Just bought a dishwasher but don't know where to start? This guide is for you – a complete A-Z, 10-step process to help you operate your new dishwasher safely, efficiently, and economically from day one. Applicable to all brands: Bosch, Siemens, Electrolux, LG, Samsung, Hafele, Toshiba, Sharp, and many others.
Step 1. Read the user manual carefully
Each dishwasher brand (Bosch, Siemens, Electrolux, LG, Samsung, Hafele…) has a different interface and function buttons. Take 5 minutes to read through the manual to know:
- Location of compartments: for detergent tablets, salt, rinse aid
- Symbols for washing programs (ECO, Intensive, Auto, Glass…)
- How to cancel / pause a program
- Warning light codes (especially Refill Salt and Refill Rinse Aid)
Step 2. Check installation and water/electricity supply
Before the first run:
- Ensure the water inlet and outlet hoses are correctly connected
- The water valve must be open
- Use a dedicated electrical outlet with a circuit breaker – DO NOT share an outlet with a washing machine or microwave
- The floor must be level, not tilted more than 2°
Step 3. Pour specialized salt into the salt compartment
This is the MOST IMPORTANT step when using the machine for the first time:
- Pull out the lower rack, find the star-shaped screw cap at the bottom of the machine
- Open the cap
- First time: pour 1 liter of clean water first (to activate the ion exchange system)
- Fill with Largo Germany 2kg specialized salt – 175,000đ up to the rim
- Screw the cap on tightly
⚠️ ABSOLUTELY DO NOT use regular table salt – it will damage the water softening system (repair cost 3-5 million VND, almost the price of a new machine).
Step 4. Pour in rinse aid
- Find the rinse aid compartment on the inside of the machine door (has a star or water droplet symbol)
- Open the cap
- Fill with Largo 1000ml rinse aid – 189,000đ up to the MAX line
- Close the cap
One full fill lasts about 6 months for a family of 4. The "Refill Rinse Aid" warning light will illuminate when replenishment is needed.
Step 5. Adjust water hardness according to your region
Water hardness in Vietnam varies by region. Incorrect settings will consume 2-3 times more salt than normal and leave white streaks on dishes.
| Region | Level H (Bosch, Siemens, Hafele) | Level L (Electrolux, AEG) |
|---|---|---|
| Hanoi, Hai Phong, Northern Vietnam | H:4 | L:6-7 |
| Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, Southern Vietnam | H:3 | L:4-5 |
| Da Nang, Hue, Central Vietnam | H:5 | L:7 |
| Well water / Rocky mountain areas | H:6-7 | L:8-10 |
How to adjust on Bosch/Siemens: press and hold Start + Program 3 for 5 seconds. On Electrolux/AEG: press and hold Program + Start for 3 seconds. On LG: press and hold Delay Start for 3 seconds.
Step 6. Run an empty cycle to test
Before washing real dishes, run an empty cycle:
- Do not load dishes
- Place 1 Largo Classic tablet in the detergent compartment
- Select the ECO 50°C program
- Press Start
Purpose: to wash away manufacturing dust from the machine compartment, check for leaks and unusual noises.
Step 7. Load dishes correctly
Golden rules:
- Lower rack: pots, pans, large plates → FACE DOWN, dirty side facing inwards
- Upper rack: glasses, cups, small bowls → FACE DOWN, leave 1cm space between items
- Third rack (if available): knives, chopsticks → lay flat, do not stack
DO NOT load too tightly – water must be able to pass between items.
Step 8. Place the detergent tablet in the correct compartment
The detergent compartment is on the INSIDE OF THE MACHINE DOOR (with an opening-closing lid). DO NOT place the tablet directly on the bottom of the machine – the tablet will dissolve too quickly, not allowing enough time for reaction.
Choose the appropriate detergent tablet:
- Basic machines (Bosch Serie 2-4, basic LG, Samsung): Largo Classic 60 tablets – 229,000đ (3,800đ/tablet)
- High-end machines (Zeolith, AirDry, TrueSteam, HygienePlus): Largo All In One 40 tablets – 219,000đ (5,500đ/tablet)
Step 9. Select the ECO 50°C program for 90% of uses
ECO 50°C is the most energy-efficient program (30% less than Intensive), taking longer but still very clean thanks to enzymes in the detergent tablets working optimally at this temperature. Only use Intensive 70°C when: pots are burnt, pans have a lot of grease, or items are very dirty.
Step 10. Monitor warning lights
- "Refill Salt" / star symbol: light on = low salt → add more
- "Refill Rinse Aid" / ⚡ symbol: light on = low rinse aid → add more
- Error E15: excess foam or leak → stop using cheap tablets, switch to standard EU Largo
Economical combo for new users
If you're new, you should start with:
- Largo trial kit – 9,000đ (4 tablets: 2 Classic + 2 All In One) to test the machine
- Then upgrade to Largo Combo 3 – 555,000đ (Classic 60 tablets + 2kg Salt + 1L Rinse Aid Gel) – enough for 2-3 months, saving 38,000đ compared to buying separately
Summary
The 10 steps above are all you need to start using your new dishwasher. Final advice: DON'T save money in the wrong places – salt, detergent tablets, and rinse aid are small costs compared to the 3-5 million VND repair cost when using poor-quality supplies.
Largo is imported directly from Germany, with REX code enjoying EVFTA tax incentives → better price than Finish by 25-40% with equivalent quality. Purchase: www.sieutietkiem.com or www.largo.vn. Need advice for a specific machine brand? Inbox our fanpage facebook.com/largovietnam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to pre-rinse dishes when using the dishwasher for the first time?
A: No. Largo tablets have enzymes strong enough to handle stuck-on food. Pre-rinsing only wastes water and time. Just scrape off large food debris like bones or paper.
Q: My new dishwasher has a plastic smell, how do I get rid of it?
A: Run 2-3 empty ECO cycles with one Largo tablet each time. The new plastic smell will dissipate after about a week of normal use.
Q: Why do I need to pour water first when adding salt for the first time?
A: The water softening system in a new machine is completely dry. Pouring 1L of clean water first helps activate the ion exchange process and prevents salt from overflowing when filling. After the first time, you don't need to add water when replenishing salt.
Q: How often do I need to replenish salt and rinse aid?
A: Depends on the machine brand and frequency of use. On average: 2kg Largo salt is enough for 2-3 months. 1L Largo rinse aid is enough for 6 months (for a family of 4). Monitor the warning lights on your machine.