Why fill your dishwasher's rinse aid dispenser.

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Dishwasher rinse aid: facts, tips, and FAQs

Keeping the rinse aid dispenser on your dishwasher full is key to spotlessly clean dishes. Here our dishwasher experts share their extensive know-how, from how rinse aid works and where it goes to how to adjust rinse aid settings.

What is rinse aid and how does it work?

Rinse aid is a surfactant, meaning it lowers the surface tension of water, so it more easily slides off dishes in the dishwasher. Especially in hard water areas, rinse aid helps prevent water spots from forming on, for example, glasses, plates and cutlery. It also helps dishes dry faster.

Finish Jet-Dry rinse aid bottle with 3-in-1 formula, preventing spots and aiding dish drying.

Where rinse aid goes in the dishwasher.

On the inside of the dishwasher door, next to where the detergent goes, is a rinse aid dispenser that must be manually filled. It releases the liquid at the correct time and temperature for each programme.

Pro tip: If you notice rainbow streaks (too much rinse aid) or water stains (too little) on utensils, change your dishwasher's rinse aid settings as described in the user manual.

Open dishwasher detergent compartment with a yellow bottle positioned for filling.

Step-by-step: how to use rinse aid.

1. Open the rinse aid dispenser by pressing on the latch of the lid and pulling the lid open.

2. Carefully pour the liquid rinse aid in the dispenser until it reaches the max line. Make sure you do not overfill the dispenser as it may leak when you close the compartment.

3. Close the lid. Make sure you hear a click to ensure the compartment is fully closed and sealed.

4. Once the lid is closed, check around the compartment and wipe up any excess rinse aid that may have puddled.

Dishwasher bottle dispensing liquid onto a dishwasher slide with open dishwasher in the back

If you notice rinse aid residue...

If you notice rinse aid residue on the inside of the dishwasher door, it is probably because some of the rinse aid did not get poured directly into the compartment. The spill residue may roll down the inside of the dishwasher door once you close it to start a cycle.

Tip: For easier pouring and minimized spillage, twist off the rinse aid bottle cap before pouring. It also helps to pour from the side of the compartment.

Keep reading for advice on how to avoid spillage and properly refill the rinse aid compartment.