Tablets, salt, rinse aid… Do you really need all three for clean dishes? Here's what each product does.
Tablets: they clean
The tablet (or pod) contains the detergent that cleans your dishes. It goes in the machine's detergent compartment. “All-in-1” tablets also include other functions, such as a rinse action or anti-limescale protection, depending on the product.
Dishwasher salt: protection against limescale
The salt is for the dishwasher's built-in water softener. It helps limit limescale, which causes white marks on glasses and deposits in the machine. Pour it into the dedicated reservoir, usually at the bottom of the tub, when the salt indicator lights up.
Use special dishwasher salt: table salt is not suitable.
Rinse aid: shine and drying
Rinse aid helps water run off during rinsing. The result: fewer drops and streaks, and faster drying. It goes in its own compartment, when its indicator lights up.
So do you need all three?
With “All-in-1” tablets, salt and rinse aid are not always essential, but they are often still useful if your water is hard or your glasses keep showing marks. To be safe, follow your dishwasher's manual and the instructions on the pack.
Never do this
Never put hand washing-up liquid in a dishwasher: it makes far too much foam and can make the machine overflow.
Money-saving tip
As with laundry, compare the price per wash: large boxes of tablets often work out cheaper per tablet.
Finish, Fairy and Sun tablets, salt, rinse aid and washing-up liquids are in our Dishes & dishwasher aisle. Delivery to a pickup point or to your door anywhere in Belgium (terms).