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The dishwasher has a small cup in the corner

The dishwasher has a small cup in the corner

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  • Use the right detergent. Don’t put dish soap (like what you use in the sink) in the dishwasher. Only use products labeled for automatic dishwashers.
  • Close the cap tightly. This prevents leaks and ensures it dispenses correctly during the wash cycle.

    • Pro Tips

    • If you use detergent pods with built-in rinse aid, you might not need to add rinse aid separately—but if your dishes aren’t drying well, give it a try.
    • Hard water? Use rinse aid religiously.
    • For older dishwashers, manually adding a bit of vinegar in the small cup can mimic rinse aid (but check with your manufacturer first).

    Final Thoughts

    That small, easy-to-overlook cup in the corner of your dishwasher isn’t just a design quirk—it’s an important part of getting dishes clean, dry, and spotless. Whether it’s for rinse aid or pre-wash detergent, using it properly can make a surprising difference in the performance of your dishwasher.

    Next time you load up, don’t ignore the small cup in the corner. It’s doing more than you think!

    Would you like a version of this as a blog post, Instagram caption, or printable kitchen tip sheet?