Why does the manual say that I have to fill the salt dispenser with water for the first time,do I fill it up with water and when do I fill it with salt Thanks Amanda

Here's what you can do to address this issue:

1. Check the Salt Level: Ensure that the salt reservoir is filled with dishwasher salt. The dishwasher needs salt to soften the water and improve the cleaning performance. If the salt level is low or empty, refill the reservoir with dishwasher salt.
2. Check the Salt Dispenser Cap: Make sure that the salt dispenser cap is securely closed. If it's not closed properly, it can cause the "X" symbol to appear on the display.
3. Reset the Dishwasher: Try resetting the dishwasher by turning it off at the mains power supply for a few minutes, then turning it back on. This can sometimes clear error codes and restore normal operation.
4. Check for Blockages: Ensure that the salt dispenser and its inlet are free from any blockages or obstructions that could prevent salt from dissolving properly.
5. Consult the Manual: If the issue persists, refer to the dishwasher's user manual for troubleshooting steps specific to your model. The manual may provide additional information about error codes and how to resolve them.

If none of these steps resolve the issue and the "X" symbol continues to appear on the display, it may indicate a more significant problem with the dishwasher that requires professional diagnosis and repair. In such cases, contacting Hotpoint customer service or a qualified appliance technician for assistance is recommended.

If water is soft in your area you can ignore the salt indicator light and operate the dishwasher without adding regenerating salt. However, you need to ensure the salt reservoir is filled with water to the brim. So add water into the reservoir and then put the cap back on.

Consult manufacturer.

What is the make and model of the item?

salt dispenser?

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!

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!

the salt dispenser is always full of water, this is normal and you have no need to drain it. Just ensure you fill the dispenser with salt when the "Low Salt Light" is illuminated

Yes it should. Mine is always full of water when I fill it with salt. If there is no water how can the salt dissolve?

run a few times with nothing in the machine on full washes it may be that the salt you are using is not suitable for that machine also check that you have the machine plumbed into the hot water outlet.

Thanks J