How To Add Rinse Aid to a Kenmore Dishwasher

Adding rinse aid to your Kenmore dishwasher is an essential part of maintaining the appliance’s performance and ensuring your dishes come out spotless and dry. This in-depth guide will cover everything you need to know about when, why, and how to add rinse aid to your Kenmore dishwasher.

What is Rinse Aid and Why is it Important?

Rinse aid is a dishwasher additive that enhances the drying process and reduces water spots on dishes. It contains surfactants that lower the surface tension of water, making it easier for water to slide off dishes instead of forming droplets that leave spots and streaks.

The importance of rinse aid in a dishwasher is often underestimated. It not only ensures spotless and dry dishes but also protects your glassware from etching and marks, and enhances the overall effectiveness of your dishwasher.

Identifying the Rinse Aid Dispenser in Your Kenmore Dishwasher

Before you begin, it’s important to locate the rinse aid dispenser in your Kenmore dishwasher. It’s typically found on the inside of the dishwasher door and is usually a small, circular compartment with a lid. The lid of the dispenser may have a symbol or label indicating that it is for rinse aid.

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Rinse Aid to Your Kenmore Dishwasher

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of adding rinse aid to your Kenmore dishwasher:

1. Open the dishwasher door fully. This will give you full access to the rinse aid dispenser.
2. Locate the rinse aid dispenser. It’s typically found on the inside of the dishwasher door.
3. Remove the dispenser cap. Push in the center of the lid with your thumb and lift to open the dispenser.
4. Pour rinse aid into the dispenser. Fill the dispenser with liquid rinse aid until the indicator window shows full. Avoid overfilling.
5. Replace the dispenser cap. Make sure to close the cap tightly so it doesn’t come off during the wash cycle.
6. Clean up any spills. If you accidentally spill any rinse aid, clean it up with a damp cloth as it can create excessive suds during the wash cycle.

A full rinse aid dispenser holds about 5 oz (150-175 mL) of rinse aid and should last about a month, depending on how often you use your dishwasher.

When to Add Rinse Aid to Your Kenmore Dishwasher

The frequency of adding rinse aid to your Kenmore dishwasher depends on how often you use your dishwasher and the rinse aid dispenser setting. Some dishwashers have a rinse aid indicator on the control panel. If it’s lit, it means the dishwasher is low on rinse aid and requires a refill.

Choosing the Right Rinse Aid

While there isn’t a specific rinse aid brand recommended for Kenmore dishwashers, some popular and highly-rated rinse aid options include Finish Jet-Dry Dishwasher Rinse Agent & Drying Agent and Cascade Power Dry Dishwasher Rinse Aid. These rinse aids are designed to work well with various dishwasher brands, including Kenmore.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While the process of adding rinse aid is straightforward, there are a few common mistakes you should avoid to ensure your dishwasher operates at its best:

1. Overfilling the dispenser: Pour rinse aid into the opening until the indicator is full and do not exceed this level.
2. Not closing the dispenser cap tightly: A loose cap can cause rinse aid to leak out during the cycle.
3. Spilling rinse aid: Clean up any spilled rinse aid immediately, as it can create excessive suds during the wash cycle.
4. Using the wrong product: Make sure to use a rinse aid specifically designed for dishwashers, not dishwashing detergent or other cleaning products.

By following this comprehensive guide, you can ensure that your Kenmore dishwasher performs optimally and maintains the cleanliness and longevity of your dishes. Happy washing!