Why is my dishwasher not drying the dishes?
By Jordana Weiss•Last updated Aug 31, 2023
Last updated Aug 31, 2023
If your dishes are still wet when you open your dishwasher, there's probably an issue.
Fortunately, we can help you determine why your dishwasher isn’t drying properly. Keep reading to find out why you're still seeing water droplets on your dishes after completing a cycle.
1. You’ve set the wrong drying setting.
Sometimes a dishwasher that isn’t drying properly is the result of a simple setting issue. Some cycles are “wash only,” which means they won’t fully dry your dishes.
Before trying anything else, double-check the cycle setting. Make sure the setting you use regularly is actually designed to dry dishes. Settings like “air dry” or “energy saver” may intentionally leave dishes a little wet to save time and energy. Instead, look for the “heated dry” setting and turn it on.
2. You need to use a rinse aid.
Another quick fix that can help your dishwasher dry dishes more effectively is using a rinse aid. This product is designed to improve your dishwasher’s drying process and performance.
The ingredients in a rinse aid are formulated to reduce the surface tension of the hot water used during the dishwashing process. This helps moisture move off your dishes more quickly, so they dry faster and with fewer watermarks.
When using a rinse aid, simply squeeze it into the rinse aid dispenser. It’s that easy.
3. You loaded the dishes improperly.
Sometimes, overloading your dishwasher can cause water to pool in certain areas. This can make it impossible for your dishwasher to completely dry the contents before the cycle ends.
You can help prevent standing water or damp dishes after a normal dishwasher cycle by loading your dishes according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
4. Your heating element is broken.
The heating element in your dishwasher is an essential component. If it’s compromised, it can lead to ineffective cleaning and drying.
After you unload the dishwasher, inspect the heating element. It’s usually located at the very bottom of your appliance. If it’s burned out or damaged, it must be fixed immediately.
5. There’s a problem with the high-limit thermostat.
Your dishwasher’s high-limit thermostat limits the heating element’s temperature. This helps ensure the water in your dishwasher doesn’t overheat. If your high-limit thermostat isn’t working, your dishwasher may run water from your water heater that’s either too hot or too cold to clean your dishes effectively.
The high-limit thermostat can be challenging to troubleshoot, so it’s a good idea to call in the pros if you think it’s malfunctioning. A professional can use a multimeter to confirm whether the thermostat has power running through it. If not, they can replace it for you.
Ensure your dishwasher properly dries your dishes.
You can take many steps to help your dishwasher run effectively and leave you with clean, dry dishes every time. Here are a few tips to get you started.
- Never overload your dishwasher. Your dishwasher manual should have a diagram or guidance for loading your appliance correctly. Follow the owner’s manual every time to avoid dishes that aren’t clean or dry.
- Don’t open the dishwasher door mid-cycle. This can disrupt the washing or drying cycle and leave wet or dirty dishes at the end of the wash.
- Pay attention to washing and drying settings. There are many different options on most machines. Some use condensation drying, which is more energy-efficient than heat drying. If you want your dishes completely dry at the end of a wash cycle, choose heat or extra dry.
- Use a rinse aid to help your dishwasher dry dishes more efficiently. You only need to add this solution to your dishwasher once a month.
- Pull the dishwasher’s bottom rack out before you attempt to air-dry your dishes. This helps keep water from the top rack from dripping onto the bottom rack.
Use Thumbtack to find dishwasher repair pros.
A malfunctioning dishwasher can be frustrating. However, attempting complex repairs without the necessary expertise may void your warranty and lead to further damage. Hiring an experienced appliance repair pro helps you identify the root cause of the issue and address it properly.
Want to get in touch with pros who can check out your dishwasher ASAP? Download the Thumbtack app and reach out to dishwasher repair pros in your area today.
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