Water softener Salt residue remains on the dishes. The water softener is going throught salt like crazy. I fill the salt and make sure that the light is off before I start the cylce. Within the first 20-45 mins the salt light comes on again and the dishes will not wash properly. We have come to the conclusion that the salt is being distributed to quicky but cannot figure out why the light keeps coming on. The switch inside the cap for the salt is set a the min.

On other Defy dishwashers, the red arrow indicates End of Cycle. Thus your dishes should be clean and ready to be removed from the dishwasher. See page 14 the manual for the DDW170 here: https://www.newappliances.co.za/uploads/documents/DOWNLOAD%20MANUAL%20DDW170.pdf . On page 6, the manual states that the add salt indicator can glow for an extended period after you add salt. This is due to the time needed to dissolve the water softener salt in 1 liter of water. Do not add more salt than the reservoir can hold (2 Kg for the DDW170).

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells
(Note: if the salt reservoir was dry, you need to add water before adding the water softener salt.)

really don't know have you got the manual. Normally you have to test the water ph level and then adjust the dish washer to that ph level and then fill the salt reservoir. Not sure on your model of dish washer . However you could add a water softener to the water inlet to the dish washer . Just search for
Water softener device
see
http://www.uvguard.com/hwc-home-series/

I feed Danby dishwasher salt whenever he asks (buy it by the case online). Still produces marginally clean dishes.

The top light is apparently to indicate that the salt (!) has run out.

The bottom light is apparently to indicate that rinse aid has run out.

For the record, that seems to be a Zanussi DE-6854 dishwasher, and I found the manual here: (link)


"Special salt can be added in one of two ways: 1) If you are using dishwasher detergent that already contains salt, the detergent including the salt is placed in the detergent compartment. - In this case the water softener must manually be set to 1 and electronically to 1 to ensure that the special salt is taken from the detergent container only. 2) If you are using dishwasher detergent and salt separately, the special salt is to be put into the salt container. - In this case the water softener must manually be set to 1 or 2 and electronically between 1 and 5 (depending on the water hardness in your area) to ensure that the special salt is taken from the salt container only. Only use salt specifically designed for use in
dishwashers. All other types of salt not specifically designed for use in a dishwasher, especially table salt, will damage the water
softener. Only fill with salt just before starting one of the washing
programmes. This will prevent any grains of salt or salty water, which
may have been spilt, remaining on the bottom of the machine for any period of time, which may cause corrosion." (Page 6)

"Only use branded rinse aid for dishwashers. Never fill the rinse
aid dispenser with any other substances (e.g. dishwasher
cleaning agent, liquid detergent). This would damage the
appliance." (Page 7)

The manual also explains how to turn the Rinse Aid light off permanently if you do not wish to use rinse aid.



Good luck!

Salt light means your dishwasher using water softener unit.

Salt light is on when either the salt (used for softener regeneration) is low or the water softener unit is not working correctly. First try and recharge the salt in the container usually the lid is on the base of the dishwasher. check this site for some idea. However, if there is water in the salt reservoir then you have to call the technician and get the whole softener unit regenerated.

Hope it is not all that serious. Please rate this solution if helpful otherwise post a comment.

You have to buy a cartridge type water softener and attach it to the
inlet water line of your dish washer. In addition to this there must be
a salt compartment in the dish washer.
Refer the user guide /owners manual and locate. Fill it with the special
dish washer salt. ( Do not use kitchen salt used for food).
The dish washer salt may help to certain extent in softening the wash
tub water inside. Check the switch settings for rinse aid and salt
release settings in the machine. Refer manual!

You have to use water softeners available in cartridge form. attach this to the inlet pipe.
If there is a compartment for salt in your machine fill it with special dish washer salt availble for this. (Pl do not use kitchen salt )

Check the incoming water quality. If water is hard and having calcium content this could happen. Use water softeners in the inlet water to the machine.

If dish washer salt compartment available fill with the special salt meant for dish washers.

Check rinse aid compartment and fill rinse aid. Or use two in one soap tablet.

check inlet water quality. If more calcium deposits in the water this could happen. Try using water water softeners.

If provision for dish washer salt check and add salt. ( not kitchen salt )

Finally check whether rinse aid compartment is filled with the liquid. If you are tablet, extra rinse aid not needed. Try all the above.

Not sure what model dishwasher you are having.

If you have hard water and are using water softener then you may have to adjust the setting of the softener.

If your dishwasher has separate brine reservoir to control hard water then brine pump may not be letting enough water go through the reservoir to disolve the salt.

Make sure the rinse aid has not entered into the softener reservoir.
Clean the dishes coming with white residue using vinegar solution.