Dishwasher: Why don't my dishes get dry?
Dishes typically dry by the end of the dishwashing cycle, with one exception: plastic items. Because plastic doesn't retain heat like glass, ceramic and metal, you'll almost always see drops of water on plastic items after the cycle finishes.
Rinse aid helps water drain off all dishes so they dry better., so fill the rinse-aid dispenser when it's empty. Replace the dispenser assembly if it isn't dispensing rinse aid.
A heated drying setting also is an option to improve drying. You may have this option turned off to save energy, but if your dishes aren't drying as well as you'd like them to, you might want to consider turning it back on. Consult your owner's manual and select the cycle options that fit your needs and your energy usage goals.
If your dishes don't get dry even though you've selected the heated drying option, then the heating element could be broken or the high-limit thermostat for the element may have tripped in error, preventing the element from heating. A malfunctioning vent or drying fan could also prevent dishes from drying. Check out our dishwasher not drying dishes video to help you troubleshoot and correct a drying problem.
THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR DISHWASHER PROBLEM
Replace the dishwasher high-limit thermostat
Located at the bottom of the dishwasher tub, the high-limit thermostat shuts off the heating element when it detects water temperature above 207 degrees Fahrenheit. A defective high-limit thermostat trips at a cooler temperature such as room temperature, preventing the heating element from heating. Dishes won't dry as well without heat. You can check for electrical continuity through the high-limit thermostat using a multimeter. If you measure no continuity at room temperature, replace the high-limit thermostat, because it tripped at room temperature and is defective.
Dishwasher high-limit thermostat
How to replace a dishwasher high-limit thermostat
A defective dishwasher high-limit switch prevents the heating element from heating. Learn how to test and replace a dishwasher high-limit thermostat in this repair guide and video.
Replace the dishwasher heating element
Replace the dishwasher heating element if it's visibly broken or not heating properly. If the heating element isn't visibly broke, check for a wiring failure, control failure or a blown fuse in the heating circuit before replacing the heating element--those issues could also be responsible for the heating element not working properly. You’ll also need to replace the heating element if broken element water seals allow water to leak through the bottom of the tub.
Dishwasher heating element
How to replace a dishwasher heating element
Your dishwasher gives some clear clues if the dishwasher's heating element stops working: the water doesn't get hot (no steamy kitchen) or your dishes don't dry. You can replace the heating element in less than an hour, following the steps in this DIY repair guide and video.
Replace the dishwasher vent and fan assembly
The vent opens during the drying cycle so the fan can direct hot, moist air out of the dishwasher through the vent opening at the bottom of the dishwasher door. Dishes won't dry as well if the vent fails to open or the fan fails to run. Also, the control panel goes blank and the dishwasher stops in the middle of the cycle if the fan fails. Replace the vent and fan assembly if either the fan or vent fails.
Dishwasher vent and fan assembly
How to replace a dishwasher vent and fan assembly
The dishwasher fan blows hot air from the dishwasher. If the fan fails, the control panel lights turn off and the dishwasher stops. This DIY repair guide and video shows how to install a new fan and vent assembly in less than 30 minutes.
Replace the dishwasher detergent dispenser
Replace the detergent dispenser if it leaks or is physically cracked or broken. Another sign that you may need a detergent dispenser replacement is if it won't open properly during the dishwasher cycle. Additionally, if the latch on the dispenser is broken, consider replacing the entire dispenser assembly.
Dishwasher detergent dispenser
How to replace a dishwasher detergent dispenser
If the detergent dispenser in your dishwasher won’t open or is damaged, follow the 6 steps in this repair guide and video to install a new one.
Symptoms common to all dishwashers
Repair guides common to all dishwashers
If the dishwasher door doesn't click shut, a broken door latch is a likely cause. Follow these instructions to replace it yourself.
The user interface control houses the selection buttons and display. If it fails, you can't select the cycle and settings. Follow these instructions to replace it yourself.
A completely dead control panel often indicates that the thermal fuse on the electronic control board is blown; follow these steps to replace a blown thermal fuse in your dishwasher.
Articles and videos common to all dishwashers
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