While a dishwasher’s primary function is to wash dishes, that process includes drying for optimum cleaning. Why are my dishes not drying in the dishwasher? Improper loading with too many items may leave them wet at the end of a wash cycle. Troubleshoot a Whirlpool dishwasher not drying dishes with these tips and tricks to solve the problem.
Whirlpool Dishwasher Not Drying Dishes?
This Could Be Why
A Whirlpool dishwasher not drying dishes hasn’t necessarily malfunctioned. Oftentimes, a simple user adjustment can result in drier dishes. These tips can resolve most dishwasher drying issues or determine if a repair is necessary.
Tip #1. Load Dishes Properly in Your Whirlpool Dishwasher
One of the most common reasons for a Whirlpool dishwasher not drying dishes is improper loading. Overloading with too many items can restrict the airflow needed for sufficient drying and also result in a dishwasher not cleaning dishes. It’s also important to consider each dishwasher rack’s purpose when loading dishes, as each is suited for specific items.
Follow these rack-by-rack loading tips to improve dishwasher cleaning and drying:
- Top rack: Reserve for glasses and small bowls, placing them upside down and at an angle for better rinsing and airflow.
- Bottom rack: Designed for dishes and serving ware, make sure there’s adequate space between each item to allow for adequate air circulation and water flow.
- Silverware basket: Alternate forks and spoons next to each other to prevent nesting and promote air and water flow.
Tip #2. Use the Hot Water Cycle
If your Whirlpool dishwasher leaves dishes wet, try using hot water with every wash cycle. Hot water is not only better at breaking down dirt and grime, but it evaporates faster, improving drying.
If you consistently use hot water but dishes are still not dry, make sure the dishwasher is connected to a hot water supply. Just as a dishwasher doesn’t drain if the drain hose isn’t properly connected, a hot water valve or hose malfunction can affect drying.
Tip #3. Use a Rinse Aid
Using rinse aid not only results in shinier dishes and glassware but drier items as well. That’s because rinse aid breaks down the structure of water droplets, enabling them to drain off glasses easier and resulting in better drying. If you find dishes still wet after dishwasher cycle ends, make sure you use a rinse aid with each wash cycle. Check your user manual to determine how much rinse aid is recommended for your model dishwasher.
Tip #4: Utilize Whirlpool Dishwasher Drying Features
A heated drying cycle circulates hot air throughout the dishwasher, drying dishes by converting moisture to steam that’s expelled through exhaust vents. While air dry or Eco settings can save energy and money, they can also leave dishes wetter at the end of a wash cycle. If your dishwasher has a heated drying option, make sure it’s selected with each wash cycle for drier dishes.
Tip #5: Check for Faulty Parts
If these adjustments still leave you with a Whirlpool dishwasher not drying dishes, it’s possible a faulty part may be responsible. A broken heating element can fail to produce hot air for a heated drying cycle. Similarly, a broken dryer vent may not open and close properly to expel steam, leaving dishes wet.
How do you fix a dishwasher that is not drying due to a faulty part? A professional repair service can help pinpoint the problem and replace it correctly. Call Sloan Appliance Service to help with any dishwasher repair!
