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Best Non-Toxic Dishwasher Rinse Aid in 2024
Updated:
Nov 18, 2024
Written by Camille May
Cofounder & Product Curator
+ 1 more
Medically reviewed by Olushola Awoyemi
PhD Environmental Toxicology
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What you should know when choosing non-toxic dishwasher rinse aid on Welpr:
- Only the cleanest products make it onto Welpr.
- We use a score called the Welpr Rating to rank each product.
- The Welpr Rating is based on math, not opinion, ensuring it's free from human bias.
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Find Non-Toxic Dishwasher Rinse Aid
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all cleaning products on Welpr.
Rinse Aid, Unscented - Ecover
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$17.00
Product Details
- Prevents streaking and calcium deposits on dishes.
- Does not leave any chemical residue.
- Made with plant-based ingredients.
- Features quick and complete biodegradability.
- Designed to minimize impact on aquatic life.
- Safe for use with septic tanks.
- No animal testing involved in its development.
- Packaging materials, including bottle and labels, are made of polyethylene and cap of polypropylene, all of which are 100% recyclable.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Effective
- Eco-friendly
- Gentle
Cons Mentioned
- Inconsistent
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use this EWG tool.
Ingredients: Aqua, Citric Acid, Alcohol Denat., Butyl Glucoside
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all cleaning products on Welpr.
Rinse Aid, Unscented - Seventh Generation
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$4.39
Product Details
- Safe for people and the environment
- Effective at getting the job done
- Free of dyes and fragrances
- Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Effective
- Eco-friendly
- Fragrance-free
Cons Mentioned
- Pricey
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use this EWG tool.
Ingredients: Water, Ppg-4-Laureth-8, Citric Acid, Heptyl Glucoside, Ceteareth-25
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all cleaning products on Welpr.
Shine + Dry Rinse, Lemon - Lemi Shine
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$9.64
Product Details
- Removes and eliminates spots and streaks from glass and stemware.
- Powered by 100% citric acids for effective cleaning.
- Should be used in combination with auto dishwasher detergent and ideally with Lemi Shine Booster.
- Eliminates the need for a heated dry cycle, thereby saving energy, money, and time.
- Safe, non-toxic, and UL tested for effectiveness.
- Septic-tank safe and family & pet-friendly.
- Uses powerful citric acid to combat germs, grime, and hard water buildup.
- Fresh lemony scent derived from active citric extracts.
- EPA Safer Choice Certified 2020, recognized for safer ingredients for health and environment.
- Ingredients are vetted for safety, avoiding harmful chemicals.
- Award-winning formulas, including accolades from Parents Magazine and Bustle in 2020.
- Founded and made in the USA, continuing a tradition of safe, effective, and affordable cleaning products.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Effective
- Natural
- Spotless
Cons Mentioned
- Inconsistent
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use this EWG tool.
Ingredients: Deionized Water, Alkoxylated Alcohol, Citric Acid, Ethyl Alcohol, Sodium Xylene Sulfonate, Isopropyl Alcohol
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all cleaning products on Welpr.
Rinse Agent, Unscented - Nature Clean
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$8.89
Product Details
- Effectively removes hard water deposits during the final rinse cycle, ensuring dishes are spotless, streak-free, and sparkling.
- Composed of 99.7% naturally derived, plant-based ingredients without phosphates, alcohol, fragrances, dyes, or petroleum.
- Safe for use: non-toxic, hypoallergenic, gluten-free, biodegradable, cruelty-free, and compatible with grey water and septic tank systems.
- Concentrated formula optimizes cleanliness and drying efficiency, enhancing the performance and lifespan of dishwashers.
- Easy application: simply fill the rinse aid dispenser for automatic release in each rinse cycle; effective in both soft and hard water conditions.
- Free from harmful chemicals such as EDTA, NTA, and alcohol ethoxylates, ensuring safety and environmental friendliness.
- Incorporates citric acid, which enhances cleaning power in hard water and leaves machines fresh and clean without residue.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Spotless
- Non-toxic
- Effective
Cons Mentioned
- Expensive
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use this EWG tool.
Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Decyl Glocoside, Citric Acid, Tetrasodium Iminodisuccinate
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all cleaning products on Welpr.
Wave Jet Rinse Aid, Unscented - Earth Friendly Products
Certifications
Est. Price
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Moderate
Cons Mentioned
- Overpowering
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use this EWG tool.
Ingredients: Water, Ethyl Hexyl Glucoside (Plant-Based Surfactant), Urea (Mineral Spot-Remover), Phenoxyethanol (Preservative), Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Methylisothiazolinone (Preservative)
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all cleaning products on Welpr.
