Dishwasher Not Drying Dishes? Check These First

If the dishes come out wet, start with rinse aid. Most modern dishwashers, especially Bosch, Miele and other European models, don’t use a heating element to dry. They rely on condensation and rinse aid, so an empty rinse aid dispenser is the number one cause. If rinse aid is full and dishes used to come out dry but now don’t, the heating element, the high-limit thermostat, or the vent or fan may have failed.

Common causes

No rinse aid. Without rinse aid, water beads up and sits on dishes and plastic. Check the indicator near the detergent cup.

Plastic and nonstick items. Plastic doesn’t hold heat, so it stays wet no matter what. That’s normal on every brand.

Energy-saving cycles. Eco and quick cycles skip heated dry or shorten it. Try a normal cycle with the heated-dry or extra-dry option on.

Unloading the wrong way. Unload the bottom rack first. Water pools on the upturned cups up top, and if you pull that rack first it drips onto everything below.

Heating element (on models that have one). GE, Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag and Frigidaire dishwashers often have an exposed heating element in the bottom of the tub. If it’s burned out, dishes stay wet and the wash water may be cooler. See GE dishwasher error codes for related codes.

High-limit thermostat or temperature sensor. If the sensor fails, the control turns off heat to protect itself.

Vent or drying fan. Some models open a vent or run a fan at the end. If it’s stuck closed, steam stays inside.

Cold water at the sink. If the hot water takes a long time to reach the kitchen, the dishwasher fills with lukewarm water and won’t heat it all the way up.

Safe checks you can do

1. Fill the rinse aid dispenser and set it to a medium or higher setting.
2. Run the kitchen tap hot for a minute before starting the dishwasher.
3. Use a normal or heavy cycle with heated dry or extra dry selected.
4. Crack the door for 15 to 30 minutes after it finishes.
5. Look at the heating element (power off) on models that have one. Look for breaks, blisters or burn spots.
6. Check for codes. Samsung owners, see Samsung dishwasher error codes. Bosch owners, see Bosch codes.

When to call a pro

Call if rinse aid is full and you’re using the right cycle, but dishes have recently started coming out wet, especially if they’re also not getting clean (see dishwasher not cleaning). A failed heater or sensor usually affects wash temperature too. We test the element, thermostat and control and use OEM parts. More on dishwasher repair.

Need a tech? Call (415) 585-5900 or text us, or book online. We’re licensed & insured and EPA certified, and we serve homes across the San Francisco Bay Area. Same-day service is often available. The $219 service call is free if you have us do the repair.

FAQ

Why are my plastic containers always wet?

Plastic doesn’t hold enough heat to evaporate the water. Rinse aid helps, but plastic will always be the wettest thing in the rack.

Do Bosch dishwashers have a heating element for drying?

Most Bosch models dry by condensation, using a stainless tub and rinse aid. Some newer models add a mineral drying system. Rinse aid is essential on all of them.

Is it bad to open the dishwasher right after it finishes?

No. Cracking the door lets steam out and helps dishes dry. Just keep it away from wood countertops and cabinet faces.

Can a broken heating element stop the dishwasher from cleaning?

Yes. On models that heat the water with the element, a dead element means cooler wash water and poorer cleaning.