Reasons why dishwasher not drying

Have you ever had a problem when you take wet dishes out of the dishwasher after the dishwasher has finished working? And then you have to wipe everything by hand, which takes time and effort. This should not be normal, serviceable household appliances completely dry the dishes. If moisture still remains on kitchen items, then a breakdown has occurred.

In this article, you will get acquainted with the most common reasons why water remains on the dishes. You will also learn what you need to do to troubleshoot problems yourself. This will save you significant time and money.

Ventilation problems

When the exhaust system is blocked in the closed state, excess water vapor cannot escape and then settles on the dishes in the form of condensate. Why is this happening?

Thorough washing of all kitchen utensils requires a lot of water. It heats up to a high temperature so that the cleaning agent works as efficiently as possible. Such a combination – hot water + fat-dissolving household chemicals – is a guarantee that food debris and plaque will be completely removed from all cups, plates, pots, pans and cutlery.

The interior of the appliance is an insulated chamber, so the dishwasher fills with steam during operation. Normally, this steam is expelled through vents that open when they are electronically signaled during the drying cycle.

Based on the above information, the first thing you should inspect is the ventilation system. It is necessary to check whether an electronic signal is given that at the right time opens the vent to release excess steam.

Diagnostics can be carried out using a multimeter. They check the correct operation of the switch – this is a sensor that opens the vent. If no electric current passes through it, then the part needs to be replaced. It is best to purchase a sensor from your dishwasher manufacturer. If you do not find what you need, buy a non-original switch and install it in place of the old one.

Incorrect operation of the heating element

During the drying phase, one of the most important parts of the dishwasher is the heating element. The drying process begins after the end of active washing and rinsing.

If you place all the washed dishes upside down, then sooner or later the water will drain down and the surface will dry out. But this is a long process, and users often want to get their kitchen chores done as soon as possible. To fulfill the wishes of customers, the manufacturer installed a large heating element at the bottom of the dishwasher. Its main task is to maintain a predetermined temperature at which water evaporates faster from the surface of the dishes.

So, the second step in finding a problem is diagnosing the operation of the heating element. You need to determine if it can heat the chamber to the desired temperature. To do this, follow these steps:

Turn off the power to the dishwasher.
Using the instructions for your model of the device, determine the location of the heating element.
Use a multimeter and check the current through the part.
In case of failure, replace the heating element with a new one.

Thermostat failure

Almost all large household appliances are equipped with a built-in security system. It consists of sensors that block the supply of resources (water or electricity) in case of any problems. One such element of the dishwasher safety system is the high limit thermostat.

The main function of the part is to block the supply of electricity if the temperature in the chamber of the device is above an acceptable level. Such a system prevents the dishwasher from overheating and prevents the possibility of a fire.

A broken thermostat will turn off the power to the heating element even when it is not needed. If this happens at the beginning of the final cycle, the dishes will not be able to dry properly.

If you have already inspected the ventilation and heating element, and the problem still persists, it’s time to move on to diagnosing the high limit thermostat. Very often, it is his malfunction that leads to the fact that your dishes, especially deep ones, cannot dry completely.

You will again need a multimeter. Use it to check the part for continuity. If you find a problem, order the same spare part from the manufacturer. After installing a new thermostat, run a full cleaning cycle in the dishwasher and check that it works correctly at all stages.

The rinse aid dispenser cover broken

Many modern dishwashers are equipped with rinse aid dispensers. Its main task is to repel water from the surface of the dishes, which is necessary for its faster drying. Another aesthetic function of the rinse aid is to prevent the appearance of white spots and streaks on kitchen appliances after the liquid has evaporated.

If you notice that the dishes remain damp after a full cycle of the dishwasher, especially on the top shelf, it is likely that the lid on the rinse aid dispenser has broken. It also happens that it cannot open.

Inspect the area around the rinse aid filling compartment. Make sure nothing is preventing it from opening. If there is damage, repair the cover or install a new one.