Are you scratching your head wondering why your dishwasher won’t dry the dishes? If you have any luck, you may find that the solution is as simple as a press of a button! There are a handful of reasons that a dishwasher doesn’t dry the dishes, so let’s start with the simplest fixes and work our way down.
Wondering what to check when the dishwasher won’t dry dishes? Start with the simple DIY fixes (steps 1-2), and then move on to more complicated problems.
#1: Is the heat dry on?
It may look obvious, but sometimes the solution to a problem is pretty basic. So, if the dishwasher will not dry dishes, please make sure that the “heated dry” option is turned on in the control panel. If the problem persists, try the other solutions below. For a how-to video from Whirlpool, click here.
#2: Is the rinse aid dispenser empty or broken?
The rinse aid helps the dishes shed water, so if it is not working properly, this might prevent the dishes from drying properly. Verify that the rinse aid chamber is not empty. Add more rinse aid if necessary. Next, ensure the cap is on correctly and not broken. If the cap is broken, contact an appliance parts store for a replacement or a repair company for service.
Dishwasher Won’t Dry Dishes (Possible Technical Failures)
#3: Vent Fan Motor Failure
A vent fan motor can be responsible for a dishwasher not drying dishes. Some dishwashers use the vent fan motor to help dry the dishes. If the motor isn’t working, then the dishwasher will not dry properly. Test the motor for continuity to determine if the fan needs to be replaced. Also, inspect the fan to ensure the fan spins freely and there are no broken blades. If you don’t know where to find the fan, contact an appliance repair company to diagnose the problem.
#4: Heating Element Issue
A failure in the heating element of a dishwasher, which is used to heat the machine during drying cycles, can also cause the device not to dry dishes. If the heating element is burnt (often this can be noticed visibly) or fails a test for continuity, please replace it.
#5: Malfunctioning Thermostat
A malfunctioning high limit thermostat, which is located behind the low access panel, is sometimes blamed for a dishwasher that won’t dry properly. The high limit thermostat prevents the dishwasher from getting too hot, but if the thermostat is shutting the heat off too soon, the dishes won’t dry. If it fails a test for continuity, a replacement is needed.
If these solutions don’t fix your dishwasher won’t dry dishes problems, then contact a local appliance repair professional for a diagnosis. A technician can give you a full diagnosis and repair the problem quickly in most cases.
