DISHWASHER NOT DRYING: 5 POSSIBLE CAUSES & FIXES
A dishwasher is designed to be dependable so you can focus more on cooking and less on cleaning. If your dishes aren’t drying properly, it can put a temporary hold on your making. Read on to learn why your dishes are still wet after a dishwasher cycle and how to fix the problem.
WHY ARE MY DISHES STILL WET AFTER THE DISHWASHER?
The best way to ensure that your dishware comes out dry after a dishwasher cycle is to check that it’s programmed to a Heat Dry cycle. Some dishwashers have an automatic Heat Dry setting, while others have a separate setting that can be selected. Consult your user’s manual for your dishwasher settings.
If you find that plasticware or other items on your upper rack have moisture, rinse aid may improve drying performance. You should also make sure your dishes are loaded onto your dishwasher racks at an angle so they can drain and dry properly.
WHY IS MY DISHWASHER NOT DRYING?
There are a few possible causes of a dishwasher not drying your dishware and utensils. Some issues can be a simple fix, while others may require a professional service call. Dishwashers vary depending on the make and model, so be sure to check your product manual for troubleshooting information. The following information includes potential issues and possible fixes.
1. INCORRECT DRY CYCLE
If you’re finding that your dishes aren’t drying properly, check that you’re selecting the right dishwasher dry setting. Choosing a Heat Dry, Extended-Heat or Fan Dry setting can help dry your dishware and utensils. When selecting a Quick Wash or 1-Hour Wash cycle, you may need to program the Dry setting to make sure your dishes don’t come out with moisture. Some dishwasher models have a High or Low Heat Dry that you can toggle between.
2. RINSE AID NEEDS A REFILL
Using rinse aid can help improve drying performance, reduce water spots and help prevent filming as it allows the water to “sheet” off your dishes rather than form water droplets that cling and leave spots. A built-in rinse aid dispenser can usually be found next to your detergent dispenser. If your dishwasher doesn’t have one, you can clip a rinse aid dispenser to the top rack of your dishwasher.
3. DISHES NOT LOADED PROPERLY
Load your dishware angled down on the rack, facing the center of your dishwasher with enough space between items for optimal cleaning and drying. With proper placement, especially plasticware, the water can drain and dry off your dishes.
Whether you have a large household or do a lot of cooking, the KitchenAid® 360º Max Jets™ Third Rack Dishwasher is designed with more space to consistently run larger loads that have enough room for proper washing and drying.
4. FAULTY HEATING ELEMENT
A dishwasher heating element heats the water and air during a wash and dry cycle. The water temperature should reach 120°F to effectively wash and thoroughly dry your dishes. Check your water heater temperature. It’s recommended that you contact a service professional if you think your heating element isn’t working.
5. YOUR DISHWASHER IS NEW
With regular use, a new dishwasher may take up to 2 weeks to reach optimal drying performance.
HOW DO YOU GET DISHES DRY IN THE DISHWASHER?
Make sure to select a heated dry, or other dry option on your dishwasher. Some dishwashers automatically program a Heat Dry setting, depending on the wash cycle you choose. Load your dishware, bakeware and plasticware at an angle on the dishwasher rack to help drain and dry items. Rinse aid can also improve drying results.
HOW DO YOU TELL IF A DISHWASHER HEATING ELEMENT IS BROKEN?
If you’ve eliminated other possible reasons why your dishwasher isn’t drying, you can test the heating element. Simply run a Sanitize cycle and check that the Sanitize LED is on steady (not blinking). This can indicate it’s working. A blinking Sanitize LED may be a broken heating element.
You can also run a 1-Hour cycle or Quick Wash and select a Heat Dry setting. Once the cycle is complete, check that the dishware is warm. If it’s not warm, you may want to call a service professional.
TIPS FOR WHEN A DISHWASHER IS NOT DRYING
Here are a few things to keep in mind if your dishware and utensils aren’t drying thoroughly.
Make sure that you select a drying setting such as Heat Dry or Extended-Heat option when running a Quick Wash or 1-Hour Wash cycle. If you choose not to set it, you may want to open the dishwasher door slightly after the cycle ends to help remove moisture from your dishware and interior dishwasher.
Plasticware tends to collect droplets due to its porous surface. Consider air drying these items as they may not dry completely in a normal dry cycle.
The water temperature of a dishwasher should reach 120°F. Double-check that your hot water heater is set to the right temperature.
Use a rinse aid to improve dishwasher drying.
Watch that you don’t overload your dishwasher racks and utensil holder. Avoid stacking and nesting dishware to ensure thorough washing and drying.
Unload the bottom dishwasher rack first, then the upper rack.
EXPLORE KITCHENAID® DISHWASHERS
KitchenAid® dishwashers offer loads of advanced cleaning and performance features to get the wash and dry you need to keep up with the way you create. With features like the Fan-Enabled ProDry™ System that provides thorough drying, Advanced Clean Water Wash System and 360º Max Jets™ Third Rack available on select models, you can find a dishwasher that’s ready to match your making.
