“Wait… Dishwashers Need Salt?”
Okay, real talk—if you’ve just realized your dishwasher needs salt, you’re not alone. It’s one of those sneaky maintenance things nobody really talks about… until the dishes start coming out with weird white spots or your glasses look like they’ve been through a dust storm.
You might be wondering: “Is this the same salt I cook with?” (Spoiler: Nope.) Or maybe, “What happens if I don’t add it?” Or the classic: “Where the heck does it even go?”
Relax. We’re going to break it all down in plain English—no tech manual vibes, promise.
Let’s start with what dishwasher salt actually does (and why your dishwasher’s low-key begging for it).
What Dishwasher Salt Actually Does (And Why It’s a Big Deal)
Dishwasher salt isn’t about seasoning your plates, obviously (although that’d be kind of funny). It’s actually there to help soften the water that runs through your dishwasher. Why does that matter?
Because hard water = chalky build-up = cloudy glassware and crusty plates. Not cute.
Here’s the deal: most dishwashers—especially in places with hard water—have a built-in water softening system. And that system needs dishwasher salt (not table salt!) to do its job. Think of it like coffee for your dishwasher. No salt = no energy = sad-looking dishes.
But here’s the catch: it doesn’t go just anywhere inside the dishwasher.
So… where do you put it?
Where to Put Dishwasher Salt (The Not-So-Secret Compartment)
Alright, this is the part you came for. You’ve got your dishwasher salt in one hand, your confused face in the other, and now you just need to know where to put the stuff.
Here’s the step-by-step:
- Open the Bottom Rack – Slide it all the way out to get access to the base of the dishwasher.
- Look for the Round Cap – You’ll see a screw-top cover at the bottom, usually off to one side or right in the center. That’s your salt reservoir. (Don’t mistake it for the detergent compartment up top.)
- Unscrew the Cap – Twist it off. You might see a bit of water inside—don’t panic, that’s normal.
- Grab a Funnel (or Be Super Careful) – Dishwasher salt is chunky, kind of like coarse sea salt. You’ll want to pour it in slowly so it doesn’t spill all over the place. Some people keep a tiny funnel just for this job.
- Fill It Up – Pour the salt in until the reservoir is full. It’ll stop absorbing once it’s good to go. No need to pack it down or anything.
- Screw the Cap Back On – Tight, but don’t Hulk-smash it. Just enough to seal.
And you’re done! No need to run a cycle immediately unless your dishwasher tells you to.
Now, you might be wondering…
Can I Just Use Regular Salt Instead?
It’s tempting, right? Especially if you’re halfway through dinner and realize your dishwasher’s flashing the salt light.
But here’s the thing—don’t do it.
Regular table salt has anti-caking agents and other stuff that can mess with the softening unit in your machine. Dishwasher salt is specifically designed to dissolve slowly and cleanly without gunking things up.
So unless you love calling a repair technician (and who does?), stick to the good stuff.
And if you’re wondering how often to refill the salt reservoir? Let’s cover that next.
How Often Should You Refill Dishwasher Salt?
Here’s the annoying answer: it depends.
How hard is your water? How often do you run your dishwasher? What brand do you have?
But here’s a rough guide: most people need to top it off every month or so. Some dishwashers have a light that comes on when it’s time (super helpful). Others? You’ll have to check manually.
Pro tip: mark a reminder in your calendar for the first of every month—“Salt the dishwasher!” (You’ll feel like a medieval kitchen witch, and it’s kind of fun.)
Clean That Salt Compartment Now and Then
Sometimes, especially if the salt got wet or spilled, it can get a little crusty in there. No need to freak out.
Just wipe around the cap area when you refill. If it looks grimy, a quick rinse with warm water before adding new salt will do the trick. Keep it clean = longer dishwasher life = shinier dishes. Win-win-win.
Small Task, Big Results
So now you know where to put dishwasher salt, why it matters, and how to stay on top of it.
Honestly? This is one of those tiny home tasks that makes a big difference over time. Your glasses will sparkle more. Your machine will last longer. And your inner adult will feel wildly accomplished.👉 Try it tonight—open the dishwasher, check the salt compartment, and top it off if it’s low. Quick, easy win.