Filling the Dishwasher Water Softener

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How to Fill your Amana Dishwasher's Water Softener

Dishwasher salt is a specialized salt that softens the water used during the wash cycle; not all dishwashers have a salt reservoir. Using salt in the dishwasher does a couple of things: it helps:

To prevent limescale buildup
With hard water stains and deposits in the dishwasher
Improve the appearance of glasses by reducing cloudiness and streaking caused by hard water

One significant benefit of using dishwasher salt is its ability to soften hard water. Hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can leave behind stubborn limescale deposits on your dishes and inside your dishwasher. Using dishwasher salt effectively prevents limescale buildup, helping to maintain your dishwasher's optimal performance.

Adding dishwasher salt helps regenerate the ion exchange resin in the dishwasher softener unit. This process ensures that the water used in your dishwasher is softened, allowing the detergent to work more effectively. As a result, your dishes come out cleaner than using hard water alone.

Check out Reasons to Buy a Dishwasher with a Water Softener for more information.

How to Add Dishwasher Salt

Adding dishwasher salt is simple. Locate the salt reservoir, pour in the required amount of salt, and securely close the cap. Regularly checking and refilling the salt reservoir will help maintain cleaning performance.

Filling the salt container

Remove the lower rack from the dishwasher and unscrew the lid to the salt reservoir.
Add Water. IMPORTANT: BEFORE ADDING SALT FOR THE FIRST TIME, the salt container must be filled with water to the top of the opening (approximately one qt [0.9L]. Water does not have to be added with subsequent refills.

Insert the funnel (provided) into the salt container. Slowly fill the container with dishwasher water softener salt. The salt container holds approximately 4½ cups (1.0 kg) of salt. As it is being filled, some water may run out.

Stop filling the salt container when you no longer see salt flowing out of the funnel bottom. NOTE: You can spoon the salt out of the bag and into the salt container when it is close to full to keep any salt from spilling into the dishwasher.
Clean any excess salt from the threads of the salt container opening.
Screw the salt container lid on firmly.

If the dishwasher is not used immediately, wipe away any excess salt that may have spilled.

When do I refill the salt container?

The dishwasher provides two ways to indicate when to refill the salt container (depending on the model).

The center of the salt container lid will turn from green to clear.

An "Add Salt" electronic message will appear on the dishwasher front display after the wash cycle has been completed, and it will stay on until the salt container has been refilled. A typical refill schedule is about once every 6 to 8 weeks if using the factory default dishwasher water hardness setting of 3. Still, it can vary based on your dishwasher usage and cycle selections.

What type of salt to use?

We recommend using Soft Spring™ dishwasher salt, part number W10320829. If you're looking for dishwasher salt near me, check local stores or online retailers for the best options available.

Reminders:

Use only water softener salt specially formulated for dishwashers. Other salts may contain insoluble additives, which can damage the water softener.
Using dishwasher detergents or other chemicals unintentionally when filling the salt container can damage the water softener system.
The lid of the salt container must be firmly secured after filling or refilling it.

Can I use salt and detergent together?

Yes, dishwasher detergent packs are all-in-one solutions that combine detergent, rinse aid, and water-softening agents in a convenient tablet form. These tablets are pre-measured, making them easy to use and eliminating the need for separate products. They provide effective cleaning and spot-free drying and are suitable for most dishwashers.

If you live in an area with hard water or notice mineral deposits on your dishes, dishwasher salt might be needed. It helps prevent limescale buildup, improve water efficiency, and enhance your dishwasher's overall performance. Tablets alone might not effectively tackle hard water issues, so adding dishwasher salt could be a benefit.

What type of detergent should I use?

High-quality pre-measured tablets and packs are recommended for improved performance.

Quality tablets and packs have been proven better than powder, liquid, or gel detergents at reducing filming on dishes. Using tablets and packs over time will start to reduce or eliminate white film. They are suitable for all water hardness and soil levels. Also, by using rinse aid, you can minimize the repeat buildup of the white film (not all packs and tablets contain rinse aid). Always place pre-measured detergents in the main compartment and close the lid.

The Pre-Wash indicator on the dispenser lid is for customers who use powder or gel detergent and wish to add an amount of detergent to the Pre-Wash cycle. The volume of detergent added here is approximately eight cubic centimeters if filled full and level. Any detergent added here would be immediately added to the wash when the cycle starts, versus detergent inside the dispenser, which is added during the main wash cycle.

NOTE: Follow the instructions on the package when using other dishwasher detergent types.

Use automatic dishwasher detergent only. Add detergent just before starting a cycle.
Fresh automatic dishwasher detergent results in better cleaning.
Store the detergent in a tightly closed container and place it in a cool, dry place.
Extremely hard water mineral deposits (15 grains per U.S. gallon or more) can damage your dishwasher and make good results difficult to achieve. A water softener is recommended to avoid damage and achieve good results.