Rinse aid isn't much related to cleaning. It's injected (only a tiny amount) into the final rinse and serves to break the surface tension of the water so it'll run off the dishes more readily for drying and not form spots.

Many current dishwasher models no longer have a heated dry period, relying on residual heat from the final rinse to assist with the drying/evaporation process. They typically *require* rinse aid for best drying performance.

I always use rinse aid, keep the dispenser filled.

"I always use rinse aid, keep the dispenser filled.

Hi Jannie,

I agree with dodoes ;)

If the glasses come out cloudy (water hardness tested yesterday at about 250 ppm) I use Lemi Shine from Walmart.

Agree, drying aids are effective aids to drying. Most commercial dishwashers, which make no pretense as to drying, have used them for decades.