Dishwashers are one of the most important household appliances. When it comes to cleaning multiple dishes at the same time, a dishwasher is of significant help. However, just like other kitchen appliances, it can experience some problems as well such as not drying the dishes. So, for dishwasher repair, let’s take a look into some possible reasons why your dishwasher might be struggling to dry the dishes.
Poorly Loaded Dishwasher
One of the most common reasons for a dishwasher not drying the dishes properly is poor loading of the dishwasher. Majority of the homeowners are not aware of the fact that the way a dishwasher is loaded has a lot to do with its efficiency and effectiveness when it comes to cleaning.
Keep in mind that every dishwasher has a limit to cleaning the dishes. Although dishwashers are designed to clean and dry multiple dishes at the same time, that does not mean you overload them. The reason is that the water sprayers inside are designed to work in a particular pattern.
If the dishwasher is overloaded, the water and the detergent will not be distributed properly which will result in half the dishes being cleaned while others are dry. The best way to prevent this is by consulting the user’s manual.
The Dispenser Is Faulty
When it comes to troubleshooting a dishwasher that is not drying the dishes, you should go for the easiest fixes first. For instance, you should check if the machine has run out of the rinse aid. If that is the case, you will need to refill the reservoir.
However, if the rinse aid reservoir is full but is not being dispensed, it might be that there is a buildup inside the dispenser. Try cleaning the dispenser to see if that fixes the issue. And if that does not solve the issue, it means the dispenser is faulty. Even though it is highly unlikely that dispensers give up, it is not impossible. You might need a replacement.
The Heated Drying Option Is Not Activated
If your dishwasher is failing to dry the dishes properly, you should check if the heated drying option is activated. If you are using an older model of a dishwasher, there is a high chance that it has a heating element located at the bottom of the tub. Such units consume more energy than the newer models that dry the dishes using condensation.
If you have a newer model, you might have to activate the drying option manually. Keep in mind that all dishwashers look and perform more or less similar. However, they can also vary in terms of features, efficiency, effectiveness, and technology.
Hot Water Heater Is The Problem
An important factor to keep in mind when it comes to using a dishwasher is that most newer versions warm up the water to a particular temperature before they start the cycle. Cold water is not as effective in cleaning dishes as hot water. Therefore, you will need to check the water temperature. Every manufacturer defines a particular water temperature at which the washing process will be the most effective. So, then again, you will need to consult the user’s manual.
Faulty Heating Element
If your dishwasher comes with a heated dry option and the dishes are still not drying, there might be a problem with the heating element. It is a common issue among dishwashers, so you do not need to panic. If you have a multimeter, you can make sure that the element is functional or not. Make sure that you unplug the washer before you access the heating element. If it is faulty, you will need to consult an expert who can replace the heating element for you.
If you intend to replace it yourself, make sure that you have the right tools and opt for the exact replacement. Heating elements might look the same but perform differently. The user’s manual might have the part number that will help you purchase or order the same item.
Final Word
The above-mentioned problems are the common causes of a dishwasher not drying dishes. Inspect the dishwasher yourself or consult an appliance repair Northern VA expert to take a look at it and perform repairs as needed.
