Most common types of salt should not be used in a dishwasher.
Making common household products at home instead of purchasing them is one way of saving money and controlling the ingredients used in cleaning or personal care. Some also feel that it contributes to less waste and is better for the environment due to the use of fewer chemicals. For instance, the use of salt is common in some areas to counteract the effect of hard water on appliances, but caution should be used when including salt in a homemade dishwasher detergent formula.
The Ingredients
Making homemade dishwasher detergent is fairly simple: Mix 1 cup borax, 1 cup baking soda, ½ cup citric acid and ½ cup kosher salt. (If possible, use dishwasher-specific kosher salt, which is available in some home retail or hardware stores.) Homeowners can pour white vinegar in the rinse aid detergent dispenser instead of rinse aid to improve rinsing and cleaning. If the dishwasher detergent begins to clump due to the citric acid, add 1 tsp. dry rice to the mixture.
Salt in the Dishwasher
In homes with hard water and in certain areas of the world, such as Great Britain, it is a common practice to add granular salt to the dishwasher to improve dishwasher detergent effectiveness and reduce mineral scale buildup in the dishwasher. Softening the water may also prolong the overall life of the machine and reduce streaking on dishes.
Salt Types
It is important to note that most types of salt, including rock, table, sea and cooking salt, are not recommended for use in the dishwasher because they may clog the dishwasher, creating problems with leaks and drainage, and may increase water hardness and cause corrosion over time. Only dishwasher-specific salt is recommended for use in dishwashers.
The Bottom Line
While salt is used in many dishwashers to reduce hard water, it must be salt specifically generated for dishwasher use and marketed as such. Using ordinary types of household salt may cause damage to the dishwasher over time. When making homemade dishwasher detergent, purchase dishwasher-specific salt for use with the recipe instead of other salt types to protect the dishwasher from potential damage.
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