Dishwasher Tips: Using a Rinse Agent

When working with a client, have you run into a dishwasher that has a rinse agent compartment?  Here's the scoop about using a rinse agent:

• Rinse agents (also called rinse aids) make the water “wetter” and more likely to spread out--instead of turning into the kind of droplets that turn into water spots.  So, they can help dry dishes faster and prevent a film or spots from forming on them.
• What if a rinse aid is not used? Obviously, the dishes will still dry utilizing the heat from the dishwasher’s dry cycle. However, you might notice water spots on the dishes. This can be particularly noticeable on fine china and expensive, high-quality glassware. Over time, failure to use rinse aid can result in permanent scratching, marking, and etchings.
• Many dishwashers have automatic dispensers which release the rinse aid into the final rinse cycle. Just put liquid rinse aid according to the product's instructions.
• If the dishwasher doesn’t have a dispenser, there might be a rinse aid basket (which hangs from the upper rack) or your client may want you to use dishwasher pods that have both detergent and rinse aid in one.