The choice of salt for the dishwasher. Dishwasher salt: what is it for and where to fill it, Bosch dishwasher, why and how much, how often
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When buying a dishwasher, people think that they only need a special detergent to wash the dishes. But when they read the instructions, they begin to understand that not everything is so simple. It turns out that some kind of dishwasher salt is needed to wash the dishes. What is this salt, what is it for and where to get it? You will learn about all this after reading our review. In it we will tell:
- What is dishwasher salt?
- what does salt do in the dishwasher;
- how to choose the right salt;
- how much and where to pour it.
After reading this material you will receive answers to all questions regarding the selection and use of salt in dishwashers.
Why do you need salt in the dishwasher
We all understand that the dishwasher does not clean each plate individually. And she does this not with her hands with a sponge for washing dishes, but with the help of flowing water, to which detergent is mixed. Under the action of surfactants contained in the detergent, dirt is slowly removed from the surface of plates, spoons, forks and other objects.
The washing qualities of soap and other products are well manifested only in soft water.. The same soap foams in it literally immediately, giving a rich and powerful foam. After all, it is the foam that contributes to the active removal of contaminants from the surface of the dishes. And it is very easy to wash off with plain water. If the water is very hard, then the soap will simply dissolve in it, practically without giving the foam we need. Dependence is revealed - the less rigidity, the more foam.
In the dishwasher, the quality of washing dishes directly depends on foaming. Water in most regions of Russia is quite hard. And if this hardness is not so noticeable when washing dishes by hand, then in the dishwasher the hardness of the water will be critical. And what about those who have a lot of flowing from the tap? hard water, literally saturated with insoluble salts? In such conditions, the quality of washing dishes in a dishwasher will be far from ideal. And in order to remedy the situation, you need dishwasher salt. What is it for?
- Dishwasher salt removes calcium and magnesium ions from the water, replacing them with sodium ions - as a result, harmless and soluble salts are formed, the water becomes soft.
- Salt improves the cleaning properties of the detergents used in dishwashers.
- Salt significantly improves the quality of washing dishes - this is achieved due to better foaming.
- Salt prevents the formation of scale on the elements and parts of dishwashers - thereby prolonging the life of household appliances.
Thus, dishwasher salt is a very important component of successful dishwashing. And it is almost impossible to do without it. And the harder the water, the more salt you need.
Is it possible to do without dishwasher salt at all? Of course, you can - for this you need to connect the dishwasher to a source of soft water. For example, you can install a special filter containing resin with sodium ions in your home plumbing.
What is dishwasher salt
What is the composition of dishwasher salt? When we hear the word "salt", we involuntarily recall the most common table salt used in cooking. In fact, there are a lot of salts in nature - detailed information on this subject should have been learned back in school. That's why do not confuse salt or dishwasher salt substitute with regular table salt, in most cases these are two different chemicals(or specially purified table or sea salt).
As for the composition of salt for dishwashers, in many cases it is fundamentally different from the chemical composition of table salt. It contains sodium salts of various acids, such as sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate and many other types of salts. The term "dishwasher salt" should be understood as a special salt composition designed to soften water in dishwashers. Also, dishwasher salt can be created on the basis of refined table salt.
Each manufacturer of salt for dishwashers comes up with its own composition. After all, good salt should not only soften the water, but also help remove the resulting chemical reaction other salts. And some of the manufacturers simply achieve complete purification of ordinary salt without using additional components. As for measuring the level of hardness, special test strips for manual determination of hardness or sensors built into the dishwasher are responsible for this (they are available only in expensive models equipped with automatic hardness detection).
If your dishwasher does not have an automatic hardness detection function, you will need to manually determine the hardness and also manually set the salt consumption level in the programs.
Let's now look at some types of salts sold in departments with household chemicals. There are really a lot of salts, and the price range is quite large - it’s time to get confused which is better.
Perhaps this trademark one way or another known to all owners of dishwashers. Under it, not only salt is produced, but also other Finish preparations for dishwashers - these are Finish rinses, Finish powder and 3 in 1 tablets. Finish dishwasher salt is different high efficiency and affordable cost. One pack weighing 1.5 kg costs about 200 rubles, and it will last for a long time. What are the properties of this salt?
- Finish salt softens the water and prevents the formation of scale on the heating element.
- This salt helps to improve the quality of washing dishes.
