You can buy dishwasher salt at your supermarket. Don't use table salt.
Pull out the bottom crockery tray and in the bottom of the dishwasher you'll see the top of the salt reservoir. Turn it anti-clockwise to undo the top.
Pour the salt into the reservoir until it is full (water will be displaced from the reservoir but don't worry about that, it's normal). Miele provide a funnel to help with the refilling so that salt doesn't go everywhere, but if you're careful you can do it without the funnel. Remove any excess salt from the threaded neck of the reservoir and replace the cap. Job done.
The salt softens the water. Without it your washing up is likely to not clean as well as it should and can end up with a streaky appearance.
Keep your rinse-aid topped up too.
I normally keep my supply of rinse-aid and dishwasher salt with the funnel in a cupboard next to the dishwasher. That way they are handy and don't get mislaid.
ChicksFan
April 2010