Dishwasher guide

Dishwasher not drying dishes

Plain-English troubleshooting Start with the easy checks Last updated:

If your dishwasher runs normally but dishes come out wet or covered in droplets, it’s usually a drying setup or airflow issue — not always a failed heater. Before you book a repair, work through these simple checks.

This guide assumes you’re in front of the dishwasher right now, trying to decide if you can fix it yourself or if it’s time to call a pro.
Check my dishwasher drying issue (coming soon)

1. Quick safety scan (10–30 seconds)

Drying problems are usually low-risk, but always start with a quick safety scan:

  • Any burning or electrical smell?
  • Any smoke or scorch marks around the door or control panel?
  • Is the outside of the door unusually hot to the touch?
  • Breaker tripping during or just after the drying phase?
If you smell burning, see smoke, or the breaker keeps tripping, turn the dishwasher off at the breaker and stop using it until a technician has checked it.

2. Most common reasons dishes stay wet

Most “not drying” complaints come down to one or more of these:

  • No rinse aid or dispenser turned off.
  • Eco / energy-saving cycle that reduces heat or skip-dry.
  • Door opened too soon, letting steam fall back on dishes.
  • Plastics not holding heat as well as glass or ceramic.
  • Blocked vent or failed vent fan (on vented models).
  • Failed heating element or sensor (less common, but possible).

3. Check settings, cycles, and rinse aid

Many dishwashers quietly change drying behaviour based on the cycle and options you choose.

  1. Confirm rinse aid is being used.
    Check the rinse aid reservoir:
    • Top it up if empty.
    • Make sure the adjustable dial (if present) isn’t set to the absolute minimum.
  2. Check which cycle you’re using.
    Eco, Express, or Quick cycles often use less heat and shorter drying phases. For a test, run a Normal/Auto or Heavy cycle with drying turned on.
  3. Look for “heated dry” or “extra dry” options.
    On many models, you must explicitly enable heated drying or “sanitize” for maximum heat and better drying.
  4. Make sure hot water is truly hot.
    Run the hot tap at the sink for 20–30 seconds before starting the dishwasher so it doesn’t begin the cycle with lukewarm water.

Helpful items for better drying

  • Rinse aid (especially important for hard water)
  • Dishwasher-safe cleaner for removing film and buildup
  • Water test strips to check hardness

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4. Loading and dish types matter

Even with perfect settings, poor loading can leave dishes wet.

  • Avoid “pooling” zones: Bowls and cups should be angled so water can run off instead of collecting.
  • Don’t nest items: Stacked or nested dishes trap moisture and block air flow.
  • Spread plastics out: They don’t stay hot long, so they’re the last to dry. Put them where air can circulate around them.
  • Don’t overload: Overpacked racks block hot air and steam from moving properly.

5. How to tell if the heater is working

Once you’ve checked settings and loading, you can get a rough sense of whether the drying system is functioning at all:

  1. Run a Normal cycle with heated dry or “extra dry” turned on.
  2. Wait for the cycle to finish completely.
  3. Immediately open the door just a crack and feel for a rush of warm, steamy air.
  4. Carefully (without burning yourself) feel the metal interior or the inside of the door — it should feel warm.
If the tub and dishes are stone cold right after the cycle, even with heated dry selected, the heater, vent fan, or temperature sensor may not be working and a technician should check it.

6. When to stop and call a professional

Drying issues cross into “repair needed” when:

  • You consistently get cold, wet dishes even after checking rinse aid, cycles, and loading.
  • You hear unusual buzzing or rattling in the final part of the cycle.
  • There are scorch marks, melted plastic smell, or hot spots around the control panel.
  • The breaker trips during or just after the drying phase.

Write this down before you call:

  • Brand and model number (inside door frame sticker).
  • Which cycles and options you’ve tried.
  • Whether the tub feels warm or cold right after the cycle.
  • Any strange noises or smells.

In the future, FixifyHome will include a simple “Check my drying issue” tool to walk through these questions and generate a summary for a technician.

7. Frequently asked questions

Is it dangerous if my dishwasher doesn’t dry dishes?
Not usually, but watch for signs of overheating or electrical issues. If you see or smell anything worrying, stop and have it inspected.

Why does plastic stay wet when glass is dry?
Plastic doesn’t hold heat as well as glass or ceramic, so moisture doesn’t evaporate as effectively. This is normal, even on healthy machines.

Will an empty cycle fix drying problems?
It won’t fix the cause, but it can help you test if the tub is heating at all. If it’s still cold and damp after an empty heated cycle, the heater or drying system likely needs service.

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