- Finish Salt does not cause streaks.
Reviews show that This dishwasher detergent is highly effective.. No wonder this salt is so popular among consumers. Yes, and it is relatively cheap.
Inexpensive coarse salt for the Magic Power dishwasher is characterized by good efficiency and low cost. One and a half kilograms of this product costs about 130 rubles. Large crystals provide convenient dosage and promote accurate consumption. Salt effectively softens water, significantly improving the quality of washing dishes and preventing the formation of limescale on heating elements and other elements of dishwashers.
In addition to salt, special tablets are produced under this brand - they contain detergent, rinse aid and softening salt. Their use is possible only if the manufacturer allows the use of such tableted universal products.
Sodasan Regenerating Dishwasher Salt is based on regular table salt that has been purified and evaporated. No additional components are added here. On the one hand, this is good, since excess salt contributes to a decrease in the service life of individual components of dishwashers. But on the other hand, the quality of mitigation may suffer - there is no specific solution on this issue.
This salt is supplied packaged in packs, the weight of which is 2 kg. It costs in the range of 400-450 rubles, and this A pack is enough for almost a year of use., depending on the water hardness level. The manufacturer guarantees the high environmental friendliness of this product and the use of environmental clean technologies during its manufacture.
Without any doubt, all these environmentally friendly technologies only leave a corresponding imprint on the cost of the product. Otherwise, this is the most ordinary peeled and evaporated salt.
If you are lucky enough to find this salt on sale, you can save a lot of money. This special dishwasher salt comes in 4kg packs and low cost one pack guarantees the preservation of money in the wallet - the price of such a pack of salt is only 500 rubles. Salt softens water well and prevents the formation of smudges on washed dishes. Excellent and not expensive remedy for all dishwasher owners.
You can buy salt for the dishwasher in any supermarkets, in the department of household chemicals. Specialized stores and online stores will be able to offer you the lowest prices.
How much salt to put in the dishwasher
Freshly baked dishwasher owners are tormented by the question - how much salt should be poured into the dishwasher? The answer to this question is very simple - exactly as much salt is poured into the machine as it enters the compartment specially designated for this. The capacity of salt compartments in dishwashers is different, so it all depends on the specific model.
Dishwashers automatically pick up right amount salt per wash cycle. They measure the amount either independently or in accordance with the water hardness value set by users. Weighing salt on a pharmacy scale and measuring the exact amount is not required from you - entrust this process to the dishwasher. The main thing is to pour salt into the correct compartment, and not add it to the detergent.
Where to put salt in the dishwasher
So we come to the main question - where, in fact, pour salt into the dishwasher? Everything is simple here, since the salt compartment in most cases is located at the bottom of the dishwasher. To add salt, open the door, remove all trays from the machine, find a container and pour salt into it using a special funnel. That's the whole procedure, after which you will have to determine the level of rigidity tap water and enter the indicator into the machine's memory. If your machine can determine the level of hardness itself, just start washing.
Please note that many machines have an indication of the presence of salt. As soon as the indicator beeps, load the next portion into your dishwasher.
In order for the dishwashing machine to break down less often and last longer, the industry produces special salt compositions. These special preparations with sodium chloride is recommended to be used in addition to traditional detergents. Let's figure out why dishwasher salt is needed, what functions it has and what manufacturers offer.
What is the difference?
Having considered the packaging of any product positioned as a dishwasher salt composition (PMM), you can make sure that 98% is ordinary table salt. So, maybe you can put ordinary salt in the dishwasher? In no case! Despite the high content of the usual product in the composition special means, it is forbidden to replace it with ordinary salt. Salt products for dishwashers differ in structure and fraction size from conventional NaCl.
Why is she needed?
- Prevents the formation of scale on the heating element and in the tank.
- Softens water and improves the quality of washing dishes.
The harder the water in the pipes, the more you have to pour the salt product. Is salt needed where the water is soft? No, not needed. To solve the problem radically, you can, for example, put a special filter with ionized resin at the inlet. It will soften the water.
In regions with low water hardness, special tablets can be used - salt granules are already included in their composition. At high hardness readings - and a special test strip will help you find out about this - you will have to buy special water softening compounds that are loaded into the PMM separately from the detergent.
More foam!
The softer the water, the better the detergent foams and the better the dishes, cups, etc. cookware. Foam not only helps to clean contaminated surfaces, but is also easily washed off.
