Why Is My Chatsworth Dishwasher Not Drying Dishes?
Common Drying Problems and What You Can Do About Them
When Clean Dishes Come Out Wet
If your dishwasher completes its cycle but leaves your dishes damp—or worse, dripping—it can be frustrating. Drying problems are one of the most common complaints from Chatsworth homeowners, and while they’re usually not emergencies, they can still be a sign that something in the appliance isn’t working correctly.
Here’s a breakdown of why your dishwasher might not be drying dishes and how to troubleshoot before calling for service.
Most Common Causes of Poor Dishwasher Drying
Rinse Aid Is Empty or Not Being Dispensed
Rinse aid helps water sheet off dishes instead of forming droplets. Without it, water tends to cling and evaporate slowly. Make sure the rinse aid reservoir is filled and dispensing correctly.
Heated Dry Setting Is Turned Off
Many newer dishwashers default to air-dry mode to save energy. Double-check your settings—if the heated dry option isn’t selected, dishes may stay wet at the end of the cycle.
Overloading or Poor Dish Placement
Packing too many dishes too tightly can block airflow and cause puddling on dishes. Avoid placing items like bowls and cups upside down on the bottom rack where water can collect.
Faulty Heating Element
The heating element warms the air during the drying phase. If it’s damaged or burned out, your dishwasher will clean but not dry. This is a common cause of damp dishes and requires professional replacement.
Broken High-Limit Thermostat
This safety device prevents overheating. If it fails, it may cut power to the heating element prematurely, stopping the drying process. This issue often goes unnoticed until multiple cycles result in wet dishes.
Plastic Items Stay Wet
Plastic dishes and containers tend to retain water longer than ceramic or glass. This isn’t always a malfunction—just a side effect of how plastic responds to heat. Still, it can be minimized with proper rack placement and rinse aid use.
Vent Not Opening
Some dishwashers have a vent that releases moist air during drying. If the vent doesn’t open, steam remains trapped inside. This often requires checking the vent motor or gasket.
How to Improve Drying Performance
When It’s Time to Call for Help
If your dishwasher has a working rinse aid dispenser, uses heated drying, and is still leaving dishes soaked—especially glassware and ceramics—it’s time to investigate further. A malfunctioning heating element, thermostat, or vent assembly could be the culprit.
Call (818) 867-8259 to schedule service with someone familiar with dishwasher issues here in Chatsworth.