The calcium and other particles in the water leave white spots or scratch the surfaces of the dishes.

Many models have an adjustable level dispenser that can be filled monthly so the rinse agent is dispensed automatically.

Or, you’re free to add the rinse agent right before you roll the cycle.

Front closeup view of open dishwasher with white vinegar and peroxide bottles in focus

The Spruce / Ana Cadena

If you live in a hard water area, a rinse agent is recommended for every load.

You don’t want to do anything that would void the dishwasher’s warranty.

Do not mix products because they can cause toxic fumes.

Overhead view of dishwasher rinsing aids

The Spruce / Ana Cadena

Do not usecleaning vinegarbecause its higher concentration of acid can cause dishwasher seals to deteriorate over time.

spin up the dishwasher as usual.

Refill the dispenser as needed.

Glass bottle of vinegar added to rinse agent dispenser in dishwasher door

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

Add one-half cup of distilled white vinegar and execute the cleaning cycles as usual.

No fizz means the solution has reverted to plain water.

trigger the dishwasher as usual.

Filling a dishwasher dispenser with distilled white vinegar

The Spruce / Ana Cadena

Add one tablespoon spoon of citric acid powder to one-fourth cup of boiling water.

Stir well until all of the powder is dissolved.

Add the mixture to the automatic rinse aid dispenser and execute the dishwasher cycles as usual.

Filling a glass bowl on the top rack of the dishwasher with distilled white vinegar

The Spruce / Ana Cadena

Filling the dishwasher dispenser with hydrogen peroxide

The Spruce / Ana Cadena

Mixing a dishwasher rinse in a glass measuring cup

The Spruce / Ana Cadena

Using citric acid powder to rinse out a dishwasher

The Spruce / Ana Cadena

Glass container of homemade dishwasher detergent surrounded by dishes and utensils

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska