Dishwasher Dishes Damp? Revive Your Machine's Drying Power Easily
Is your dishwasher leaving glasses streaked, plates dripping, and plastic containers soggy? Annoying as it is, spotty drying is a common dishwasher dilemma. But before you kick your machine to the curb, take heart - there are several easy ways to troubleshoot dishwasher drying problems and get your dishes sparkling again.
With a few targeted tweaks, you can stop scrubbing still-damp dishes by hand and finally get your dishwasher drying like a champ again.
Key Culprits Behind Poor Dishwasher Drying
When tackling lackluster drying, it helps to understand what's supposed wrong under the hood. Here are some of the most common causes of dishwasher drying problems:
Faulty Heating Element
The heating element is key for proper dishwasher drying. Located at the bottom of the dishwasher, this coil-like component heats the water during the wash cycle. Hotter water not only cleans better but also aids drying by evaporating moisture off dishware surfaces.
Over time, accumulated mineral deposits can cause the heating element to fail. Signs include dishes feeling cool or wet after a full cycle. You may also notice the heating element is not warming up, or see scorch marks indicating small electrical shorts. Replacing a faulty heating element is usually straightforward - just make sure to disconnect power first!
Clogged or Blocked Vent/Fan
Drying works by blasting hot, moist air out of the dishwasher through the vent, usually located at the bottom front panel. If the vent pathway gets blocked, warm air and humidity can't properly circulate out.
To improve airflow, remove any debris or food particles trapped in the vent or fan openings. For stubborn mineral buildup, use a vinegar solution and toothbrush to carefully scrub the vent and fan blades clean.
Problem with Rinse Aid Dispenser
Rinse aid plays an important role in drying performance. This liquid is dispensed during the final rinse cycle to reduce water surface tension. This allows water to sheet off surfaces rather than cling in droplets that can leave spots and puddles.
If you notice whitish streaks or inconsistent drying, the rinse aid reservoir may be empty or clogged. Remove any gunky buildup from the dispenser inlet. Then fill with rinse aid specifically formulated for dishwashers.
Challenges Drying Plastic Items
The slick surfaces of plastic cups, containers, and utensils make water drainage a challenge. Plastics are also thermally resistant, meaning they take longer to heat up than ceramic or glassware.
For improved plastic drying, choose items made from heat-friendly materials like polypropylene. Allow extra time for plastics to air dry fully before unloading the dishwasher.
Settings & Routine Maintenance for Better Drying
Beyond fixing specific drying problems, there are a few general maintenance tips that can optimize your dishwasher's performance:
Double Check Cycle Settings
Not all wash cycles include a complete heated drying at the end. Check that you have selected the right cycle, such as "normal" or "heavy duty," not a quick or eco wash. You may also be able to adjust the cycle length to allow extra drying time.
Inspect & Clean Interior
Food particles, grease, and limescale buildup inside the dishwasher can inhibit drying. Remove debris from the filter and spray arms. For heavy limescale on the tub walls, run an empty vinegar cycle.
Also check the door seal for any cracks or tears that could allow steam leaks during the dry cycle. Replace seal if worn out.
Use Rinse Aid Regularly
As mentioned before, rinse aid improves drying by allowing water to sheet off surfaces more easily. For optimal results, keep the rinse aid reservoir filled and use setting 2-3, depending on your water hardness. Choose a rinse formulated for dishwasher use.
When It's Time to Call a Repair Pro
While many drying issues can be addressed with simple fixes, there are a few cases where you may need a repair technician:
- If the heating element is not warming up at all, it likely needs to be replaced due to electrical failure.
- A faulty high-limit thermostat that fails to regulate temperature will also require replacement.
- The vent fan motor can burn out over years of use. A technician can diagnose and swap in a new blower motor.
- Severely blocked or damaged vent/fan assemblies may need to be repaired or replaced if simple cleaning does not restore airflow.
Technicians have specialized tools and expertise to accurately test dishwasher components and restore normal operation.
Quick Daily Habits for Drier Dishes
With a few quick adjustments to your dish loading and post-wash routine, you can optimize drying:
- Scrape large food bits off dishware before loading, so they don't obstruct wash arms or clog filters.
- Allow extra time for plastics to air dry fully before unstacking cups and containers.
- After the wash finishes, prop the dishwasher door open slightly so interior moisture can evaporate.
- Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down damp plasticware and remove lingering water droplets.
Has your dishwasher lost its drying mojo? With some targeted troubleshooting and TLC, you can get clean, dry dishes once again. As we covered, common culprits include heating element failure, vent blockages, and rinse aid issues. Adjusting cycle options, regular maintenance, and daily loading habits also optimize drying.
While frustrating, finicky drying is a common dishwasher woe. With the right repairs and preventive care, your machine can deliver sparkling, bone-dry dishes for years to come. Just be sure to avoid over-sudsing with too much detergent - leave that bubbly chore to your newly revived dishwasher!
When checking the dishwasher's water temperature, higher heat settings around 140-150degF are ideal for the drying cycle. Temperatures that are too low, below 120degF, may not sufficiently evaporate moisture off dish surfaces.
Inspecting the door seal regularly and replacing if cracked or worn is important to prevent steam leakage. Door seals are easy to replace by popping the old one out of the channel and inserting a new gasket.
Allowing dishes to fully air dry after the cycle finishes helps give moisture time to evaporate, especially with plastics. Leaving the door cracked open slightly accelerates this process.
Cleaning out debris from the dishwasher filter ensures wash water can properly drain out so dishes don't sit soaked. Clogged filters cause backflow issues.
Running hot water before starting a wash helps ensure the dishwasher takes in hot water for optimal wash and dry performance. This primes the interior pipes.
Properly using rinse aid strippers water from dish surfaces. Skip pre-rinsing dishes - scrape large bits then load directly. Rinse aid dispensers often need manual filling and setting.
Overstuffing dishwasher loads restricts airflow circulation needed to dry dishes. Load wisely to leave space between items.
While more involved, replacing a defective heating element restores the dishwasher's fundamental drying capabilities. Technicians can test elements and handle replacement.
Vent pathways clogged with food or mineral buildup prevent moist air from escaping. Clean fan blades and vent cover grates allow unobstructed airflow.