What is the purpose of dishwasher rinse aid?

Saving money leads many housewives to forgo unnecessary household chemicals, such as dishwasher rinse aid. They believe that a powder or tablet is enough to clean dishes to a sparkling shine. But is this really true? Could these savings lead to even greater expenses—dish repairs? Let's find out.

Purpose of this product

It's no coincidence that dishwasher manufacturers include a special compartment for rinse aid. After all, dishwasher rinse aid is needed to solve the following problems:

• remove any remaining detergent (tablets, powder);
• speed up the drying process;
• give the dishes a shine.

This means that this product complements the main detergent, leaving dishes not just clean but also sparkling. Rinse aid removes water stains, food residue, and detergent residue. Therefore, rinse aids are formulated with special neutralizers for aggressive detergent components, which dissolve unwanted detergent particles and promote rapid evaporation of water from the surface of the dishes.

The results of dishwashing with rinse aid are much better than without it. You're unlikely to want to spend time polishing your wine glasses until they shine, knowing your dishwasher can handle the job much better than you. Moreover, the cost is low, so why save money?

Manufacturers of modern dishwashers recommend using rinse aids to remove harmful components of tablets and powders from dishes and the dishwasher as a whole for your health.

How to find a good mouthwash?

Many dishwasher users, especially newbies, ask this question. Which rinse aid is best and how do I find it? Regardless of the brand of dishwasher—Bosch, Leran, or any other—it's important to check the ingredients of the detergent. It may include:

• Surfactants perform the primary function of dissolving grease and dirt, reducing drying time. Reducing the drying cycle time will save energy. Pay attention to their content; it shouldn't exceed 15%.
• Detergents, such as anionic sulfate, soften water but are dangerous to humans in high concentrations.
• Polycarboxyl is a substance that protects dishwasher parts from rust and oxidation. It is not always present in rinse aid.
• Acids. While not a primary component, if present, they help neutralize the harsh ingredients in the detergent.
• Alkali – gives the product a bleaching effect. Be careful when using this product. It may remove prints from dishes and cause colored dishes to fade.

As for the mouthwash manufacturer, it's difficult to say which one is better. This is a subjective consumer opinion. Consider your budget and remember that the most expensive mouthwash isn't always better than the cheapest one. Try different options. Ideally, you should use the entire line of products from one manufacturer: salt, tablets, and rinse aid.

Prepare the remedy yourself

You can also make your own dishwasher rinse aid at home. Here's a small selection of recipes:

• Apple cider vinegar or grape vinegar based. You'll need 2 tablespoons of vinegar, which you pour into the rinse aid compartment. This amount of vinegar is enough for 6 place settings.

Important! Don't use regular 9% vinegar in your dishwasher, as its persistent odor will take a long time to dissipate.

• Based on fresh lemon juice. Mix 4 tablespoons of lemon juice with 1 tablespoon of mirror and glass cleaner, and add a couple drops of any essential oil of your choice. Mix all ingredients thoroughly; you can shake them in a suitable container. Pour 1 tablespoon of the prepared solution into the rinse aid compartment of a 6-place setting bottle.
• Citric acid-based. Before use, dissolve citric acid in warm water at a ratio of half a teaspoon of citric acid to 1 liter of water. Add 4 tablespoons of rubbing alcohol. You can scent the product as desired by adding any essential oil, such as lemon, mint, or orange. Do not pour citric acid powder directly into the dishwasher, as citric acid can adversely affect the rubber seals, causing damage to the dishwasher.

So, to achieve high-quality cleaning in your dishwasher, it's worth using rinse aid along with your detergent. You'll be pleased with the results, and with the right approach, it won't hurt your budget.

   

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