Soap dissolves in a hard liquid, practically without forming foam, which means that it will not work well to wash the dishes. For dishwashers, the principle of direct dependence of the quality of washing on the amount of foam applies. It becomes clear why special salt products should be poured into the PMM.
Is it possible to use PMM without salt?
Many housewives are interested in: will a dishwasher work without special salt? The first time will be. And in the future, problems cannot be ruled out. We have hard water in our plumbing. When it is heated, dissolved salts of magnesium and calcium settle on all surfaces with which it comes into contact. This sediment is called scale. A shell of salt deposits interferes with the operation of the heating element - the most important detail PMM.
Manufacturers have provided for adverse operating conditions by integrating a special container into the dishwashers, into which ionized resin is poured. The liquid, flowing through this composition, softens. This happens due to the mutual attraction of positive calcium and magnesium ions and negative sodium ions, which are rich in resin. After cleansing, the water softens, it is ready to provide active foaming and high-quality dishwashing.
Gradually, the resin loses its softening properties. To restore its abilities, you have to add sodium ions. And where to get them? In salt. If you do not maintain the ion exchanger with fresh ions, it will cease to perform its functions and purify the liquid. Negative processes will begin, wearing out and destroying the parts of the PMM.
What to buy?
Stores selling household chemicals have big choice salts for PMM: cheap, expensive, from the middle price range. What are their differences, and which one to prefer? Let's go over the most popular brands.
Finish
Products from domestic manufacturer. Takes a place among the market leaders. Sold in one and a half kilogram packs for 200-300 rubles. This package is enough for about three months. If translated into the number of washes, then 1.5 kg is enough for 25-30 cycles. Its properties:
- softens water, prevents scale formation;
- contributes to the formation of foam - there are no ugly smudges on the plates after washing;
- improves the quality of washing dishes.
Magic power
Budget product with great features. It costs half as much as "Finish" - about 150 rubles, but it works just as well. The crystals are large in size, due to this the drug is consumed sparingly. The harder the water, the higher the consumption. Under the same brand, you can find washing tablets that contain salt granules. If your machine can use the "three in one" tool, then such a tablet product will do.
Sodasan
From ordinary purified salt. There is nothing superfluous in it, no additives. For environmental friendliness, you have to pay with the quality of washing - it is lower than when using other preparations. Sold in packs of 2 kg. The cost is about 500 rubles. A pack is used for about a year - the consumption depends on the hardness of the water.
Often, products with marks indicating environmental friendliness are unreasonably expensive. Eco and bio signs are nothing more than a publicity stunt.
Yplon
Rare product. Sold in a pack weighing 4 kg, and costs only 500 rubles. Good softener. Prevents the formation of smudges.
Topperr
Produced in the form of tablets. Contains NaCl crystals. 1.5 kg of tablets are sold for 450 rubles.
How much and where to pour?
For salt compositions in PMM there is a separate container. It is located at the bottom of the machine. After opening the door, remove the dish boxes, find a container and pour in the powdered product. And so that it does not crumble, use a funnel. Put funds as much as fits in the compartment. Each model has different sizes. The machine itself will use the right amount of granules, which is calculated using a special program.
After a few wash cycles, look into the powder container to see if the poured substance is dissolving or not. Do not mix salt granules with dishwashing detergents.
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Now you know what dishwasher salt consists of and how it works. Without sparing a few hundred rubles for a pack of a special product, you will improve the quality of dishwashing and extend the life of the equipment.
Buying a dishwasher is almost an ordinary event in the life of a family. It saves a lot of time and water. But, as practice shows, half of the happy owners of a dishwasher have absolutely no idea what additional expenses they are waiting for car maintenance. After all, in addition to dishwashing detergent, you also need a powder for softening water, the so-called salt for dishwashers, which costs a lot. However, there are many options for replacing it with more economical options.
The main functions of salt
Dishwasher salt is a special powder that is added before starting work. It is needed in order to:
Alternatives
The composition of dishwasher salt is very simple. is the familiar sodium chloride. But it's not really common salt to soften the water in the dishwasher - before pouring it into the dishwasher, it was thoroughly cleaned of additives and impurities. That is why manufacturers strongly recommend purchasing special salt.