Dish Detergent Booster, Lemon - Lemi Shine
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$21.99
Product Details
- Effectively removes hard water spots, film, and other mineral deposits such as calcium, lime, and iron when added to dishwasher loads.
- Contains citric acid for a strong yet eco-friendly cleaning, leaving dishes sparkly clean.
- Free from dyes, phosphates, and bleach, making it a safer, plant-based detergent booster.
- Ideal for use with Lemi Shine Dish Detergent Pods for enhanced cleaning of dishes and removal of tough stains and stuck-on food.
- Recognized as a Safer Choice Partner by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ensuring product safety for family and environmental well-being.
- Utilizes citric acid as a primary ingredient to combat germs, grime, and hard water buildup, enhancing both cleanliness and hygiene.
- Infused with a fresh lemon scent from active citric extracts, providing a perceptible cleaning effectiveness.
- Safe for use around children and pets, adhering to strict safety standards for household cleaning products.
- Winner of the 2020 Green Pick Award by Parents Magazine and listed as a top dishwasher cleaner by Bustle in 2020.
- Proudly manufactured in the USA, maintaining high quality and affordability.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Effective
- Sparkling
- Cleans
Cons Mentioned
- Costly
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use this EWG tool.
Ingredients: Citric Acid, Fragrance, Citral, D-Limonene
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all cleaning products on Welpr.
Botanicals Plant-Based 4-In-1 Dishwasher Rinse Aid, Unscented - Ginger Lily Farms Botanicals
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$29.99
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Economical
- Natural
- Effective
Cons Mentioned
- Inconsistent
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use this EWG tool.
Ingredients: Water, Capryloyl/Carproyl Methyl Glucamide, Citric Acid, Propanediol, Sorbitan Monooctanoate
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all cleaning products on Welpr.
WaveJet Rinse Aid, Lemon - ECOS
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$9.39
Product Details
- Rinses away residue and minerals contained in your wash-water
- Made with 100% sustainable plant-based ingredients
- Non-toxic formula, free from dyes or synthetic perfumes
- Features a neutral PH
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Natural
- Effective
- Spotless
Cons Mentioned
- Scented
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use this EWG tool.
Ingredients: Water, Ethyl Hexyl Glucoside (Plant-Based Surfactant), Urea (Mineral Spot-Remover), Phenoxyethanol (Preservative), Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Methylisothiazolinone (Preservative)
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all cleaning products on Welpr.
Auto Dish Rinse Aid, Fragrance Free - Eco-me
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$10.11
Product Details
- Leaves dishes and glassware streak-free and spot-free for shiny, clean dishes that are residue-free.
- Made with natural white vinegar and coconut-derived soap that cleans and deodorizes naturally.
- Formula includes plant extracts and natural botanicals, ensuring an eco-friendly cleaning solution.
- All products are crafted with premium quality, natural-based ingredients for effective cleaning suitable for the whole family.
- Manufactured in the United States.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Effective
- Natural
- Eco-friendly
Cons Mentioned
- Expensive
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use this EWG tool.
Ingredients: Water, Acetic Acid (Vinegar), Decyl Glucoside (Coconut-Derived Soap), Caprylyl Capryl Glucoside (Plant-Derived Solubilizer), Citric Acid
Our Product Rating System
First, Camille (co-creator of Welpr) hand picks cleaner product options from a variety of sources.
Next, we collect information about each product's safety, consumer satisfaction, and eco-ethical standing.
Finally, we run all this information through an algorithm that calculates the Welpr Rating.
Welpr Rating:
5.0/5
Part 1: Product safety
We evaluate safety information from 3rd party organizations (e.g. EWG, Made Safe, etc.). Instead of relying solely on any one of these companies for safety information, we assess all of them.
Part 2: Consumer satisfaction
We scour the web for consumer ratings and reviews to verify products are not only cleaner options, but also effective. Products can either be Above Average, Average, or Below average for their respective category (e.g. cleaning products).
Part 3: Ethics & Environment
When you buy a product, you’re supporting that company with your dollars. We believe it’s important to support ethical companies, so we pool together certifications that verify a company's ethics and environmental impact.
Common Harmful Chemicals in Dishwasher Rinse Aid
Chemical Name
Why it’s harmful
Sodium Cumenesulfonate
Sodium Cumenesulfonate is a mild eye irritants that can be significantly absorbed upon ingestion but not after skin application. It has not shown skin sensitization in animal tests but have caused acute toxicity symptoms such as decreased activity, prostration, increased saliva production, diarrhea, and liver congestion. Furthermore, sodium cumenesulfonate has not demonstrated carcinogenic effects in dermal exposure studies.
