It’s happened to all of us. You run your dishwasher, and when you open it up to unload, the dishes are still wet. You’re left puzzled: Why is my dishwasher not drying dishes properly? To help remedy the issue we’ll give you 8 potential causes and what you can do about them here!
Top Causes of a Dishwasher Not Drying Dishes Properly
Your dishwasher is a staple in your kitchen, responsible for cleaning and sanitizing your dishes. But what happens when it fails to dry them correctly? Let’s dive into a few potential causes and fixes.
1. Overcrowding and Misplacement
Why are my dishes still wet after the dishwasher is done? Improper loading of the dishwasher is one common issue that can result in your dishes remaining wet. Overcrowding can limit air circulation, preventing your dishes from drying.
To avoid this issue:
- Ensure that dishes, especially glasses and bowls, are placed upside down so they don’t collect water.
- On the bottom rack, items should not be touching each other to allow for maximum air circulation.
- In your silverware basket, ensure that forks and spoons are not nested together.
2. Blocked Drain Filter
A blocked drain filter can cause a dishwasher not drying dishes properly. If you notice food particles lodged in the drain filter, remove it, clean it out, and run the dishwasher again. You can usually find the drain filter towards the bottom of the dishwasher. Blockage in the filter prevents water from efficiently draining from your dishwasher, leaving your dishes wet.
3. Improper Unloading Order
Are your dishes on the bottom rack often wetter than those on the top rack? This may be due to your unloading order. If you unload the top rack first, trapped water can fall onto the bottom rack, leaving those dishes wet. Unload your dishwasher starting with the bottom rack to avoid this issue.
4. Not Using a Rinse Aid
How can I improve the drying in my dishwasher? Rinse aid is not just for achieving sparkly dishes; it also assists with drying. Rinse aid breaks the bonds in water molecules, causing droplets to slide off dishes and glassware more easily.
If you’re not using a rinse aid, or if you’re not using enough, you might find your dishes aren’t drying as they should. Ensure you fill the rinse aid dispenser before each wash cycle, and adjust the amount if necessary.
6. Choosing the Wrong Dishwasher Cycle
If you’ve ever wondered why the dishes are wet out of the dishwasher, your settings could be the culprit. The cycle you select on your dishwasher can significantly impact the drying process. A rinse cycle, for example, doesn’t include a drying phase, so your items will still be wet afterward. Ensure you’ve selected a wash setting that includes the right drying cycle for your load.
6. Faulty Drain Pump
A malfunctioning drain pump can also lead to your dishwasher not drying dishes properly. The drain pump forces the water out of the dishwasher, but if it’s not working, the water won’t go anywhere. Listen for strange, loud noises coming from your dishwasher. If you hear something unusual, it could indicate a pump problem that needs to be addressed.
7. Faulty Heating Element
The heating element in your dishwasher plays a crucial role in drying your dishes. If it’s malfunctioning or has burned out, your dishes won’t dry properly. Check for visible damage such as cracks or breaks in the heating element, usually located at the bottom of the dishwasher.
If there’s no visible damage but you still suspect a problem, it might be time to call in a professional to test the element’s continuity and replace it if necessary.
8. Drain Hose Blockage
Another potential issue is a blockage in your drain hose. If you notice a pool of water at the bottom of your dishwasher, you likely have a blockage. The drain hose is typically located under your sink and can be checked for obstructions. If you find a block, dislodge it and run the dishwasher again to ensure any remaining debris is washed away.
It’s important to keep in mind that these are just some of the possible reasons for your dishwasher not drying dishes properly. Faulty components, improper cycle selection, and even the way you load the dishes you’re washing can also play a role.
If you can’t diagnose or fix the problem yourself, remember Masterminds of Appliances is here to help. Our professional appliance service technicians can get your dishwasher back up and running in no time.
P.S. For more appliance help, check out our DIY guides on refrigerators making noise and ovens not heating up.