Owners of equipment often want to save money and are looking for an alternative. A variety of options are used:
Homemade pills deserve special attention. The craftsmen studied the composition of branded ones and deduced their ideal formula:
- soda - 150 g;
- borax - 200 g;
- magnesium sulfate - 500 g;
- citric acid - 1 packet.
Mix all ingredients citric acid add last. The resulting mass is laid out in ice molds to form tablets, and dried. It should be noted that this method does not guarantee the safety of the equipment.
When choosing between original salt and options for replacing dishwasher detergent, you should think carefully. As practice shows, analogues have a number of serious drawbacks:
At the time of buying dishwasher consumers think that one detergent is enough for the operation of equipment. After reading the instructions, many understand that this is not entirely true. In order for the device to wash dishes efficiently and serve for a long time, you need salt for dishwashers. Additional questions immediately arise: what is the use of this tool? How much to put sodium chloride and where? Why do you need dishwasher salt? Answers to exciting questions give in our review. However, first, let's figure out what the composition of a specialized tool is.
Many inhabitants with this word represent table salt, which is used in cooking. However, these are two different chemical composition With different actions. Externally, regenerating dishwasher salt is characterized by larger and more uniform granules. She goes through several cleaning levels and has no harmful impurities. Manufacturers use their own composition for the salt mixture, with various additional components:
- sodium citrate, which kills germs;
- sodium percarbonate;
- flavorings;
- sodium disilicate and bicarbonate;
- sodium polyasparginate as an ion retention base and thickener.
The dishwasher has a built-in tank with ionized resin. When water passes through it, the positively charged magnesium and calcium ions are attracted to the negatively charged sodium ions in the resin. To restore the lack of sodium in the ion-exchange tank, it is necessary to rinse it with sodium chloride water at the end of the washing cycle. After this action, the ion exchanger is ready to again perform the replacement of calcium with sodium during the subsequent loading of dishes.
That is why dishwasher manufacturers use the concept of " regenerating salt"(restoring). The chemical process helps to soften the water, thus the liquid enters the tank without harmful impurities. If you ignore the recommendations of dishwasher manufacturers and do not use salt, over time the ion exchanger will fail, and the parts will become covered with scale. All this will lead to equipment failure.
Basic answers to frequently asked questions
Where and how to pour salt into the dishwasher?
The equipment comes with a tank for loading salt. To add sodium chloride, you must unscrew the cap of the consumables container. Pour the product immediately before turning on the device - this will save the equipment from corrosion.
Please read the instructions for your model before downloading for the first time.
How much salt to put in the dishwasher?
The product is selected, the machine is purchased, the next step is to pour optimal amount substances. Before turning on the machine for the first time, pour about 1 liter of water into the salt container. Then load the agent until it is completely filled (about 1-1.3 kg). Close the hole, removing excess material. If use pills with sodium chloride, then they contain such an amount of the mixture as needed for one sink.
Why do you need dishwasher salt?
To clean cutlery from grease and food residues, use only soft water without any impurities. It promotes rich foaming, which removes dirt from cutlery. The water that flows in the water supply has hardness parameters above normal. Therefore, salt is used to soften water in machines. The product converts potassium and magnesium ions to sodium ions, making the water softer.
It is also used so that scale does not form on the details of the equipment, and cutlery is not in white stains.
How to replace salt in the dishwasher?
If the water in your area is not too hard or you have a filter installed, you can use dishwashing tablets that already contain sodium chloride. The substituted substance has all the emollient characteristics of salt.
What remedy better fit for bosch dishwasher
Many consumers of the German concern are faced with the search for a softening component for the dishwasher. For Bosch appliances, the same tool is suitable as for any car. The manufacturer makes the following recommendations:
- get information about the hardness of the water in the water utility;
- set up according to the instructions softener, based on the water hardness parameters in the table;
- total liquid consumption per wash cycle from 0 to 4 liters.
- It is necessary to adjust the operation of the softener, based on water hardness user. Expensive models have the function of automatically determining this criterion, some manufacturers with technology sell test strips for self-determining the level of hardness.
- Download the tool when the indicator shows values from 2 to 3, and not 0.
- If the low salt indicator on the control panel gives a signal, you need to add a substance. If there is no sensor, add the consumable when the colored dot on the water softener bottle lid is not visible.
Note! Never put detergent into the sodium chloride container. In this case, the water softener may fail, and repair cannot be avoided.
