Dishwasher Salt Calculator
Calculate the right dishwasher salt dosage for your machine based on your local water hardness.
The harder the water, the more regeneration salt your dishwasher needs to prevent limescale. Enter your water hardness and wash cycles per week for a refill interval estimate.
Pro tips
- With very soft water (below 7 °dH) salt is often not needed at all.
- The indicator light on the appliance is the most reliable refill signal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does a dishwasher need salt?
Regenerating salt softens the water in the machine's ion exchanger and prevents limescale buildup on dishes and inside the machine.
How often do I need to refill salt?
It depends on water hardness and how often you run the machine – with hard water and daily use, usually every 2-4 weeks; the salt indicator light tells you the exact moment.
What happens if there's not enough salt?
Without enough salt, the water isn't softened properly, which causes limescale spots on glasses and dishes and, over time, can damage the machine.
How do I find out my water hardness?
Your local water utility publishes the water hardness; alternatively, test strips from a hardware store or your water meter documentation can help.