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No matter how high-quality a dishwasher might be, the manufacturer usually recommends using a rinse aid. The best dishwasher rinse aid works by breaking the bond between the water molecules and the dishes, thus making the water “sheet” off dishware. The result is a cleaner and faster dishwashing cycle that leaves fewer spots and streaks.
A quality dishwasher rinse aid can mean the difference between plates and glasses that are gleaming and table-ready and those that are spotty and may need another rinse. These dishwasher rinse aids speed drying time and keep plates, glasses, and silverware looking spotless and new.
- BEST OVERALL: Finish Jet-Dry Dishwasher Rinse Agent & Drying Agent
- RUNNER-UP: Miele Care Collection Rinse Aid
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Cascade Power Dry Dishwasher Rinse Aid
- BEST ECO-FRIENDLY: Eco-me Auto Dish Rinse Aid
- BEST FOR SHINE: Seventh Generation Rinse Aid, Free & Clear
- BEST FOR HARD WATER: Finish Power Up Rinse Aid, Dishwasher Booster Agent
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Dishwasher Rinse Aid
The best dishwasher rinse aid is one that results in plates and glasses that have fewer water spots and streaks and dry quickly in the machine or by air-drying. Here are a few points to ponder when determining which dishwasher rinse aid to purchase.
Liquid vs. Powder
Whether to use a liquid or a powder rinse aid comes down to personal preference, but each type has its pros and cons. The liquid versions, which might also be called gels, are easy to squirt into the dishwasher’s rinse aid compartment (this compartment is usually found in the door, next to the compartment for the dishwasher detergent). The gel dissolves completely in the water and rinses away at the end of the cycle.
Powder rinse aids can be more difficult to measure because the granules tend to make more of a mess than the gel does. Most powders can be poured into the rinse-aid compartment on the door, but some come in tablets that can be hung in a small basket inside the dishwasher. These plastic baskets hook onto the upper rack of the appliance, and the granules gradually dissolve as the dishwasher goes through its usual cycle.
Ingredients
A dishwasher rinse aid is a surfactant, or a chemical that breaks apart water molecules to make the water “sheet” across the dishes rather than resting on them. Rinse aids contain many ingredients that work together to make this dishwashing magic happen, and most of these ingredients are impossible to pronounce.
Rinse aids’ unfamiliar-sounding names of ingredients may make some people nervous about using this kind of product on items that come into contact with their food. However, running the dishwasher on the longest, hottest cycle and using just the right amount of rinse aid prevents residue from those ingredients from remaining on the dishes. It’s also important to note that rinse aids pose little environmental risk.
Eco-Friendliness
Though the best dishwasher rinse aid poses little environmental risk, that doesn’t mean it’s entirely safe. It’s certainly not nontoxic—no one would want to drink it, eat it, or get it in their eyes. However, it’s mild enough to effectively remove residue from dishes without leaving any residue to worry about when eating from those plates and silverware.
There are dishwasher rinse aids that are kinder to plant and animal life, however. Environmentally conscious dishwasher owners might want to seek out products that are phosphate-free, dye-free, biodegradable, and contain plant-based ingredients. Also look for rinse aids that are not tested on animals.
Our Top Picks
When choosing the best dishwasher rinse aid for improving drying times, some of the most important things to think about include the product’s ingredients, whether eco-friendliness is important to you, and, perhaps most important, whether your dishwasher requires a specific type of rinse aid. Whatever your priorities are in a rinse aid, you’re sure to find great options among these top picks.
Best Overall
Finish Jet-Dry Dishwasher Rinse Agent & Drying Agent
Finish’s Jet-Dry rinse aid is available in liquid original and green apple scents. It does everything a rinse aid should do, and does those things well: It has a glass-protection ingredient for shinier dishes, works with detergent to loosen stuck-on food debris and remove film while dishwashing, and offers 100 percent better drying effect over detergents alone.
