There’s nothing more frustrating than opening your dishwasher after a full cycle only to find your dishes still wet or damp. You expect them to be clean and dry, ready to be put away, but instead, you’re left with the chore of drying them by hand. If your dishwasher isn’t drying properly, don’t worry-this is a common issue with simple fixes. Let’s dive into why your dishwasher might not be drying and how you can fix it with easy, practical steps.
Why Is My Dishwasher Not Drying?
Before jumping into solutions, it helps to understand the common reasons behind this problem:
– Improper loading that blocks airflow and heat circulation.
– Skipping rinse aid, which helps water slide off dishes.
– Wrong cycle settings that don’t use heat for drying.
– Malfunctioning heating element that fails to warm the air.
– Plastic dishes that don’t retain heat well and dry slower.
Now, let’s explore how to tackle these issues one by one.
How to Fix a Dishwasher That Is Not Drying
1. Load Your Dishwasher Correctly
Loading your dishwasher properly is the first and easiest step to better drying results. Overcrowding or placing dishes incorrectly can block the heat and airflow needed to dry dishes efficiently.
– Leave enough space between dishes so air and heat can circulate.
– Avoid nesting items like bowls or cups inside each other.
– Place plastic items on the top rack because they dry better there.
– Position large items like plates and pots on the bottom rack, but don’t block spray arms.
– Mix cutlery in the basket to prevent them from sticking together and blocking water flow.
– Keep tall glasses and wine glasses secure and spaced out to avoid breakage and ensure even drying.
2. Use Rinse Aid Every Time
Rinse aid is a game-changer for drying. It reduces water spots and helps water slide off dishes quickly, speeding up the drying process.
– Make sure your dishwasher’s rinse aid dispenser is filled.
– Follow your manufacturer’s instructions for the right amount.
– Even if your detergent includes rinse aid, using extra rinse aid can improve drying because it’s released at the optimal time during the cycle.
3. Select the Right Cycle and Settings
Many dishwashers have specific drying options that use heat to dry dishes faster.
– Choose the “Heated Dry” or “Extended Heat Dry” setting if available.
– Avoid eco or energy-saving cycles if you want dishes to dry fully, as these often skip or reduce heat during drying.
– For heavily soiled loads, use the “Heavy” or “High Temperature Rinse” cycles to improve drying performance.
4. Check the Heating Element
If your dishwasher’s heating element is faulty, your dishes won’t dry properly because the air won’t heat up.
– Signs of a broken heating element include dishes being wet and cold after the cycle.
– This repair usually requires a professional technician.
– If you suspect this, schedule a service appointment to get it fixed.
5. Handle Plastic Dishes Differently
Plastic items tend to stay wet longer because they don’t retain heat like ceramic or glass.
– Place plastics on the top rack away from the heating element.
– If your dishwasher has a special drying function (like PerfectDry), use it to improve plastic drying.
– Consider hand drying plastic items if they remain wet after the cycle.
6. Improve Air Circulation After the Cycle
Once the cycle is finished, help the drying process along by:
– Opening the dishwasher door slightly to let steam escape.
– Letting dishes air dry for a few minutes before unloading.
This simple step can reduce moisture and speed up drying.
Bonus Tips for Better Dishwasher Drying
– Scrape, don’t rinse: You don’t need to pre-rinse dishes, but scrape off large food chunks to avoid filter clogs.
– Avoid blocking spray arms: Large items can block water flow, affecting both cleaning and drying.
– Mix cutlery: Prevent nesting by mixing forks, knives, and spoons in the basket.
– Use a dishwasher cleaner regularly: This keeps the appliance running efficiently.
Your dishwasher should make life easier, not harder. By loading it right, using rinse aid, selecting the correct settings, and maintaining your machine, you’ll enjoy dry, sparkling dishes every time.
Fixing a dishwasher that’s not drying doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Try these tips first before calling in a professional!
Dry dishes are just a few simple steps away.