Whirlpool Dishwasher Not Drying? 7 Causes and Solutions!

You rely on your Whirlpool dishwasher to clean and dry your dishes, so it can be frustrating when they come out wet. You might wonder why this happens and what you can do to fix it.

In this blog post, we’ll explore common reasons why your Whirlpool dishwasher isn’t drying properly. We’ll also share simple steps you can take to get your dishes dry again. Whether it’s a quick fix or something that needs a little more attention, we’ve got you covered.

Common Causes of Whirlpool Dishwasher Not Drying

If your Whirlpool dishwasher isn’t drying dishes, it can be frustrating. Let’s look at some common reasons why this happens.

Rinse Aid Dispenser is Empty

The rinse aid helps dishes dry better by making water slide off. If the dispenser is empty, your dishes might stay wet. Make sure to check and fill it up.

Heating Element is Broken

The heating element warms up the dishwasher. It helps dry the dishes by heating the air inside. If this part isn’t working, the dishes will come out wet. You might need to replace the heating element.

Dishwasher is Too Full

Sometimes, when you put too many dishes in the dishwasher, the air can’t move around properly. This makes it hard for the dishes to dry. Try loading fewer dishes to see if it helps.

Using the Wrong Cycle

Not all dishwasher cycles are the same. Some don’t include drying. If you’re using a quick wash or eco cycle, the dishes might not dry fully. Make sure to pick a cycle that includes drying.

Vent is Blocked

The vent lets steam escape during drying. If the vent is blocked or not working, the steam stays inside, and the dishes won’t dry well. Check if the vent is clear.

Plastic Dishes Stay Wet

Plastic dishes don’t dry as well as glass or metal. They might still be a bit wet even if everything else is dry. This is normal for plastic items.

Wrong Detergent

Using the wrong detergent can also cause drying problems. Make sure you’re using the recommended detergent for your dishwasher.

By checking these things, you can usually figure out why your Whirlpool dishwasher isn’t drying properly and fix the problem.

How to Fix Whirlpool Dishwasher That is Not Drying

If your Whirlpool dishwasher isn’t drying your dishes, it can be frustrating. Luckily, you can try some simple steps to fix the issue. Let’s go through each step in detail.

1. Check the Rinse Aid

Rinse aid is a special liquid that helps water slide off your dishes more easily, making them dry faster. Without enough rinse aid, your dishes might come out of the dishwasher wet, even if the drying cycle runs.

First, find the rinse aid compartment in your dishwasher. It’s usually a small cap or door near the detergent dispenser. Open it up and take a look inside. If it’s empty or low, fill it up with rinse aid. Most rinse aid bottles have an easy-pour top, so you won’t make a mess.

After you fill the rinse aid, close the compartment securely. Then, run the dishwasher again with some dishes inside to see if they dry better. You should notice an improvement right away if low rinse aid was the problem.

Sometimes, people forget to check or refill the rinse aid, especially if they don’t use their dishwasher often. It’s a good habit to check the rinse aid level every month or so, just to make sure it’s full. This small step can make a big difference in how well your dishes dry.

2. Choose the Right Cycle

Not all dishwasher cycles are the same. Some cycles are designed for quick washing or delicate items and may not include a drying phase. If you accidentally select one of these cycles, your dishes might come out clean but wet.

Take a look at your dishwasher’s control panel. You’ll see several different cycles, like “Normal,” “Heavy,” “Eco,” or “Quick.” Each of these cycles is designed for different types of loads. For example, the “Quick” or “Eco” cycles might save energy or water but may not dry the dishes completely.

To make sure your dishes dry well, choose a cycle that includes drying. The “Normal” or “Heavy” cycle is usually a good choice for this. If your dishwasher has a “Heated Dry” or “Extra Dry” option, turn that on too. These settings use more heat, helping the dishes to dry completely.

If you’re not sure which cycle to use, check the dishwasher manual. It will tell you which cycles are best for drying and explain what each button does. By picking the right cycle, you can avoid the frustration of wet dishes after a wash.

3. Inspect the Heating Element

The heating element in your dishwasher plays a big role in drying your dishes. It’s a metal coil, usually located at the bottom of the dishwasher, that heats up during the drying cycle. This heat helps evaporate the water off the dishes, leaving them dry and ready to use.

If your dishes aren’t drying, the heating element might be the problem. Start by opening the dishwasher and looking at the heating element. It should look like a smooth, shiny coil. If you see any cracks, breaks, or signs of discoloration, the heating element could be damaged.

Sometimes, the heating element might not heat up even if it looks okay. To test this, you can run the dishwasher on a cycle that includes drying, then carefully open the door right after it finishes. Touch the heating element gently to see if it’s warm (be careful, it can be very hot!). If it’s cool to the touch, it’s not working properly.

If you suspect the heating element is broken, you might need to replace it. Replacing a heating element isn’t too difficult, but it’s a good idea to consult your dishwasher manual or call a technician if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself. A working heating element is key to getting your dishes dry.

