Here’s what the experts say.
Plus, the best and worst brands, according to an environmental health group.
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You know that little compartment in the dishwasher for rinsing solution?
Simply Recipes / Myo Quinn
Its usually marked as Rinse Aid.
Confession: I’ve always ignored it.
So I consulted an expert: Larry Ciufo, the head ofdishwasher testingforConsumer Reports.
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Read on to learn about rinse aid and why Ciufo and other experts say you should be using it.
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What Is Rinse Aid, Anyway?
“This also helps reduce spotting.”
Rinse aid works whether you use the air dry setting on your machine or the heated dry setting.
Is Rinse Aid Necessary?
Rinse aid helps your dishes dry better, with fewer spots and less gunk stuck to them.
But do youhaveto use it?
That’s true even if you use a detergent that already has rinse aid.
Dishwasher manufacturers agree with Ciufo.
“Dishwashers dry items in a variety of ways,” according to aConsumer Reportsarticle about rinse aid.
But for optimal drying, every dishwasher manufacturer recommends rinse aid no matter how your machine works."
Rinse aids take over some of the cleaning tasks of the phosphates, but with less environmental concern.
What Are the Safest Brands of Rinse Aid?
Two brandsEcoverandNature Cleanreceived top scores.
Can I Use Vinegar Instead of Rinse Aid?
Some people use vinegar as a natural replacement for rinse aid.
Vinegar can also discolor metal utensils, pans, and dishes.
You’re better off skipping rinse aid altogether rather than filling the rinse aid dispenser with vinegar.
