All manufacturers of dishwashers claim that for proper drying rinse aid must be used. A rinse aid’s only purpose is to aid in drying and reducing waterspots. It does this by changing the surface tension of water.

When a drop of water is put on a smooth surface it beads up. It is surface tension that holds that bead and it is the natural state of water. Just a drop of rinse aid changes the surface tension of a lot of water and makes it flow off objects easier. Rinse aid is dispensed in the rinse cycle and coats the inside of your glass. When a glass from a dishwasher that uses rinse aid is filled with water, bubbles rise to the top and fall back down. It is not detergent that causes those bubbles - it is rinse aid.

In my opinion, it’s not a good idea for us and especially children to drink anything that changes the surface tension of water.

If you’re not satisfied with how your dishwasher dries without using rinse aid you can pop the door ajar (1″) up to 30 minutes after the “dry” cycle. This is called “flash” drying and provides venting for moist air to escape from the tub. Do not leave the door open all the way as that is an accident waiting to happen. Also, wood or laminate countertops should have tin tape, poly or varnish applied along the bottom of the countertop just above the dishwasher so moisture doesn’t absorb into the bottom to swell it. Even if not “flash drying”, this should be done in units venting directly under the countertop .

A few more waterspots may be noticed if no rinse aid is used but one must weigh the practicality of ingesting a chemical against having spotless dishes.

For more opinions: http://bit.ly/i0DTuc / Some swear by using white vinegar, See: http://bit.ly/ewagkl

Many customers email to ask if Smelly Washer can be used to clean a dish washer. You’d be amazed at how well it works! If your dishwasher smells, there’s no better way to remove bacteria and mold odor from your dishwasher.

Mold and bacteria can collect deep inside your dishwasher. Leftover food deposits feed germs that can cause odor and affect the dishwasher cleaning ability.

The best way to clean either a plastic or stainless steel tub dishwasher is to split just a tablespoon of Smelly Washer Cleaner between the dispensers and the floor of the dishwasher. Start a long, hot cycle such as “pots & pans” or “baked on goods” and allow the cycle to complete. For more extreme cases, allow the dish washer to soak by popping the door ajar just 1″. Don’t open the door all the way as it’s easily tripped over and expensive to replace!

If you have food stains (especially from tomato based foods) on plastic bowls or dishes - this procedure may remove those stains if you wash them in the unit with a tbsp of Smelly Washer Cleaner.