A dishwasher that fails to dry properly can be both inconvenient and frustrating. This issue is common and often caused by simple adjustments or maintenance needs rather than major repairs. Below is a detailed guide explaining how to fix a dishwasher that is not drying, covering everything from possible causes and step-by-step troubleshooting to professional repair options and frequently asked questions.
Understanding Dishwasher Drying Systems
Dishwashers typically use one of two drying systems: heated drying or condensation drying. Heated drying involves an electrical heating element that warms up the air inside the dishwasher, evaporating water from the dishes. In condensation drying, the final rinse uses hot water, and the moist air condenses on the cooler stainless-steel walls before draining away. The latter is more energy-efficient but slower and highly dependent on loading practices and air circulation.
If your dishwasher isn’t drying dishes properly, it’s essential to identify which drying system it has to troubleshoot effectively.
Common Reasons a Dishwasher Doesn’t Dry
There are several possible causes when dishes remain damp after a cycle:
- Improper loading restricts air circulation.
- Incorrect cycle selection reduces drying intensity.
- A lack of rinse aid prevents water sheeting off surfaces.
- A faulty heating element or thermostat hinders heat-based drying.
- A broken vent or fan prevents steam release.
- The door isn’t opening automatically to let moisture escape.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
1. Check How You Load the Dishwasher
Loading technique significantly affects drying results. Poor air circulation leads to trapped moisture.
Tips for best loading results include:
- Avoid overfilling racks.
- Keep sufficient space between plates and bowls.
- Place cups and plastic items on the top rack.
- Lean items slightly so water can drain off.
- Avoid stacking similar-shaped dishes tightly together.
- Empty the bottom rack first to prevent dripping from upper items onto already-dried ones.
2. Verify the Cycle Setting
Sometimes, the drying issue is a simple case of using the wrong cycle. Many modern dishwashers offer “Eco,” “Energy Saver,” or “Quick Wash” modes that use less heat to conserve energy, resulting in wetter dishes. Ensure that you select one of the following for optimal drying:
- Heated Dry or Extended Heat Dry setting.
- High Temperature Rinse or Sanitize cycle.
- Disable “Air Dry” if you prefer completely dry dishes.
3. Use Rinse Aid
Rinse aid is crucial for efficient drying. It lowers water’s surface tension, helping it sheet off dishes instead of forming droplets. Without it, water clings to surfaces and leaves everything damp. Even with modern “rinse aid-included” detergents, adding liquid rinse aid enhances drying performance especially for plastic items and glassware.
If your rinse aid reservoir is empty, refill it and adjust the dispenser setting if available. Most dishwashers have settings from 1 to 6, with higher numbers dispensing more rinse aid per cycle.
4. Inspect the Heating Element
The heating element usually visible as a thick metal bar at the bottom of the tub is responsible for raising air temperature during the drying phase. If it’s faulty, both cleaning and drying will suffer.
You can test it manually by:
- Disconnecting the dishwasher from power.
- Accessing the element terminals.
- Using a multimeter to check resistance (usually between 10–30 ohms).
A zero or infinite reading indicates it needs replacement.
If unsure, consult a professional technician to perform the test and replacement safely.
5. Check the High-Limit Thermostat
The thermostat prevents overheating by cutting power to the heating element once a set temperature is reached. If it malfunctions, it might cut power too early, leaving dishes wet. Like the heating element, it can be checked via a multimeter; if it shows no continuity, it should be replaced.
6. Inspect the Vent or Fan
Older dishwashers rely on a vent door that opens during drying to release moist air, while newer models may have a fan-assisted drying system. If the vent doesn’t open or the fan isn’t spinning, steam remains trapped.
A simple test is to run a drying cycle and check if warm air escapes through the vent. If not, inspect the vent cover for damage or blockage. Fan motors may require replacement if they fail mechanically or electrically.
7. Open the Door After the Cycle
For condensation-drying dishwashers, slightly opening the door after the final rinse helps moisture escape. Modern models may do this automatically, but if yours doesn’t, open it manually by a couple of inches for about 30 minutes after the cycle completes.
8. Examine the Dishwasher Filter
A clogged filter restricts drainage, forcing steam and water to linger. Clean the filter regularly by removing any food debris and rinsing it under warm water. Dirty filters contribute to poor airflow and moisture buildup inside the dishwasher.