Overview of popular tools
- The domestic company Finish has established itself with positive side and known to users of washing equipment. A package of salt is enough for 25-30 washing cycles. Benefits include affordability and efficiency consumable. Salt Finish has a number of advantages: it prevents the formation of scale on parts, softens hard tap water. Thanks to good foaming, the devices are washed out without smudges and stains. The cost of one pack of 1.5 kg will cost customers 200-230 rubles.
- Magic power. This regenerating salt belongs to budget options. It performs its functions with excellent efficiency. In addition to this product, the company produces tablets containing rinse aid, detergents, softening salt. Before using them for a dishwasher, you must read the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations. For a pack, give about 140 rubles.
- The basis of regenerating salt is purified and evaporated table salt, which is produced using environmentally friendly technologies. It contains no phosphates, dyes, chlorine, fragrances. For a pack of 2 kg, the buyer will give about 430 rubles - it will last for a year.
- Topperr- a remedy in the form of tablets containing sodium chloride, or large purified granules. Thanks to the components, the water softens, thereby improving the quality of washing dishes. The price for 1.5 kg or 167 tablets is about 450 rubles.
The importance of using this component in the process of washing dishes is undeniable. Using salt, you can not only extend the life of the appliance, but also make the process of washing cutlery and pots of high quality and flawless.
Until you had a dishwasher, you may not have even suspected the existence of such a product as dishwasher salt (DMS). It turns out that one detergent is not enough for the correct operation - you also need a special substance to soften hard water. Our tap water characterized by increased rigidity. Therefore, the use of salt during the operation of the PMM is a prerequisite for the long and proper operation of your equipment. Let's figure out what kind of salt is added to the dishwasher - ordinary or special, and what manufacturers offer.
How to soften water hardness?
Hardness is determined by the concentration of magnesium and calcium salts, which, when heated, form a precipitate - scale. You have probably seen this thick crust inside teapots. Imagine what will happen if this solid deposit covers the parts of the device? The heating element will be the first to disappear - a heating element- it will simply overheat under a layer of scale and burn out.
To prevent fouling of PMM elements with scale, an ion exchanger with a resin emitting sodium ions is installed in it. Resin, attracting salt ions, softens water. The ion exchanger has a limited resource - over time, its abilities are depleted. To make up for sodium losses, special regenerating crystals are loaded into the dishwasher. The consumer is interested in which brand to prefer and which product is better: granular or in tablets.
Attention! To determine the hardness, some dishwashers are equipped with a special sensor. If it is not there, the hardness indicator must be set manually and the flow rate will depend on its value.
The effect of the use of restoring granules:
- Decrease in hardness - water becomes softer.
- High quality dishwashing.
- Extending the service life of the ion exchanger and the entire PMM.
- Prevention of lime scale formation.
- Protection of users from the substances which are a part of a scum. Salts, once in the body, contribute to the formation of stones in the urinary system.
What can be replaced?
Regular table salt is much cheaper than regenerating PMM pellets. Consumers are interested in: is it necessary to pour a special anti-scale agent into the device? Salt compositions for PMM undergo special cleaning and are saturated with special substances that effectively remove white limescale. You can only replace them with table salt. Unlike stone, it has smaller crystals that will not damage the elements of the machine. The danger of using table and sea salt:
- form a precipitate in the ion exchanger;
- accelerate the wear of the machine.
How to fall asleep?
The order of replenishment of salt reserves:
- Open the cell door.
- Find a reservoir for regenerating crystals - it is in the pan, near the drain filter.
- To fill the powder, you can use a special funnel. Dosage - on the package. But experts recommend filling the tank to capacity.
The consumption of the product is affected by the hardness of the water, usually it is necessary to replenish salt losses once or twice a month. In addition to powdered versions, tablets are sold in stores, which contain:
- washing powder;
- regenerating crystals;
- conditioner.
Tablets are placed in a special tray, and then the washing program is turned on. Tableted products cannot fully replace salt products with high water hardness. They are used if the rigidity is minimal, but even in this case, care must be taken to install a filter at the inlet.
dishwasher salt rating
Large selection in the local market special formulations to soften water. Let's see what is popular with consumers and what they say about their effectiveness. To decide which salt to choose for PMM, you need to compare the properties and cost of the products offered.