Say goodbye to the days of having to blot moisture from dishes as they’re removed from the washer, because Jet-Dry’s drying power works on dishes, cutlery, and plastics alike. Quick drying also ensures that there are fewer water spots on dishes. The manufacturer recommends refilling the dishwasher’s rinse aid dispenser on a monthly basis for continuous spot- and streak-free dishes.
Product Specs
- Form: Liquid
- Quantity: 23 ounces
- Scent: Original or green apple
Pros
- Glass-protection ingredient
- Removes film and stuck-on food
- 100 percent better drying effect than regular detergents
- Suitable for glass, cutlery, and plastic
Cons
- Must be refilled on a monthly basis
Get the Finish Jet-Dry rinse aid at Amazon, The Home Depot, and Walmart.
Runner-Up
Miele Care Collection Rinse Aid
Most of us have experienced the frustration of removing water glasses from the dishwasher to find the glasses marred by filmy water lines. This clear liquid dishwasher rinse aid from Miele guards against those lines. What’s more, it is specially formulated to protect glasses from etching over time. Available in both standard and easy-pour bottles, this rinse aid provides the surfactant power necessary to break the chemical water bond and enhance the dishwasher’s drying power, thus reducing water spots and streaks.
Miele’s rinse aid is unscented, safe for septic systems, and works well with Miele dishwashers, though it can be used in any dishwasher. On the downside, the product is more expensive than many of its competitors.
Product Specs
- Form: Liquid
- Quantity: 16.9 ounces
- Scent: Unscented
Pros
- Specially formulated to protect and clean glassware
- Standard and easy-pour bottles
- Safe for septic systems
- Suitable for most dishwasher brands
Cons
- Pricey compared to similar options
- Some find the standard bottle hard to pour from
Get the Miele Care rinse aid on Amazon and at Walmart.
The sheeting action of Cascade Power Dry rinse aid prevents spots on dishes, gives them a shine, and helps them rinse cleanly and dry more quickly. The product’s easy-pour cap prevents it from spilling as it’s being poured into the dishwasher.
Best Bang For The Buck
Cascade Power Dry Dishwasher Rinse Aid
Good for up to 155 loads per 16-ounce bottle, this two-pack allows for several monthly refills. Cascade Power Dry is a good choice for households with hard water, and it works best when used in conjunction with Cascade dishwasher detergents and dishwasher cleaner.
Product Specs
- Form: Liquid
- Quantity: 16 ounces (per bottle)
- Scent: Unscented
Pros
- 2 bottles of rinse aid
- Suitable for hard water
- Lasts for 155 loads (per bottle)
- Easy-pour cap
Cons
- May work best with Cascade detergent and dishwasher cleaner
Get the Cascade Power rinse aid at Amazon, Target, and Walmart.
Eco-me rinse aid ticks just about every box on environmentalists’ wish lists: The product is free from perfumes, dyes, artificial fragrance, bleach, ammonia, preservatives, and sulfates. It’s vegan, gluten-free, septic and greywater safe, and it’s certified to be cruelty-free by the Leaping Bunny Program.
Best Eco-Friendly
Eco-me Auto Dish Rinse Aid
That said, this rinse aid is also effective. Made with natural vinegar and soaps derived from coconut oil, Eco-me keeps streaks and spots at bay without leaving behind any chemical residue. Though it is unscented and fragrance-free, expect a fresh, natural vinegar scent while filling up the rinse-aid compartment.
Product Specs
- Form: Liquid
- Quantity: 8 ounces
- Scent: Unscented
Pros
- Made with natural vinegar and soaps
- No harsh chemicals or additives
- Septic- and greywater-safe
- Certified cruelty-free
Cons
- Some users report ineffectual use with hard water
- Has a natural vinegar scent
Get the Eco-me rinse aid at Amazon, Sears, and Walmart
Seventh Generation’s nontoxic free and clear formula rinse aid provides a brilliant shine and faster dry for dishes while eliminating spots and streaks. It fights hard water spots and does so without VOCs, fragrances, or dyes.
