Why is my dishwasher not drying the dishes?

1. You’ve set the wrong drying setting.

Sometimes, if your dishwasher isn’t working properly, it’s the result of a simple misunderstanding. Some settings on dishwashers are "wash only," meaning they will not thoroughly dry your dishes.

Before attempting any other fix, double-check the cycle setting. Confirm the setting you use regularly is actually programmed to dry your dishes. Settings like "air dry" or "energy saver" may intentionally leave dishes slightly wet to save time and energy. Instead, look for the "heated dry" setting and press it.

Related: Dishwasher repair guide: How to fix dishwasher problems.

2. You need to use a rinse aid.

Another quick fix that can help your dishwasher dry your dishes more effectively is using a rinse aid. This is a product designed to improve a dishwasher's drying process and performance.

The ingredients in a rinse aid are formulated to reduce the surface tension of hot water used in the dishwashing process. This helps move moisture off your dishes more quickly, allowing them to dry faster and with fewer watermarks.

When using a rinse aid, simply squeeze it into the rinse aid dispenser. It's that easy.

3. You loaded the dishes improperly.

Sometimes, overloading your dishwasher can cause water to pool up in certain areas. This can make it impossible for your dishwasher to completely dry the contents before the cycle ends.

You can prevent standing water or damp dishes after a regular dishwasher cycle. Just make sure you load your dishes according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. 

4. The heating element on your dishwasher needs to be repaired or replaced.

The heating element in your dishwasher is an essential component. If it's compromised, it can lead to ineffective cleaning and drying.

After you unload the dishwasher, inspect the heating element. It's usually located at the very bottom of your appliance. If it’s burned out or damaged, it must be fixed immediately.

5. There’s a problem with the high-limit thermostat.

Your dishwasher’s high-limit thermostat limits the heating element's temperature. This helps ensure the water in your dishwasher doesn’t overheat. If your high-limit thermostat isn’t working, your dishwasher may run water from your water heater that’s either too hot or too cold to clean your dishes effectively.

The high-limit thermostat can be challenging to troubleshoot, so it’s a good idea to call in the pros if you think it's malfunctioning. A professional can use a multimeter to confirm whether the thermometer has power running through it. If not, they can replace it for you.

Ensure your dishwasher properly dries your dishes.

You can take many steps to ensure your dishwasher runs effectively, leaving you with clean and dry dishes every time. Here are a few tips to get you started.

• Never overload your dishwasher. Your dishwasher manual should have a diagram or advice on loading your appliance correctly. Follow the owner's manual every time to avoid having to deal with dishes that aren’t clean or dry.
• Don’t open the dishwasher door mid-cycle. This can disrupt the washing or drying cycle and lead to wet or dirty dishes remaining at the end of the wash.
• Pay attention to washing and drying settings. There are many different options on most machines. Some use condensation drying, which is more energy-efficient than heat drying. If you want your dishes completely dry at the end of a wash cycle, opt for heat or extra dry.
• Use a rinse-aid to help your dishwasher dry dishes more efficiently. You only need to add this solution to your dishwasher once a month.
• Pull the dishwasher's bottom rack out before you attempt to air-dry your dishes. This ensures that dishes from the top rack won’t drip water on the bottom rack.

Related: Why is my dishwasher not cleaning my dishes?

Use Thumbtack to find dishwasher repair pros.

A malfunctioning dishwasher can be a frustrating problem. However, attempting complex repairs without the necessary expertise may void your warranty and lead to further damage. Hiring an experienced appliance repair pro ensures that you identify the root cause of the issue and address it properly.

Want to get in touch with pros who can check out your dishwasher ASAP? Download the Thumbtack app and reach out to dishwasher repair pros in your area today.