Using Rinse Aids in Commercial Dishwashers

Q. Should we use a rinsing agent in our commercial kitchen dishwasher?

A. Rinse agents leave an oily film on tableware. Do the squeak test: when you take a plate out of the dishwasher is it squeaky clean? If it feels slippery, a rinse aid was used. Rinse aids will speed up the drying process. Whether you choose to use them or not depends on how clean you want or need your surfaces to be. If it is a wine glass where squeaky clean, residue free surfaces are very important, then perhaps a rinse aid is not the best idea.