Dishwashers are designed to simplify cleaning, but achieving spotless results often depends on more than just detergent. Rinse aid and dishwasher salt are two frequently overlooked products that play important roles in the cleaning process. Richard Howarth, senior dishwashing product manager at Haier & Hoover UK & Ireland, has explained whether they are essential and how they work, also highlighting a common mistake households should avoid.
Is rinse aid necessary?
Richard said: “Rinse aid isn’t essential for your dishwasher to clean dishes, but it does play an important role in improving drying performance and reducing water spots and streaks. It works by helping water sheet off dishes rather than forming droplets, leaving glasses, cutlery and crockery noticeably drier and shinier at the end of the cycle. If you live in a hard water area, the benefits are even more noticeable.”
What does dishwasher salt do?
According to the expert, dishwasher salt serves a completely different purpose than rinse aid. It is designed to replenish the appliance’s built-in water softener, helping to reduce limescale build-up and ensure the dishwasher performs at its best over time. Richard added: “In hard water areas, especially, using dishwasher salt helps protect the machine while also improving cleaning performance.”
Do you need both?
They perform two completely different jobs, so they are not interchangeable. Richard noted: “Rinse aid improves drying and helps prevent spotting, while dishwasher salt protects the appliance and softens the water. For households in hard water areas, using both will typically deliver the best overall results for both your dishes and your dishwasher.”
Are all-in-one tablets enough?
Many all-in-one dishwasher tablets contain rinse aid and salt functions, which may be adequate for some households. However, in hard water areas, topping up the salt reservoir and using liquid rinse aid can still make a noticeable difference to drying performance, shine, and the long-term care of the appliance.
A common mistake to avoid
Richard also shared a common mistake: using white vinegar instead of rinse aid. He said: “White vinegar may help tackle water marks, but its acidity can interfere with detergent performance and may damage rubber seals and gaskets over time. Purpose-designed rinse aid is formulated to work safely alongside your dishwasher and detergent. The easiest way to keep your dishwasher performing at its best is to regularly check the salt and rinse aid indicators and top them up when needed. Alongside routine filter cleaning and a monthly maintenance cycle, they’ll help keep both your dishwasher and your dishes in excellent condition.”
