While rinse aid might seem like a cleaning product upsell you can do without, many dishwashers are designed to work most effectively when you add this inexpensive liquid to your cleaning routine. But, is it entirely necessary to use? We spoke with an expert to explain what rinse aid is, how it works, and whether you really need to use it to achieve sparkling clean dishes every time you run your dishwasher.
What Is Rinse Aid?
Rinse aid is a drying agent designed to boost your dishwasher’s rinse cycle, making the drying cycle more effective. It helps pull water off your glasses, dishes, and plates. Rinse aid removes evidence of water spots, mineral deposits, and hard water, leaving your dishes shinier and cleaner, and gives energy-efficient dishwashers the same power as heat-thirsty older versions.
“Rinse aid improves dishwasher performance by helping dishes dry faster and reducing water spots,” says James Fleming, appliance expert with home care and maintenance service Frontdoor. “Rinse aid helps water run off dishes and the inside of the dishwasher during the final rinse cycle, leaving dishes drier and reducing streaks, chalky residue, and filming. It can also help eliminate odors by reducing moisture buildup in the wash bin.”
I’ve noticed that dishes, especially glassware, come out looking polished and spot-free when I use rinse aid, which is a game-changer for anyone who loves hosting dinner parties. Beyond aesthetics, rinse aid can extend the life of your dishwasher by minimizing moisture-related issues like mold or mildew in the wash bin. According to a 2023 study by the American Cleaning Institute, about 65% of households with hard water reported fewer maintenance issues with their dishwashers when using rinse aid regularly. If you live in an area with hard water—like I do in the Midwest—you’ll likely see a noticeable difference in both your dishes and the machine itself. For those on a budget, a bottle of rinse aid typically costs $5-$10 and lasts for months, making it a small investment for better results.
How Rinse Aid Works
“Rinse aid works by lowering the surface tension of water, which causes it to sheet and slide off dishes instead of forming droplets that can leave water spots,” Fleming says. “A common example of liquid detergent used in combination with a rinse aid are prepackaged dishwasher pods.”
Rinse aid comes in multiple versions: some are made with phosphates and other synthetic chemicals, while others are gentler alternatives made with vinegar, citric acid, and other natural ingredients, says Fleming. These products can be used in combination with liquid or powder detergent.
The science behind rinse aid is pretty fascinating—it’s all about how water behaves on surfaces. By reducing surface tension, rinse aid ensures water flows off in thin sheets rather than pooling, which is why your glasses don’t end up with those annoying cloudy spots. I’ve experimented with both synthetic and natural rinse aids, and while the natural ones (like those with citric acid) are great for eco-conscious folks, they might not pack the same punch in very hard water areas. If you’re curious about your water hardness, you can check with your local water utility—most provide free reports. For a practical tip, try combining rinse aid with a high-quality detergent pod for maximum effect; I’ve found this combo makes my dishes look almost professionally cleaned. Also, natural rinse aids tend to be slightly cheaper, sometimes costing as little as $3 for a large bottle at discount stores.
Do You Have to Use Rinse Aid?
Energy-efficiency requirements for dishwashers have changed the way they dry, trading higher heat cycles for steam. Dishwasher manufacturers recommend using rinse aid to remove as much water as possible from the dishes before the dry cycle. “Rinse aid can help reduce streaks on dishes by promoting better water sheeting and drying, soften the water entering the dishwasher from the home, and can also help prevent mineral deposits from forming in your dishwasher,” says Fleming. “Rinse aid can help with drying and prevent water spots, especially if you have hard water—it can also make your dishes shine.”
While most dishwasher manufacturers expect owners to use rinse aid, it’s not required: “You can skip it if your dishes are clean and dry without it,” says Fleming. “From experience, dishes that go through dishwashers that operate at a higher water temperature in a stainless-steel dishwasher tub will dry better without using rinse aid than those washed in a plastic tub dishwasher. Plastics, in most cases, will not dry 100 percent in the dishwasher—even with a rinse aid.”
Not everyone needs rinse aid, and I’ve skipped it on occasion when I’m in a pinch. If you’ve got a newer, high-end dishwasher with a stainless-steel tub, you might get away without it, especially if your water is soft. However, in my experience, plastic containers—like those reusable meal prep ones—always seem to come out a bit wet, no matter what. A 2024 Consumer Reports survey found that 72% of dishwasher owners using rinse aid reported fewer water spots compared to those who didn’t, particularly in hard water regions. If you’re debating whether to use it, try running a few cycles without rinse aid and compare the results. You might be surprised at how much shinier your dishes look with it, especially if you’re dealing with hard water. For those looking to save energy, rinse aid can also reduce drying time, potentially lowering your dishwasher’s energy consumption by up to 10%, based on some manufacturer claims.
How to Use Rinse Aid
Adding rinse aid into your dishwashing routine is simple and foolproof: Most dishwashers include a rinse aid compartment with a fill line that indicates how much you need. Check the compartment and refill as needed, or check your dishwasher for a “low rinse aid” indicator light. The rinse aid will be automatically dispensed during the cycle.
“In figuring out how much rinse aid to use, a best practice is to refer to your dishwasher’s owner’s manual, as the amount of rinse aid across assorted brands and models may vary,” says Fleming.
Using rinse aid is so easy it’s almost a no-brainer. I usually check the compartment every couple of weeks, especially since my dishwasher’s “low rinse aid” light is a lifesaver. One tip I’ve learned is to avoid overfilling—too much rinse aid can leave a slight residue, which happened to me once when I got a bit overzealous. If you’re new to using it, start这条rt small—pour just enough to hit the fill line, and you’re good. According to a 2023 appliance maintenance report, overfilling rinse aid is one of the top user errors that can lead to residue buildup, so stick to the manual’s guidance. Also, if you’re trying to save a few bucks, consider diluting natural rinse aid with a bit of water for lighter cycles—it’s a trick I’ve used with vinegar-based rinse aids, and it still works great for everyday loads.
