The invention relates to the use of polyolalkyl ethers in detergents and as rinse agents for automatic dish detergents, particularly for multifunctional dish detergents. Preferred polyolalkyl ethers correspond to general formula (I): in which R1, R2, R3 and R4 independently of one another represent OR5, CH2—OR5, OH, CH3, C2H5 or H, the substituents R5 independently of one another representing a hydrogen atom or a saturated, unsaturated, branched or unbranched hydroxyalkyl or hydroxyalkenyl group containing 10 to 22 carbon atoms.