It’s frustrating when your dishwasher doesn’t seem to be drying the dishes properly. You may not be sure what the problem is, but there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot and hopefully fix the issue.
What To Do And Look For When A Dishwasher Isn’t Drying Dishes
Keep the Rinse Aid Reservoir Full
This is a common problem with dishwashers and the reason the dishes aren’t getting dry. You need to keep that reservoir full, or you can make sure it isn’t turned all the way down. The water needs to be running over those jets on top of the dishwasher before it will start drying.
Is the water temperature hot enough?
The water needs to be 130 degrees in order for any kind of drying action to take place. You can check the temperature yourself, if you have this kind of test meter just stick it in the dishwasher while it’s running.
Or you could try using a thermometer under your wrist while you run some hot water on it. If you don’t want to do that, 115 degrees is fine. It will just take longer for the dishes to dry.
Unloading Dishes in the Wrong Order
If you are putting cups or glasses on the bottom rack, they might be getting covered up by the heavier pots and pans. You should start with any dishes on the top shelves, then move to bowls, plates, silverware and finally glassware placed on the bottom shelf.
Cleaning Plastic Items in the Dishwasher
Don’t put anything made of plastic in the dishwasher unless you want it to get ruined. Even some Tupperware containers can be damaged if they get too hot.
Use Rinse Aid for Better Drying
If you have been using a rinse aid in your dishwasher, make sure you aren’t overloading it. The rinse aid will get rid of the soap and water spots on your dishes in order to improve the drying process. If there isn’t enough room in the dispenser for all that, then it can’t do its job properly.
Wrong Dishwasher Cycle Selected
If you have a dishwasher with a heater included in the drying process, make sure to choose that option when you are running your machine. It will use much hotter water in order to get those dishes dry and streak free.
Running Too Many Dishes at Once
If you don’t allow enough time for the hot water to run through all the cycles, the dishes won’t get dry. You should only wash what you can load in at one time so it will work properly.
Defective Dishwasher Parts
If you have checked all the above, then it might be time to call in a repair person. If your dishwasher isn’t drying properly, there is something wrong with the internal parts. It could be the heating element or the pump that pressurizes the water system. You can try to fix it yourself if you are good at taking things apart and putting them back together, but you should always check with a repair person first before taking things apart.
FAQ
1. Why do dishes not dry in the dishwasher?
If you have tried all of your options and nothing seems to work, there might be a problem with the dishwasher. This means it’s time to call in a repair person or replace your unit altogether. It could be something simple like the heating element or pump that pressurizes the water system.
2. Can I use a universal dishwasher detergent?
No, not unless it is specifically designed to be compatible with your dishwasher. If you have tried other options and still aren’t getting great results from your machine, you should look for a dishwasher specific product that will work better.
3. How often do I need to clean my dishwasher?
Every six months or at least once a year, you should give your dishwasher a good cleaning. If the inside of the dishwasher is dirty, it will not get rid of all those water spots and streaks. Be sure to wipe down the exterior as well.
Conclusion
If you have tried all of the suggestions in this article and your dishwasher is still not drying dishes correctly, there might be a problem with the machine. You should check all of the options listed, from making sure the water temperature is hot enough to unloading dishes in the correct order, before calling in a repair person.
You can also try a dishwasher specific product, which means you need to know the right type of detergent to use. If none of these options work, there is definitely something wrong with your machine and it’s time for a new one.