Do I really need dishwasher salt for my Bosch 800 series? (Expert guide)

Yes, if your Bosch 800 Series has a built-in water softener, and you live in a hard water area, you need dishwasher salt.

Dishwasher salt is important. It helps your dishwasher clean better. It also stops limescale and extends your appliance’s life.

Let’s break it down.

What is dishwasher salt, and why does it matter?

Dishwasher salt is coarse sodium chloride. It softens hard water in dishwashers. It helps stop limescale by removing calcium and magnesium ions. These minerals make water “hard.”

Here’s why dishwasher salt is essential:

• Improves dishwasher performance by keeping internal parts free of mineral deposits.
• Enhances detergent effectiveness, helping dishes come out clean and spot-free.
• Extends the life of your dishwasher, especially high-end models like Bosch dishwashers.
• Helps to maintain efficient water softener regeneration.

Important: Never use table salt in place of dishwasher salt. It contains additives that can damage your machine.

Does the Bosch 800 Series dishwasher use salt?

Yes, many Bosch 800 Series dishwashers need dishwasher salt. This is true for most European models with built-in water softeners. Here’s how to know if your model needs it:

• Check for a salt reservoir cap under the bottom rack of your dishwasher.
• Check the user manual to see if your model uses dishwasher salt.
• European Bosch 800 models usually have a built-in water softener and need salt to work best.
• U.S. Bosch 800 models may not always have this feature—usage varies by model.

Quick Tip: If your model has a salt compartment, you need salt. If it doesn’t, you’re good to go.

What is water hardness and why should you care?

Hard water can harm your dishwasher without you noticing. Here’s why it’s important to know your water hardness.

• Hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium.
• It causes white film, cloudy glassware, and clogs spray arms.
• Bosch dishwashers with a water softening system need salt to handle hard water.

How to check water hardness:

• Use a water hardness test strip (available online or from Bosch).
• Ask your local water supplier.
• Search for online water hardness maps.

Key Point: If your water measures above 8 dH (degrees of hardness), you should use salt.

How to Add Dishwasher Salt to Bosch 800 Series

Find out how to refill dishwasher salt in a Bosch 800 Series. This will help your dishwasher run better and keep your dishes spotless. Follow these simple steps:

1. Pull out the bottom dishwasher rack to expose the salt reservoir at the bottom of the appliance.
2. Locate the round cap near the drain area — this is the dishwasher salt compartment.
3. Unscrew the cap counterclockwise to open it.
4. For first-time use, fill the compartment with clean water before adding salt.
5. Use a funnel to pour Bosch dishwasher salt into the compartment until it is completely full.
6. Wipe off any excess salt around the opening to prevent rust or corrosion.
7. Secure the cap tightly, then run a rinse cycle to activate the softener system.

Tip: When filled correctly, the dishwasher salt indicator light will turn off.

Benefits of Using Dishwasher Salt in the Bosch 800 Series

Using dishwasher salt in your Bosch 800 dishwasher helps with performance and maintenance. Here are some benefits:

• Stops limescale from forming on internal parts. This protects the heat exchanger and the water softener system.
• Improves cleaning performance by softening hard water, allowing the detergent to work more effectively.
• Extends the lifespan of your dishwasher by maintaining optimal internal conditions.
• Leaves dishes spotless and streak-free, especially beneficial for glassware and cutlery.
• Enhances rinse efficiency, helping to eliminate white residue and film deposits.

Tip: Use dishwasher salt often if you have hard water. This keeps the Bosch 800 running efficiently.

Common Myths & Misconceptions

Some people think dishwasher salt isn’t needed or that tablets work fine. But this can cause problems with performance.

• All-in-one tablets may contain a small amount of salt, but not enough for very hard water areas.
• Regular table salt has additives. These can clog or corrode the water softener unit.
• Soft-looking water can still be hard. Test for hardness before skipping salt.

Best Dishwasher Salt Products for Bosch 800 Series

Looking for the best dishwasher salt for Bosch 800 Series? These top-rated products stop limescale. They also make cleaning easier and protect your appliance’s water softener.

• Bosch SGZ9091UC Dishwasher Salt: Made by Bosch, this salt helps your dishwasher work better and last longer. It’s the recommended choice for all Bosch models, including the 800 Series.
• Finish Dishwasher Salt: A popular brand for softener-equipped dishwashers. This design stops mineral buildup. It works with Bosch, Miele, and other European brands.
• Miele Dishwasher Salt: This salt is made for top dishwashers. It works well with Bosch 800. It’s pure, coarse-grained, and ensures effective water softening.

Pro Tip: Always use coarse-grain dishwasher salt. Never use table salt. It can damage your dishwasher’s softener unit.

Final Verdict: Do You Really Need Dishwasher Salt?

Yes, if your Bosch 800 Series dishwasher includes a water softening unit and your water is hard. Dishwasher salt gives excellent cleaning, stops limescale, and keeps your appliance running well.

• Always confirm if your model has a built-in softener by checking the manual or control panel.
• Test your water hardness and follow refill prompts to keep the softener working.

Skipping dishwasher salt can cost you in the long run—clean dishes start with soft water.