Best for Shine
Seventh Generation Rinse Aid, Free & Clear
This product’s alcohol-free, biodegradable formula is 62 percent USDA Certified Biobased, which means that a high percentage of the product comes from renewable biological sources. An 8-ounce bottle of Seventh Generation rinse aid covers about 75 loads of dishes.
Product Specs
- Form: Liquid
- Quantity: 8 ounces (per bottle)
- Scent: Unscented
Pros
- Nontoxic, biodegradable formula; 62 percent USDA Certified Biobased
- Free of VOCs, alcohol, fragrances, and hard water
- Lasts for over 75 loads
- Withstands hard water
Cons
- Pricey compared to similar options
- Some users report ineffectual use
Get the Seventh Generation rinse aid at Amazon, Sears, and Walmart.
Specifically designed for use with hard water, Finish’s Power Up rinse aid comes in a three-pack of 14-ounce bottles. The fine granular powder scrubs away hard water stains and other stains such as coffee and tea, instantly making glassware brighter and clearer. Power Up also cleans mineral buildup on the machine itself, thus helping the dishwasher work harder for longer.
Best for Hard Water
Finish Power Up Rinse Aid, Dishwasher Booster Agent
This granular booster should be portioned into the prewash compartment. If no such compartment is present in the dishwasher, simply drop 2 tablespoons of the product in the bottom of the dishwasher before stacking plates and utensils in the machine.
Product Specs
- Form: Powder
- Quantity: 14 ounces
- Scent: Lemon
Pros
- Specially formulated for coffee, tea, and hard water stains
- 3 bottles of rinse aid
- Reduces mineral buildup in the dishwasher
Cons
- Pricey compared to similar options
- Some users report limited cloudiness reduction
Get the Finish Power Up rinse aid on Amazon and at Walmart.
Our Verdict
For a reliable rinse aid that is long-lasting, scented, and works on plastic, glass, and cutlery, the Finish Jet-Dry rinse aid offers 23 ounces of product and guarantees a 100 percent better drying effect and shine compared to regular detergents. Alternatively, for a budget-friendly option, the Cascade Power Dry rinse aid has an easy-pour cap for effortless dispensing and works on regular and hard water.
How We Chose the Best Dishwasher Rinse Aids
We researched the most sought-after rinse aids in their respective categories and discovered that the best options are determined by their form, quantity, compatibility with dishware and water types, and other special features included by top brands.
While searching for the best rinse aids available, the most popular type among users were the liquid options as they are easy to use and dissolve quickly. While not as popular, the powdered options are also viable options that not only clean the dishes but also the dishwasher itself. Each of the rinse aids included in our list last through many washes with their 8- to 23-ounce quantities per bottle for cloud- and streak-free results on glassware, plates, cutlery, and even plastics.
For added convenience, select options are capable of cleaning dishes while using hard water while being completely septic- and greywater-safe. While some of these rinse aids are chemical-based, select options are made with all-natural ingredients or are 100 percent biodegradable.
FAQs
Now that you’ve learned about the best dishwasher rinse aids on the market today, let’s look at a few other questions you might have about this important kitchen addition.
Q: Is rinse aid necessary for the dishwasher?
Though it’s not necessary for the dishwasher to do its job, rinse aid does help eliminate water spots and streaks on dishes and speeds up drying time.
Q: Does rinse aid help with hard water?
Yes, it can help with hard water. The best dishwasher rinse aids for hard water should have a notation on the bottle if it’s formulated to reduce hard water stains on dishes.
Q: How often should a dishwasher rinse aid be used?
For best results, use a dishwasher rinse aid with every cycle. Refill the rinse-aid reservoir once a month, or when the dishwasher’s light warns you that the rinse aid is low.
