adding salt helps prevent these problems and prolongs the lifespan of your appliance.

Frequency of Adding Salt

The frequency of adding salt depends on the hardness of your water supply. If you have hard water, you may need to add salt more frequently. As a general rule, it’s recommended to check the salt level every few months or as needed.

Warning Signs of Low Salt

• Limescale deposits: If you notice white or grayish deposits on dishes or the dishwasher’s interior, it may indicate low salt levels.
• Reduced cleaning performance: Dishes may not come out as clean as usual.
• Dishwasher error codes: Some Thermador dishwashers may display error codes indicating low salt.

Troubleshooting

• Dishwasher not draining: If the dishwasher is not draining properly, check if the salt container is clogged.
• Salt not dissolving: If the salt is not dissolving, ensure that you are using dishwasher salt and that the water supply is not restricted.
• Salty taste on dishes: If dishes have a salty taste, it may indicate that too much salt was added. Rinse the dishes thoroughly before using them.

Common Questions and Answers

1. Can I use table salt in my Thermador dishwasher?

No, you should only use dishwasher salt specifically designed for dishwashers. Table salt contains iodine and other additives that can damage your dishwasher.

2. How often should I add salt to my Thermador dishwasher?

The frequency depends on the hardness of your water supply. Check the salt level every few months or as needed.

3. What happens if I don’t add salt to my Thermador dishwasher?

Not adding salt can lead to limescale buildup, reduced cleaning performance, and potential damage to the dishwasher’s components.

4. How do I know if my Thermador dishwasher needs salt?

Check for limescale deposits, reduced cleaning performance, or dishwasher error codes indicating low salt.

5. How much salt should I add to my Thermador dishwasher?

Fill the salt container to the top, but do not overfill it.