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[pattypeep]

I use one that is for that purpose; however, someone told me a few weeks ago that white vinegar works just as well. Does anyone use vinegar in place of the commercial rinse aids? TIA

[fthunt]

No - and never will.

[pattypeep]

@fthunt Do you have  reason to believe that it is harmful?

[Nightowlz]

I found this info online. Vinegar is a strong enough acid to melt the rubber gaskets in the rinse-aid dispenser. Bad. Some people suggest running a rinse cycle with the vinegar in a cup on the top rack, and this tactic can work. It is a bit of a pain, since you need to stop your dishwasher and put the cup in just before the rinse cycle. It also doesn’t work as well as rinse aid.

[VirgoGirl]

I use Jet Dry in the rinse aid dispenser but occasionally do a vinegar clean using the quick wash cycle.

[Daysdee]

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@VirgoGirl wrote:

I use Jet Dry in the rinse aid dispenser but occasionally do a vinegar clean using the quick wash cycle.

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Same here.  I think the vinegar clean is for actually cleaning the dishwasher and is not taking the place of a rinse aid.    For rinse aid I use Jet Dry or Cascade.

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[pattypeep]

@Nightowlz  Thank you. Very good information.

[faeriemoon]

I've posted this before, but one of my pet peeves is when trying to fill that stupid dispenser in the door, there is a bubble extravaganza that makes me crazy.  Ergo I don't fill the thing as often as I should.

[SilleeMee]

I believe the reports of vinegar harming gaskets or seals in dishwashers is all speculative and most likely written to steer you into buying a rinse aids like Jet Dry or whatever. Vinegar is acetic acid in a weak concentration and is too weak to cause harm. Go ahead and use vinegar! It's harmless and doesn't have the chemicals found in those rinse aids. Add a few drops of food coloring to it so you know when it gets too low.

[kze]

The maintenaince man in my apartment complex recommended it.  He said it keeps the hoses clean, preventing damage, and prevents hard water spots.  Don't put it in the dispenser.  Before starting dishwasher, toss about a 1/4 cup in bottom of washer.