How to set water hardness in an Electrolux dishwasher

How to set water hardness in an Electrolux dishwasher In order for the PMM to consume salt in the required quantity corresponding to the quality of tap water, it must be configured correctly. How to set indicators on Electrolux models? We will provide detailed instructions for action.

Setting up a water softener

When purchasing a new Electrolux dishwasher, be sure to read the instructions for the equipment. The user manual tells you how to properly connect the device to communications, level the housing and adjust the water hardness. Only by following all the manufacturer’s recommendations will it be possible to ensure long and effective operation of the PMM.

Having connected the dishwasher to the water supply and sewerage system, you need to set the optimal salt consumption. The softener must be adjusted according to the water hardness level in the region. The instructions for any Electrolux dishwasher contain a table with this data.

By default, the softener on Electrolux machines is set to position 5, which corresponds to a water hardness of 3.3-3.9 mmol/l.

If the hardness level of tap water in your region corresponds to 3.3-3.9 mmol/l, then there is no need to adjust the softener; you should leave it in the factory setting. In other cases, it will be necessary to set the optimal salt consumption.

You can find out the level of hardness by calling the city water utility service. Next, the indicator is compared with the table values. Let's say it is 5.1-6.4 mmol/l, which means the softener must be set to position 7. The action algorithm will be as follows: Electrolux water hardness settings

turn on the Electrolux dishwasher;
press and hold the program selection button until the two adjacent indicators light up;
after the two LEDs go out, the rightmost indicator will light up (which light will indicate the set level of water softener must be found in the instructions for the Electrolux dishwasher; on many models this is an arrow icon resting on a vertical line);
count how many times this indicator flashes before a long pause - the number of lights will indicate the current level of the softener;
press the program selection button as many times as you need to change the factory softener level (for example, if you need to set the seventh, you will have to make two clicks);
Turn off the dishwasher and turn it on again, after which it will remember the settings.

If you need to lower the softener level, the steps are the same. There are only 10 of them, and they are cyclical. Therefore, to move from position 5, for example, to position 3, you will need to press the program selection button eight times.

Dishwasher manufacturer Electrolux does not recommend using salt if the tap water hardness in your area is less than 0.7 mmol/l. In other cases, it must be added to a special tank.

The instructions for dishwashers say that salt-containing tablets and capsules for washing dishes do not soften hard water effectively enough. Therefore, be sure to pour salt separately into a special container - this way you can extend the “life” of your Electrolux dishwasher.

How to understand how hard water is?

Anyone can cope with this task. Residents of large cities can find out about the hardness level of tap water from official sources. The information is usually displayed on the water utility website. It is more difficult for the population of small settlements - they will have to measure the indicator themselves.

There are several ways to measure the hardness of tap water. Some are based solely on everyday experience, others are more accurate. Let's list the most popular options.

Compare the mass of water from different sources. For example, pour drinking water into one glass, technical water from the tap into another. Afterwards the containers are weighed. The one that is lighter will be softer. We can’t talk about the accuracy of the measurements here, so this method is not suitable for dishwashers.
Determine the intensity of soapiness. You need to take simple soap, wet it and lather your hands. Abundant foam will indicate the softness of tap water. In hard water the bar will have difficulty foaming. This method is also subjective.
Assess the rate at which scale appears on the heating element of an electric kettle, dishwasher or washing machine. If plaque accumulates in the kettle quickly enough, then we can talk about a high level of water hardness.
Determine the turbidity of tap water. During this experiment, you need to take water into a transparent bottle and put it in a dark place for 48 hours. After two days, remove the container and assess the situation. If sediment has formed on the bottom and a film has formed on the walls, then the rigidity is high.
Use special test strips. They will allow you to determine the exact indicator of water hardness. In some dishwashers (in particular Bosch and Miele), such indicators are included with the machine.

The test strips are impregnated with a special compound and change color depending on the hardness of the water in which they are dipped.

Test strips are produced by different manufacturers. This determines how they work. Most testers just need to be dipped in water for a couple of seconds, and then compare the color on the strip with the table on the package.

Biosensor-Aqua test strips work a little differently. They also need to be immersed in water for a couple of seconds, but you will have to wait another 1 minute before assessing the result. Next, the shade of the indicator is compared with the color scale on the product packaging.

There are also strips that are used in conjunction with reagents. In this case, you need to lower the tester into a glass of water and gradually add a special substance there. Afterwards, the color of the indicator is compared with the table on the packaging.

The indicators are inexpensive, so they are quite accessible for use at home. It is with the help of test strips that you can most accurately determine the hardness of tap water. How exactly to use the testers and evaluate the results produced will be indicated in the instructions for them.

A TDS meter can also be used to determine the hardness level. You can order the device from China, its cost is low. Having measured the indicator, it will not be difficult to set the optimal salt consumption in the Electrolux dishwasher.

It is very important to correctly determine and adjust the water hardness. The efficiency of the dishwasher will depend on this. Therefore, before installing a new PMM, be sure to set the optimal salt consumption.