4. Check the Vent

The vent in your dishwasher allows the hot, steamy air to escape during the drying cycle. If this vent is blocked or not working properly, the steam will stay inside, leaving your dishes wet. Checking the vent is a simple step but can make a big difference.

First, locate the vent in your dishwasher. It’s usually on the top or side of the door, and it might look like a small, slotted opening. Make sure it’s not blocked by anything, like a large dish or piece of food. If you find any obstructions, remove them.

Sometimes, the vent mechanism that opens and closes during the cycle can get stuck. To check this, run the dishwasher on a drying cycle and listen carefully. You should hear a slight click or whoosh sound when the vent opens. If you don’t hear this, the vent might be stuck closed.

If the vent isn’t working, your dishes won’t dry properly. In this case, you might need to have the vent mechanism repaired or replaced. While you can try to fix it yourself, it’s often easier and safer to call a technician who can handle it for you. A working vent is essential for getting your dishes completely dry.

5. Load Dishes Properly

How you load your dishes in the dishwasher can have a big impact on how well they dry. If the dishes are packed too tightly or placed in the wrong spots, they won’t get enough air circulation to dry properly. Loading the dishwasher correctly is key to getting dry dishes.

Start by making sure you don’t overload the dishwasher. Each dish should have enough space around it for water and air to flow. If dishes are too close together, they might block each other from drying. Place larger items like pots and pans on the bottom rack, and smaller items like cups and bowls on the top rack.

Be mindful of the position of the heating element and vent. Make sure nothing is blocking these areas, as they need to be clear for the heat and steam to reach all your dishes. Also, place plastic items on the top rack, as they can warp or melt if they’re too close to the heating element.

If you have a lot of dishes, it’s better to run two smaller loads rather than cramming everything into one. This way, your dishwasher can do a better job of cleaning and drying each dish. Proper loading can make a big difference in how well your Whirlpool dishwasher dries your dishes.

6. Run Hot Water Before Starting

Running hot water before you start the dishwasher is a simple trick that can help improve drying. Dishwashers work best with hot water, and if the water entering the dishwasher is already hot, it can clean and dry the dishes more effectively.

Before you start your dishwasher, turn on the hot water tap in your kitchen sink. Let it run for a minute or two until the water is as hot as it gets. This makes sure that when the dishwasher starts, it’s filling up with hot water right from the beginning.

Starting with hot water helps the dishwasher’s heating element do its job more efficiently. It doesn’t have to work as hard to heat the water during the wash cycle, and the dishes will be hotter when the drying cycle starts. Hotter dishes dry faster and better, so this small step can make a big difference.

If your dishwasher is far from your water heater, this step is especially important. It might take a little longer for hot water to reach the dishwasher, and running the tap first ensures it gets there right away. Give this a try, and you might find that your dishes come out of the dishwasher much drier.

I hope this guide helps you fix your Whirlpool dishwasher that isn’t drying. By following these steps, you can enjoy clean and dry dishes again. If the problem continues, it might be best to call a professional for help. Thanks for reading, and happy dishwashing!

Questions in Your Mind

Is it normal for my Whirlpool dishwasher to leave dishes slightly wet?

Yes, it can be normal for some dishes to be slightly wet, especially if they are plastic. Plastic items tend to retain moisture more than glass or metal. However, if all your dishes are very wet, it may indicate a problem with the drying cycle.

Is it safe to run my Whirlpool dishwasher without rinse aid?

While it is safe, it’s not recommended. Rinse aid helps dishes dry faster and reduces water spots. Without it, your dishes might come out wet or streaky.

Is it expensive to replace the heating element in a Whirlpool dishwasher?

Replacing the heating element in a Whirlpool dishwasher is not usually expensive. The part itself is affordable, and if you’re handy, you can replace it yourself. However, if you hire a technician, labor costs will increase the overall expense.

Is it okay to open the dishwasher during the drying cycle?

Yes, you can open the dishwasher during the drying cycle, but it’s not ideal. Opening the door lets out hot air and steam, which can reduce the effectiveness of the drying process.

Can I use my Whirlpool dishwasher if the heating element is broken?

You can still use your dishwasher, but your dishes won’t dry properly. It’s best to get the heating element fixed or replaced to ensure your dishes come out clean and dry.

Can I add rinse aid during a wash cycle?

No, you should add rinse aid before starting the dishwasher. The rinse aid compartment is designed to release the liquid at the right time during the wash cycle, so adding it during the cycle won’t be effective.

Can I use vinegar as a substitute for rinse aid?

Yes, you can use vinegar as a natural substitute for rinse aid. However, it’s not as effective as commercial rinse aids and may not work as well in hard water areas.

Do I need to pre-rinse dishes before loading them into my Whirlpool dishwasher?

No, you don’t need to pre-rinse dishes. Modern Whirlpool dishwashers are designed to handle food residue. Just scrape off large food particles, and the dishwasher will do the rest.

Do I need to run a full dishwasher cycle to test the heating element?

Yes, to test the heating element, you should run a full cycle that includes drying. This will give the heating element enough time to heat up and dry the dishes.