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Frugal Dishwasher Rinse Agent Substitute

By Erin Huffstetler, About.com

Dishwasher rinse agents help to get your dishes cleaner and dryer – but they sure are pricey. Fortunately, there's a cheap alternative: vinegar.

Here's How to Make the Switch to Vinegar:

1. Finish using up any commerical rinse agent that remains in your dishwasher.

2. Then, unscrew the cap from your dishwasher's rinse agent dispenser, and fill the well with white vinegar.

3. Replace the cap, and run your dishwasher as usual. 4. Refill the dispenser as needed.

Benefits of Using Vinegar as a Rinse Agent:

  • No water spots on cups and glasses
  • Dryer dishes
  • Cleaner dishes
  • No harsh chemicals
  • A cleaner dishwasher

Bonus Tip:
Dishwasher looking a bit dirty? Fill the detergent dispenser with vinegar (no detergent at all), and run it through a cycle. This will clean the wash tub, racks and even the heating elements.

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