DW2KGSS Aktivo Dishwasher Softener Salt 2kg, Refill for the Salt Reservoir on Dishwashers with a Built-in Water Softener

Aktivo DW2KGSS is a 2kg pack of dishwasher softener salt for machines that have a built-in water softener. The salt goes into the reservoir in the floor of the tub, usually under the lower basket, and keeps the softener working so the wash water stays soft. If your dishwasher has a salt indicator light or a screw cap in the base of the tub, this is the refill it's asking for.

What dishwasher salt does and when to top it up

Many dishwashers soften the incoming water with a resin unit. Over time the resin fills up with calcium and magnesium from hard water, and the machine flushes it with brine made from the salt in the reservoir to bring it back. Run out of salt and the softener stops doing its job. The usual signs are a cloudy white film on glasses, chalky spots on plates and cutlery, a salt warning light on the panel, and scale building up on the heating element and spray arms. Salt is not a detergent, so it works alongside your normal tablets or powder rather than replacing them.

Part details

• Part number DW2KGSS
• 2kg pack of Aktivo dishwasher softener salt
• Refills the salt reservoir on dishwashers with a built-in water softener
• Used alongside your usual dishwasher detergent

Filling the salt reservoir

Pull out the lower basket and unscrew the cap on the reservoir in the floor of the tub. Check your dishwasher manual first, as many machines need the reservoir filled with water before the very first salt fill. Pour the salt in with a funnel, wipe any spilt grains off the thread and seal, and screw the cap down firmly. Run a rinse or a full wash straight away so loose salt doesn't sit in the tub.

Questions about this part

Does my dishwasher need softener salt?

Only if it has a built-in water softener. Look for a screw cap in the floor of the tub under the lower basket, or a salt symbol on the control panel. If your machine has neither, it has no softener and salt isn't needed.

Can I use table salt instead?

No. Table salt and cooking salt contain additives and fine grains that can clog the softener. Stick with a salt made specifically for dishwashers, like this Aktivo pack.