The purpose of this article is not to alarm but to give an informative, reliable alternative to using rinse aids. The FDA states rinse aid is safe for ingestion.
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 water-spots by changing the surface tension of water to make it more easily flow.
When a drop of water is put on a smooth surface it beads up. Surface tension is what holds that bead and it’s 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 dishwasher’s 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. Those bubbles aren’t caused by detergent but by rinse aid.
Our bodies are made of 60% to 75% water. In my opinion, and despite what any Federal organization states, 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, whether or not “flash drying” is used, 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. It is especially important this procedure be done in units venting directly under any wood or laminate counter top .
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 completely spotless dishes.