What is a dishwasher rinse aid?

Rinse aid is added to a special compartment in a dishwasher and is released during the final rinse cycle. It reduces the formation of water droplets, allowing dishes to dry without water spots and smears.

Although rinse aids help get dishes cleaner, they can be expensive. A cheaper alternative is white vinegar. Unscrew the cap from a dishwasher's rinse aid compartment, and fill the well with vinegar. Replace the cap, and run the dishwasher as normal. An alternative is pouring 1 cup of vinegar into the dishwasher after the detergent cup opens and then allowing the dishwasher to finish its cycle.