Life can be so busy sometimes that not having to worry about washing all the dinner dishes at the end of a long day is a welcome convenience. Simply place them in the dishwasher and let it get to work while you unwind. That is, until you open the door when the cycle is complete and find all your dishes are dripping wet. 

Since no one has time for handwashing – or drying – dishes, here’s what to do if your dishwasher is not drying your dishes

Assess Your Load of Dishes

You may want to fit as many dishes as you possibly can into your dishwasher so that you don’t have any stragglers in the sink. But, in order for your dishwasher to work effectively, you need to make sure you don’t overload it. Not only does this prevent your dishes from potentially being cleaned properly, but without a little space to allow heat and air to flow through, they won’t be able to dry as they should, either. 

In addition, take into consideration that some materials don’t dry as well as others – especially plastic. 

Check Your Settings

Check the settings on your dishwasher. While they are all designed a bit differently, your unit should have specific settings for drying. If you don’t fully understand how to properly set it, then consult your manual or do a quick search online to see the best way to handle drying for your particular machine. 

Even if you always leave it on the same settings and just click the start button, something could have been bumped or changed without you realizing it. 

Consider a Rinse Aid

Rinse aids help to remove excess water from your dishes. When used, it helps the water droplets to just slide right off your dishes without hanging around. If your dishwasher seems to be heating up and drying but still leaving behind some droplets and wet dishes, then perhaps a rinse aid may help. Though keep in mind you may want to have your dishwasher checked just in case something bigger is going on. 

Rinse aids can usually be found in any stores that sell other dishwashing products. 

Tips for Dishwasher Drying

Dishwasher not drying dishes after you have checked the above? Then try these tips. 

  • Unload your bottom rack first. In removing the dishes from the top rack, you may be inadvertently causing water left sitting in cups, mugs, or plastic containers to fall onto dishes below. 
  • Double-check your water heater. To get the full heating – and drying – effect of your dishwasher, your water heater should be set at least at 120-degrees. 
  • Allow the steam to exit before removing dishes by unlocking the door at the end of the cycle and opening it slightly for a few minutes. 

Call in the Professionals at America’s Appliance

Oftentimes, wet dishes are the result of something minor. But if you have tried these tips and your dishes are still wet, then it is time to call in the professionals. Your dishwasher’s heating element, fan, or thermostat could be ailing. And, America’s Appliance can fix it. 
We understand how important it is to have a dependable dishwasher that runs smoothly.  So if you find yourself dealing with your dishwasher not drying dishes, call America’s Appliance at 800-639-9340.