Yes, you could just use white vinegar as a natural rinse aid replacement for your dishwasher – that’s what I have been using for years. However, I thought I would experiment and see if I could find an option that gave me even better results. And, guess what? I did!!
Just three ingredients for this one, and it really does work wonders.
Dishwasher Rinse Aid
Makes: 210 g Prep time: < 5 min.
Ingredients
- 70 g citric acid
- 70 g boiling water
- 70 g clear alcohol
Method
1. Add citric acid and boiling water to a bowl and mix until citric acid has dissolved.
2. Add clear alcohol and stir to combine, then allow to cool.
3. Transfer into a jar or bottle (with lid).
To Use
Fill your dishwasher rinse aid compartment with the solution as required.
Recipe Notes
I have worked out my compartment size is about 120 g/ml but you will have a little left over. If so, store it in a glass jar (I keep any extra in a dark cupboard, but the fridge will help extend shelf life further).
Use the cheapest (plain) vodka you can find.
I trust that you will make the decision on whether this formula is suitable for your dishwasher. I cannot take any responsibility if your dishwasher doesn’t agree with this recipe.
21 Comments
Thank you so much for this recipe. I’m THRILLED with the results!
All items in the dishwasher come out dryer than they did with commercial rinse aids and without water marks. Glasses are sparkling clean and cutlery very shiny.
As an added bonus much cheaper over time.
Yay Sandra, thanks for sharing this feedback – I am stoked you love the recipe!
I have not tried it yet but plan on doing so after my Cascade rinse aid runs out. I am.a.bit surprised by your recommendations for storage, I would think one could easily double the batch as I see nothing in the recipe that would warrant a short shelf life?
Let us know how you find it compares to your commercial brand. I mention in the notes to “store it in a glass jar (I keep any extra in a dark cupboard, but the fridge will help extend shelf life further)”. Up to you if you double it and how you choose to store it.
could clear tequila be used if no vodka on hand?
I can safely say I have absolutely no idea as I haven’t tried it! If this DIY recipe is something you think you’ll make often (and it’s great so I hope so!), then a cheap bottle of vodka may be worth the investment. Save the tequila for shots and cocktails 😜
Do you still need to use salt ?
I don’t use salt, no.
Oh I’m definitely adding this to my list of DIY. I’ve recently bought your book so working my way through slowly ☺️ 🙏
Work like a charm – 5 🌟
I must try this! I use low tox dishwasher tablets which I’m generally happy with, but could use a bit of extra help with water marks. This is crazy easy to make! Thank you!
(I think I accidentally replied to a comment instead of creating my own…. whoops!)
70g of which alcohol?
we have cheap 99.9% isopropyl alcohol. still 70g?
I would reduce the amount by at least half, and make up the rest with hot water.
I always used vinegar until I found this recipe but this is so easy and I get excellent results since using .
Thank you Krissy
What are the measurements for citric acid, water and alchol?
Hi Gail, I’m not sure which measurements you’re after – it’s in the recipe, 70g each of citric acid, water and alcohol. I always use grams to measure as it’s the most consistent. Happy making – great recipe this one!
Hi, can i just use alcohol instead of vodka
I can’t see why not – what do you have? I’ve only ever used vodka which is about 40% alcohol.
I only have 70% alcohol on hand! Now I didn’t know when if it would be too strong
I would dilute it further, so use around half the amount of alcohol required in this recipe.
I use isopropyl alcohol and it works fine. The ascorbic acid seems to dissolve in hot water and doesn’t seem to need boiling water but maybe my Vit C power is different. I use food grade powder, which may dissolve more easily. This is a great recipe for rince aid and I’ve been using it now for a couple of months and we have very hard water but no mineral deposits on the dishes. Thanks!