When it comes to dishwashing, you want to guarantee that every dish you load into the dishwasher is clean and streak-free. However, regardless of how high-end your dishwasher is, the manufacturer recommends using a rinse aid.
However, with varieties of rinse aid on the market, it can be difficult to figure out what to choose. That’s where we come in because we’ll tell you everything you need to know about rinse aid and our top picks, including Finish Jet-Dry Dishwasher Rinse Agent & Drying Agent.
So, What is Rinse Aid Anyways?
Rinse aid is made from specially formulated ingredients intended to decrease the surface tension of the water used in your dishwasher. This allows the water to dry quickly and spend less time lying on your plates and glassware, preventing water stains and cloudy film.
Benefits of Dishwasher Rinse Aid
- Improves the drying of your dishes
- Keeping fragile dishes free of etching and markings
- Adding sparkle to your dishes
What Happens If I Don’t Use Rinse Aid?
While rinse aid isn’t strictly necessary for a wash cycle, it can significantly impact the overall quality of your dishes. Water stains may develop on each dish if you don’t use rinse aid in your dishwasher. It can also cause wear and tear damage over time, which can be excruciating if you own fine china or expensive glassware.
Our Top Picks
- Finish Jet-Dry Dishwasher Rinse Agent & Drying Agent (Editor’s Pick: Best Overall)
- Eco-me Auto Dish Rinse Aid
- Finish Power Up Rinse Aid, Dishwasher Booster Agent
- Miele Care Collection Rinse Aid
- Cascade Power Dry Dishwasher Rinse Aid
- Seventh Generation Rinse Aid, Free & Clear
Top 6 Rinse Aid Products for Your Dishwasher
Finish Jet-Dry Dishwasher Rinse Agent & Drying Agent
Finish Jet-Dry Dishwasher Rinse Agent & Drying Agent does everything a rinse aid should do, but better. This cleaning solution uses a glass-protection ingredient that shines your dishes and removes stuck food craps. It also removes blot moisture that causes water stains, thanks to Finish Jet-Dry Dishwasher Rinse Agent & Drying Agent’s drying power.
The only downside is that you must refill the dishwasher’s rinse aid dispenser once a month.
| What we like | ✅ Removes cloudy films and caked-on food scraps ✅ Perfect for glassware, plasticware, and utensil ✅ Excellent drying effect |
| What we don’t like | ✖️ Must be refilled every month |
Get yours at Amazon!
Eco-me Auto Dish Rinse Aid
This is the one for you if you prefer to be more environmentally conscious. The Eco-me Auto Dish Rinse Aid is a naturally formulated cleaning solution free of artificial fragrance, dyes, bleach, and other harsh chemicals. Its vinegar and coconut oil-based soap ingredients remove streaks and spots from your dishes.
Even though it is fragrance-free, expect a vinegar scent when filling the rinse aid compartment.
| What we like | ✅ Made from natural ingredients ✅ Septic and greywater safe |
| What we don’t like | ✖️ Emits natural vinegar scent✖️ Ineffective against hard water |
Get yours at Walmart!
Finish Power Up Rinse Aid, Dishwasher Booster Agent
Another Finish product, the Finish Power Up Rinse Aid, Dishwasher Booster Agent, is designed to remove stains caused by hard water, coffee, and tea. This product also removes mineral buildup from your dishwasher, prolonging its lifespan.
| What we like | ✅ Specially formulated for coffee, tea, and hard water ✅ Reduces mineral buildup on dishwasher ✅ Comes in a 3 pack of 14 oz bottles |
| What we don’t like | ✖️ Quite expensive |
Get yours at Amazon!
Miele Care Collection Rinse Aid
If you’re tired of scrubbing water stains out of your glasses every night, consider using Miele Care Collection Rinse Aid. This cleaning solution is designed to protect glassware from etchings and markings. It is also fragrance-free and septic tank-safe.
Miele Care Collection Rinse Aid is available in standard and easy-pour bottles. It is also quite pricey compared to its competitors, which is a drawback.
| What we like | ✅ Septic tank safe ✅ Perfect for glassware |
| What we don’t like | ✖️ Quite expensive |
Get yours at Amazon!
Cascade Power Dry Dishwasher Rinse Aid
Cascade Power Dry Dishwasher Rinse Aid has a cleaning action that prevents water stains while also cleaning and drying your dishes effectively. This product is good for 155 loads per bottle and comes in two packs, saving you money. It’s also an excellent cleaning solution for hard water.
| What we like | ✅ Perfect for hard water ✅ Last for 155 loads (per bottle) |
| What we don’t like | ✖️ None so far |
Get yours at Amazon!
Seventh Generation Rinse Aid, Free & Clear
Seventh Generation Rinse Aid, Free & Clear is a specially formulated cleaning solution made of non-toxic and biodegradable ingredients that leaves your dishes shiny and dry faster. It also eliminates hard water without using VOCs, artificial fragrances, or dyes.
This product covers approximately 75 loads of dishes in an 8 oz bottle.
| What we like | ✅ Made from USDA approved biodegradable ingredients ✅ Prevents hard water ✅ Fragrance-free |
| What we don’t like | ✖️ Quite expensive |
Get yours at Amazon!
How We Chose the Best Dishwasher Rinse Aid?
After scouring the internet for various rinse aid products, we thoroughly evaluated and reviewed them to establish a list of the best rinse aid based on their form, quantity, compatibility with dishware and water types, and other special features of the best rinse aid products for the best dishwashers.
Is There a Good Alternative to Rinse Aid?
Look no further if you’re wondering if there’s a good substitute for rinse aid. You can rely on your trusted DIY partner, vinegar. Vinegar with less than 5% acidity is an excellent choice for preventing water stains and promoting faster drying. Contrary to rinse aid, using vinegar won’t make your dishes shiner.
Bottomline
Your preferences determine the best rinse aid product for your household. For a long-lasting, scented, and effective cleaning action for your dishes, we recommend you try Finish Jet-Dry Dishwasher Rinse Agent & Drying Agent. We hope that by using this product and the others on the list, we can aid you in keeping your dishwasher away from any problems.