Methylchloroisothiazolinone
5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one (CMI) is a compound frequently used as a preservative in cosmetics, hygiene products, and other industrial applications such as hydraulic fracturing fluids. It can also be deployed as a pesticide in the U.S, pending regulatory approval. CMI, which is often used in combination with 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one (MI), can cause contact dermatitis in humans. Various animal studies have shown that a high exposure to a CMIT/MIT mixture can cause alterations in rats' liver function. The production and use of CMI in a range of products mean it can be release into the environment, with some susceptibility to degradation through photolysis in sunlight. Its mobility in soil is high but volatilization from soil or water surfaces is not expected to be significant. Occupational and general exposure to CMI can occur especially through inhalation and dermal contact with CMI-containing products.
Sources:
Antimicrobial agents, triclosan, chloroxylenol, methylisothiazolinone and borax, used in cleaning had genotoxic and histopathologic effects on rainbow trout, Methylisothiazolinone toxicity and inhibition of wound healing and regeneration in planaria, Methylchloroisothiazolinone and/or methylisothiazolinone in cosmetic products, Isothiazolinone Biocides: Chemistry, Biological, and Toxicity Profiles, Methylisothiazolinone and isothiazolinone allergy, Analysis of isothiazolinones in environmental waters by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, Methylisothiazolinone induces apoptotic cell death via matrix metalloproteinase activation in human bronchial epithelial cells, EU REGULATIONS , Methylisothiazolinone contact allergy: a review, Effects of methylisothiazolinone and octylisothiazolinone on development and thyroid endocrine system in zebrafish larvae, Two Cases of Chloromethylisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone-associated Toxic Lung Injury, An update of the risk assessment for methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI) with focus on rinse-off products, Effects of a mixture of chloromethylisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone on peripheral airway dysfunction in children, Isothiazolinone preservative: cause of a continuing epidemic of cosmetic dermatitis, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone
Methylisothiazolinone
Methylisothiazolinone can reportedly cause allergic contact dermatitis in workers who interact with products containing it. This substance is recognized as a contact allergen for consumers using cosmetics that include it. It can cause skin burns and sensitization, and inhaling it may lead to corrosive injuries in the upper respiratory tract and lungs. Ingesting this substance is harmful, and inhalation is toxic. This preservative is linked to the category of isothiazolinones.
Sources:
Antimicrobial agents, triclosan, chloroxylenol, methylisothiazolinone and borax, used in cleaning had genotoxic and histopathologic effects on rainbow trout, Methylisothiazolinone toxicity and inhibition of wound healing and regeneration in planaria, Methylchloroisothiazolinone and/or methylisothiazolinone in cosmetic products, Isothiazolinone Biocides: Chemistry, Biological, and Toxicity Profiles, Methylisothiazolinone and isothiazolinone allergy, Analysis of isothiazolinones in environmental waters by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, Methylisothiazolinone induces apoptotic cell death via matrix metalloproteinase activation in human bronchial epithelial cells, EU REGULATIONS , Methylisothiazolinone contact allergy: a review, Effects of methylisothiazolinone and octylisothiazolinone on development and thyroid endocrine system in zebrafish larvae, Two Cases of Chloromethylisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone-associated Toxic Lung Injury, An update of the risk assessment for methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI) with focus on rinse-off products, Effects of a mixture of chloromethylisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone on peripheral airway dysfunction in children, Isothiazolinone preservative: cause of a continuing epidemic of cosmetic dermatitis, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone
Trideceth-3
Trideceth-3 is a polyethylene glycol ether of Tridecyl Alcohol used in formulations for its emulsifying and surfactant properties. However, data from the European Union Ecolabel program indicates that this substance possesses high chronic toxicity and very high acute toxicity to aquatic life. Despite these environmental concerns, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel has determined Trideceth-3 to be safe when formulated to be non-irritating.
Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether
Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether, when administered orally or through the skin in doses exceeding 800-1000 mg/kg/day, can cause central nervous system depression and changes to the liver and kidneys in animals. However, it doesn't exhibit significant developmental toxicity at these levels. The chemical is not expected to have adverse effects unless workers are exposed to its heated liquid mists. It is an eye irritant and provokes harm to the central nervous system, liver, kidneys, red blood cells, and reproductive system in animal feeding studies. Despite these potential harms, it is poorly absorbed through the skin.
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic Acid is corrosive to the skin and eyes, with 70% technical solutions causing severe burns. It also irritates the respiratory tract and may lead to kidney failures. The chemical can cause burns when inhaled, leading to possible injuries to the upper respiratory tract and lungs. It is also harmful if ingested.
Isopropyl Alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol has been shown to cause narcosis in animals during acute studies, as cited by ACGIH. However, according to research by Zimmerman, it is not hepatotoxic in either experimental animal studies or in human exposures. It's known to be a skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant, and if inhaled in high concentrations, it can cause CNS depression, as indicated by the ICSC.
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