It could be that the sensor thinks the salt level has dropped when levels are actually adequate. In this case, the sensor is at fault which will cause a warning light to flash or a low salt level symbol to display.
It is normal for the salt light to stay lit for several washing cycles after you fill the machine with salt, as it takes time for the salt to dissolve.
When the salt light pops up on my dishwasher I always use it as an excuse to give it a quick service. I top up the salt, the rinse aid, clean the filter and then run it on an empty wash with a dishwasher cleaner. You can always tell the difference when this has been done and it keeps it in good working order.
Because your dishwasher has a water softener built into the machine and it requires salt tablets to maintain the regeneration cycle and keep the water softener efficient.
This may be caused by no rinse aid, no salt, or the sensor not detecting the salt tablets. Depending on which is the case, either refill the rinse aid, refill with special salt, or use different special salt.
If your 'low salt light' is flashing with plenty of salt in the tank, it's likely some salt has solidified near the bottom. Your softener is still going through recharges, but is having a tough time dissolving salt properly.
Salt Refill Symbol
This symbol is usually some form of a stylised 's' and comes on as a reminder to refill the salt container. Salt softens hard water and prevents limescale build up in your dishwasher and on your dishes.
It depends on how hard your water is: Hard water: Your dishwasher needs dishwasher salt to clean as best as possible and prevent damage from limescale buildup. Moderately soft/slightly hard: All-in-one tabs are typically enough. Soft water: It's not necessary to add dishwasher salt.
What happens if I don't use dishwasher salt in my dishwasher? Not using dishwasher salt in your dishwasher can lead to limescale build-up on utensils, clog the internal mechanisms and pipes, reduce water flow, decrease cleaning effectiveness, and potentially damage your appliance.
This is due to the minerals found in hard water. To prevent this, make sure you check your appliances salt levels, top up your rinse aid and use Finish Ultimate Plus detergents which offer built-in protection against spots and marks while delivering a sparkling shine.
Flashing slowly: Your softener's salt level is low. After adding more salt, visit our Salt Level Programming article to learn how to reset your salt level. Flashing slowly with 'SCHEDULED CLEAN' shown: Four months have passed, meaning it's time to use a bottle of Whirlpool® Water Softener Cleanser.
A monthly top-up is recommended. No watermarks on your glasses and dishes – the easiest way to check if you need a salt top-up is to inspect your glassware. If you find any watermarks or spots, this means the water used by your dishwasher has gone quite hard.
This light turns red while the dishwasher is running, showing that it's in the middle of a cycle. After the cycle is complete, the light changes to green and stays on for two hours. However, if you notice it flashing, it could indicate a problem with the water supply.
Emptying the salt container and refilling it is often enough to solve the problem. After emptying, run several rinsing cycles and check the function again.
We recommend refilling the rinse aid dispenser once a month if you run your dishwasher pretty often. Or you can just top it off as needed—a lot of machines have a window that lets you see how much rinse aid is in the dispenser.
Some models require you to shut off the power to the dishwasher either by unplugging it or shutting off the circuit breaker. Others are reset by pressing and holding the Start/Reset button on the control panel, then waiting a few moments before attempting to start a wash cycle.
Using too much rinse aid with soft water will leave a residue in the dishwasher tub after running a cycle. Refer to the image below. Reduce the rinse aid setting to eliminate the rinse aid residue.
Salts made for dishwashers are designed to soften the water, so it is important to find an alternative ingredient which has the same effect. If your appliance is low on salt and you're caught short, the best alternatives are large grained “kosher” salt or white vinegar.
In the long-term, can you run a dishwasher without salt? Yes, but the effects can include poor cleaning and a greater risk of damaging your dishwasher's parts. Over time, clogged components can lead to more serious mechanical issues, such as a breakdown of the heating element or spray arms.
Dishwashers dispense detergent and rinse aid at different times during a programme. With an all-in-one product, the amount of rinse aid in the final rinse cycle might be too low, which decreases the drying efficiency. Using a separate rinse aid in addition to all-in-one tablets solves the problem.
Dishwasher Salt fights limescale build up in medium and hard water areas while rinse aid prevents water spots and helps your dishes to come out perfectly dry. Achieve perfect results by keeping your dishwasher topped up with both.
If you are not adding dishwasher salt directly into the chamber, the resin will eventually deplete and no longer be effective. Therefore, any hard water that is entering the machine will not be converted into soft water and this may cause poor washing results.
"Rinse aid can help with drying and prevent water spots, especially if you have hard water—it can also make your dishes shine." While most dishwasher manufacturers expect owners to use rinse aid, it's not required: "You can skip it if your dishes are clean and dry without it," says Fleming.
Dishwasher Error & Warning Symbols
If your machine displays a tap symbol, for example, this could mean that your dishwasher is not pumping in enough water during the wash cycle. This can be caused by a clog or damage to your dishwasher's hose.