Finish Calgonite
Salt manufacturer Finish promises that its products:
- able to remove the thick layer scale;
- prevents the formation of scale;
- does not contain impurities;
- prevents the appearance of smudges on the dishes;
- dissolves easily in water.
Package weight - 1.5 kg. Price - 590–600 rubles. This product contains sodium chloride. But carefully processed, without impurities and debris. Its granules dissolve slowly and evenly - just like a dishwasher needs.
"Finish" is sold in different packages, but the proposed options have no fundamental differences. In addition to one and a half kilogram packaging, there are packs of 1.2 and 4 kg. Produced in Germany, Poland, Russia. We sell Russian version- weight 1.5 kg, inscriptions - in Russian. European products are more expensive, it is problematic to get them in Russia. Reviews about the "Finish" are rather positive, users note the following features of the drug:
- gives shine to dishes - no plaque and smudges;
- 1.5 kg is enough for 3-4 months of PMM operation.
Lack of "Finish" - high price. Some users note the size of the granules, but this fact is not negative - their size is designed for a certain dissolution rate.
Somat
Somat brand products are produced by German company Henkel. The basis of the composition is sodium chloride. Packing - carton boxes 1.5 kg. The cost is 240 rubles. Advantages:
- affordable cost - "Somat" is cheaper than "Finish";
- cardboard packaging is equipped with a spout through which it is convenient to pour granules;
- contains no harmful impurities;
- effectively softens water;
- A pack lasts almost a year.
filtero
Products Russian manufacturer. Available in tablets and granules. Applicable in all brands of PMM. Effects:
- water softening;
- raid warning;
- improving the performance of detergents.
Sold in packs of 1 and 3 kg, the price is 140 and 340 rubles, respectively. Users note the affordable cost and economical consumption.
Elly
This is a product from a Russian manufacturer. Like the previous products, it is purified sodium chloride. Copes well with limescale and allows you to save on washing powders. There are no streaks or smudges on the dishes. Elli's advantage is economy and efficiency at an affordable cost. Packing - packs of 3 kg. The price is about 200 rubles.
Users, comparing "Ellie" with "Finish", do not notice any difference, except for the price - the second is much more expensive.
Clean Fresh
An inexpensive product that extends the life of dishwashers. It is produced in the form of large solid granules. Dissolution is slow. Clean&Fresh is sold in packs of 1 kg. The price is about 100 rubles. One pack is enough for about a month of operation of the device.
Topperr
There are two forms of Topper release - powder and tablets. Along with the usual properties - preventing sediment and improving dishwashing, Topperr promises disinfection. The product is made by a Turkish company. The cost of 1.5 kg - from 135 rubles.
Consumers are not impressed with the product. The granules are small, so a pack lasts only a month.
"Eonite"
Proposal from a domestic manufacturer. An unremarkable product regular composition and properties. Sold in packs of 1.5 kg. The cost is about 140-190 rubles. Consumption - 1.5 kg for 2 months.
Sodasan
Organic with Eco-Guarantee certification. It is positioned as a safe product that does not contain impurities. Protects the dishwasher from scale, and dishes from streaks.
2 kg costs about 500 rubles. Consumers are unanimous - too expensive. There are more economical options. There is nothing special about Sodasan granules.
Bravix
Eco-friendly and economical products. The composition is traditional. The properties are unremarkable, this is an ordinary solid product that performs its functions.
Packs of 2 kg cost about 160 rubles. Users say that Bravix is used sparingly.
top house
Guarantees high-quality cleaning water from impurities and descaling. Reduces the need for detergents. 1.5 kg is sold at a price of 340 rubles. Manufacturer - Switzerland. Consumers are unhappy that an expensive product ends quickly.
Which option is best for you and your dishwasher, you will decide - by evaluating their cost, efficiency or any other criteria that matter to you. Some consumers pay attention to the price, others care about the packaging design, brand or country of origin.
Pills
Salt formulations are produced not only in the form of powders, but also in the form of tablets. Advantages of tablet products:
- dishwasher safe;
- gradual dissolution prevents the substance from churning into lumps;
Useful video:
All products on the market have the same effect and are interchangeable. Their main difference is cost. It is not important which pack you buy, it is important that you add its contents to your dishwasher in a timely manner. E electrolux, Bosch, Miele, Indesit- PMM of any brand needs periodic addition of salt.