Emptying the dishwasher probably isn’t your idea of fun. Especially if you find white spots and streaks all over your glassware. If this sounds like your daily routine, you might have wondered, “What is dishwasher rinse aid, and does it really work?”
FAQ: What is Dishwasher Rinse Aid?
Q: What is Dishwasher Rinse Aid Used For?
A: Dishwasher rinse aid improves results by:
- Assisting in the drying process
- Protecting glass from marks or etching
- Reducing the occurrence of white spots on glassware.
This is where things get a little technical. Rinse aids reduce the surface tension of water used during the cleaning and rinsing cycles. Reduced surface tension means the water droplets lay flat on your dishes as opposed to being more rounded.
As a result, the water is exposed to more air and evaporates more quickly. Because the water sends less time sitting on ur dishes, those pesky white spots are less likely to occur.
Finish Jet-Dry rinse aid is a great option to try if you’re not sure about what is dishwasher rinse aid. You should notice a difference in the cleanliness of your dishes, particularly glassware, after using rinse aid for the first time.
Q: Should I Use Dishwasher Rinse Aid?
A: Possibly.
If you’re lucky enough to find sparkling clear dishes every time you empty the dishwasher, you may not necessarily need to use rinse aid. However, if you repeatedly notice spots left on clean dishes, you could probably benefit from using it.
If you have hard water, it’s more likely that your dishes are covered in white spots after you run the dishwasher. Does it take forever to rinse the shampoo from your hair in the shower? If so, then you likely have hard water causing your dishwasher not rinsing well issue.
When pondering what is dishwasher rinse aid, it’s important to consider the drying cycle: dishwasher rinse aid helps speed up dry time. This is especially helpful if you choose to forgo the heat cycle in order to save energy.
Q: How Do I Use Rinse Aid?
A: Pour the recommended amount of rinse aid into the dispenser.
Most modern dishwashers have a totally separate compartment for rinse aid. You can usually find it right beside the detergent dispenser. Don’t put the rinse aid in the detergent dispenser, though, as they’re different.
You typically only need to fill the rinse aid dispenser once a month, depending on use.
Q: Can I Make Dishwasher Rinse Aid at Home?
A: You can make homemade rinse aid, but it’s not quite the same as store-bought products.
What is dishwasher rinse aid alternative? Some people choose to use white vinegar with 5% acidity or less. This helps with water spots left on dishes, but it won’t make your dishes as shiny as rinse aid will.
Q: Why is My Dishwasher Not Drying if I use Rinse Aid?
A: There could be something wrong with your dishwasher.
If you use rinse aid and your dishes are still wet or have lots of residue left behind, it may be time to have a professional take a look. A local dishwasher repair expert can diagnose problems lik:
- Dishwasher not drying
- Dishes still wet after running a cycle
- Dishwasher not rinsing dishes