9. Test Water Temperature
Hot water is essential for both cleaning and drying. The inlet water temperature should be about 49–60°C (120–140°F). If it’s too low, drying performance suffers. Run hot water in the sink before starting the dishwasher to ensure the machine begins with hot water in the first fill.
10. Maintain Dishwasher Interior
Regular maintenance enhances drying efficiency:
- Clean the spray arms to ensure proper water circulation.
- Check and replace worn door gaskets that trap moisture inside.
- Wipe the stainless-steel walls after cycles to prevent water droplets from accumulating.
Routine care prevents mineral buildup that can reduce heat transfer and drying efficiency.
Special Considerations
Drying Plastic Items
Plastics, due to their low heat retention, are notoriously difficult to dry. Arrange them on the upper rack and tilt them for drainage. Using rinse aid and running a heated cycle can reduce residual moisture, but hand drying may still be required.
New Energy-Efficient Models
Modern energy-efficient dishwashers use condensation drying, which saves power but doesn’t leave dishes bone dry. To optimize drying in such models:
- Always use rinse aid.
- Keep the door open post-cycle.
- Choose longer or higher-heat drying settings.
- Load dishes to allow airflow.
When to Call a Professional
If all DIY steps fail, professional service may be needed. Issues that typically require technician intervention include:
- Burnt-out heating element.
- Faulty timer or control board.
- Damaged fan or motor assembly.
- Broken or stuck vent flap.
An appliance repair specialist can diagnose faulty electrical components and replace them safely, ensuring full restoration of drying performance.
Preventive Maintenance Tips
- Regularly clean filters, seals, and spray arms monthly.
- Use the appropriate detergent and rinse aid.
- Avoid overloading and blocking airflow.
- Once a week, run a hot water and vinegar cleaning cycle.
- Inspect heating elements every six months for scaling or corrosion.
Consistency in maintenance prevents recurring drying failures and extends appliance lifespan.
FAQs About Dishwasher Drying Problems
Why does my dishwasher leave dishes wet?
This usually happens due to poor cycle selection, lack of rinse aid, or a malfunctioning heating element. Overcrowded racks and plastics also trap water droplets, causing inefficiency.
How do I know if the heating element is broken?
If dishes are consistently cold and wet at the end of the cycle, and there’s no visible heat or warmth when you open the door, the heating element might be faulty. Use a multimeter to test electrical continuity or call a technician for confirmation.
Can I air dry dishes instead of using the heated dry function?
Yes. Air drying conserves energy, but some moisture might remain especially on plastic items. Open the door slightly after the final rinse to speed up evaporation.
Is rinse aid necessary if I use all-in-one detergent tablets?
Even though detergent tablets may include rinse aid, they often provide smaller quantities that aren’t enough for optimal drying. Adding liquid rinse aid separately will improve results significantly.
My new dishwasher isn’t drying as well as the old one. Why?
Newer dishwashers focus on energy efficiency and may use condensation drying, which is less intense. This is normal. Use rinse aid and open the door after cycles for improved drying.
Why do plastics stay wet when other dishes dry fine?
Plastics don’t retain heat well, which prevents moisture evaporation. Place them on the top rack and tilt them for drainage. Avoid tightly stacking plastic items.
Should I pre-rinse dishes for better drying?
No. Pre-rinsing reduces rinse aid effectiveness and changes water behavior during the cycle. Simply scrape food off dishes and load them directly for optimal cleaning and drying.
My dishwasher smells damp after cycles. What should I do?
This odor often results from trapped moisture. After each cycle, open the door slightly to air out the interior, and clean the filter weekly to remove food debris and bacteria buildup.
Can I fix a broken heating element myself?
Technically yes, if you are experienced with appliances and electrical work. However, since replacing heating elements involves dealing with electrical wiring, professional repair is recommended for safety.
How long should a dishwasher drying cycle last?
Depending on the model and selected setting, a drying phase can range between 30 to 70 minutes. Energy-efficient cycles may take longer to evaporate moisture using residual heat.
Conclusion
A dishwasher that doesn’t dry properly isn’t always a serious malfunction. Often, the cause is related to user habits overloading, neglecting rinse aid, or using low-heat cycles. Regular maintenance, correct loading techniques, and appropriate settings can solve most drying issues. For more severe cases involving electrical components, enlist professional repair to ensure safety and restore full efficiency.
Properly diagnosing and addressing drying problems will not only improve everyday convenience but also extend your dishwasher’s life and energy efficiency keeping your dishes spotless and ready for the table every single time.
