Households buying a dishwasher for a hard-water area
You’re choosing a dishwasher and want to check how to set its water softener for the water supplied to your home, while also considering installation and capacity.
Who is this guide for ?
Households with a dishwasher already showing marks
You want to find out whether adjusting the settings or using suitable products could solve the problem before replacing an appliance that still works.
Households mindful of cycles and maintenance
You’re comparing consumption, noise and maintenance, while bearing in mind that water hardness can affect the settings and product dosage.
What should you check before choosing or adjusting a dishwasher ?
Check your local authority’s drinking water quality results, published by the Ministry of Health, and note the total hardness (TH), the date and the unit. Compare this with the instructions in the manual for your exact model before changing any settings or products.
| What matters | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Water softener setting | The local TH value, its date and unit; the range and procedure given in the model’s manual. | I want to adjust the settings to suit the water at home before drawing conclusions from marks. Around 36 % of consumers prioritise adapting the settings to hard water. |
| Choice of products | The manual’s instructions for salt and rinse aid; detergent dosage according to water hardness and how dirty the dishes are. | If I’m choosing between an all-in-one tablet and separate products, I want to know what to use and how much. Around 29 % of consumers prioritise their choice of products. |
| Installation and capacity | The exact model’s dimensions and installation type, the available space and a capacity suited to your usual loads. | I want an appliance that fits in my kitchen and holds the dishes I usually wash. Around 21 % of consumers put installation and capacity at the top of their list. |
| Energy, water and noise | Water and energy consumption on the reference programme, as well as the noise level in dB. | I compare resource use and noise under the reference conditions, taking the cycles I use into account. Around 14 % of consumers prioritise consumption and noise. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming an all-in-one tablet always replaces dishwasher salt
In hard-water areas, some brands recommend using salt and rinse aid even with multi-function tablets. Built-in functions don’t automatically replace the appliance’s settings.
Before stopping a refill, compare your local water hardness with the instructions in your appliance manual and on the detergent packaging.
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Replacing the appliance just because of marks
Marks alone don’t mean you need to replace your dishwasher. The hardness setting, salt, rinse aid and dosage can all make a difference too.
If the appliance works and suits your kitchen, first check the water hardness and follow the instructions in its manual.
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Assuming reference consumption figures apply to every cycle
ADEME explains that the energy and water figures on the label relate to a reference programme, not every programme.
Compare appliances on the same basis, then take into account the programmes you expect to use.
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Checking the dimensions without comparing them with the space available
Getting the dimensions of your chosen model wrong can make installation difficult. Bosch lists the dimensions of the Bosch SMV25AX06E as 815 × 598 × 550 mm.
Check the dimensions of the exact model in the manufacturer’s documentation and compare them with your available space before buying.
Brands to consider for their guidance
Bosch
Worth considering if you’re looking for guidance on setting the water hardness for an integrated dishwasher.
- Bosch recommends checking the water hardness before first use.
- The applicable setting depends on the exact model and its manual; guidance for one model doesn’t automatically apply to the whole range.
Beko
Worth considering for its guidance on the water softener and dishwasher salt.
- Beko explains that the water softener setting depends on water hardness and determines how much salt is needed.
- Always follow the manual for the exact model you’ve bought; general guidance doesn’t set one level for every model.
Electrolux
Worth considering for its guidance on multi-function tablets and the salt and rinse aid indicators.
- Electrolux recommends taking hard water into account when using certain all-in-one tablets.
- Settings depend on the situation and the model; don’t treat this advice as a universal procedure.
Whirlpool
Worth considering for its first-use instructions on water hardness, rinse aid and detergent.
- Whirlpool provides separate guidance on setting water hardness, using rinse aid and adding detergent.
- The brand’s general recommendations don’t determine the settings or capacity for every model.
Miele
Worth considering for examples of slimline and standard-width models in a dated French selection.
- The Guide Topten France selection, updated on 29 May 2025, featured Miele models in these sizes.
- This dated selection doesn’t confirm whether the models are currently available or the water softener settings specified in each manual.
Related products on Joybuy
This selection includes dishwasher salt, detergents and rinse aids. Check your local water hardness and your appliance manual before choosing a product or changing its dosage.
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SUN Standard, dishwasher salt, 1 kg
For the dedicated salt reservoir when its use is recommended by your appliance manual and water hardness.
The product listing states that it contains 100 % sodium chloride. Follow the manual and keep the product out of the reach of children.
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FINISH Ultimate Plus All-in-1, 72 tablets
An option in tablet form to compare with the detergent instructions and your dishwasher manual for the water supplied to your area.
The product listing states that the pack contains 72 tablets for use in dishwasher programmes. It warns of a risk of skin irritation and serious eye damage: avoid contact with eyes and keep the product out of the reach of children.
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FINISH rinse aid, 400 ml
Worth considering if you’re looking for a rinse aid to use according to your appliance’s instructions and level indicator.
The product listing claims up to 80 washes. It warns of a risk of serious eye damage and an allergic reaction: follow the label precautions and keep the product out of the reach of children.
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SUN Perfect Shine rinse aid, 500 ml
The product listing says the dosage can be adjusted according to water hardness and your dishwasher manual.
Pour the product into the dedicated compartment. The product listing warns of a risk of serious eye damage: avoid contact with eyes and keep it out of the reach of children.
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SUN All-in-1, 32 tablets
The product listing describes tablets with anti-limescale and rinse aid agents. Check your appliance’s instructions separately before relying on built-in functions in hard water.
Place the tablet in the dispenser and store it in a dry place; the product listing recommends not handling it with wet hands. It warns of a risk of serious eye damage: avoid contact with eyes and keep the product out of the reach of children.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find reliable information on the water hardness in my area ?
Check the local drinking water quality results available from the Ministry of Health and look for the total hardness (TH), the date and the unit. The French National Consumer Institute also says you can ask your local authority or regional health agency.
Can I use the same water softener setting for every dishwasher ?
No. Check the hardness of the water supplied to your home, then follow the procedure in the manual for your exact appliance model. General guidance isn’t a universal setting.
Do dishwasher salt, detergent and rinse aid all do the same thing ?
No. Dishwasher salt regenerates the water softener, detergent cleans the dishes, and rinse aid helps with rinsing and drying. Use the compartments and products specified in the manual, taking local water hardness into account.
What costs and rights should I consider after buying in France ?
Compare the cost of the appliance, any installation, water, electricity and products. If you’re a private individual buying goods from a professional seller, the statutory legal guarantee of conformity applies to defects that meet the legal conditions. It’s separate from a commercial warranty, as the Ministry of the Economy explains.
Which repairability index should I check for a dishwasher sold in France ?
According to information from the Ministry of the Economy, the repairability index applies to dishwashers. Don’t confuse it with the durability index, which doesn’t apply to dishwashers according to the categories listed by the Ministry.