Is your Whirlpool dishwasher not drying dishes properly? You’re not alone. Many people open their dishwasher after a wash cycle expecting spotless, dry dishes—only to find them covered in water droplets. It’s frustrating, especially when you rely on your appliance to handle the job efficiently.
There are several reasons why your dishwasher might not be drying correctly. From a malfunctioning heating element to a simple issue like a lack of rinse aid, the problem can vary. Plastic items often hold onto moisture longer, and poor air circulation inside the dishwasher can leave dishes wet.
The good news? You don’t have to settle for hand-drying every plate and spoon. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the common reasons a Whirlpool dishwasher leaves dishes wet and how to fix it.
Quick Causes and Fixes for a Whirlpool Dishwasher Not Drying
If you’re short on time, use this table to quickly identify the reason your Whirlpool dishwasher isn’t drying and find the right fix.
| Cause | Quick Fix |
|---|---|
| Improper Loading | Avoid overcrowding, space dishes properly, and place bowls and cups upside down. |
| Unloading in Wrong Order | Always unload the bottom rack first to prevent water from dripping onto dry dishes. |
| No Rinse Aid | Add rinse aid to the dispenser to help water slide off dishes faster. |
| Water Not Hot Enough | Ensure the water temperature is at least 120°F by adjusting the water heater. |
| Heated Dry Not Selected | Check the settings and enable Heated Dry or Extended Dry for better drying. |
| Vent Blocked or Not Working | Inspect the vent for clogs or damage; replace if needed. |
| Faulty Heating Element | Test with a multimeter and replace if it’s burned out. |
| Too Many Plastic Items | Plastic dries slower—try hand washing or reducing the number of plastic items. |
| Dishwasher Fan Malfunction | If your model has a fan, check if it’s running; replace if broken. |
How Can I Fix a Whirlpool Dishwasher That Doesn’t Dry Dishes?
Whirlpool dishwasher not drying is a common issue and can be fixed following some easy DIY steps.
Improper Loading of Dishes
The way dishes are arranged inside the dishwasher plays a crucial role in drying performance. If items are stacked too closely or positioned incorrectly, air circulation is restricted, preventing proper drying.
To allow adequate space for air to flow, avoid overcrowding. Nesting utensils or stacking bowls and plates too closely can trap moisture, leaving items damp. When loading forks, spoons, and knives, alternate them in the utensil basket to prevent them from sticking together.
Plastic items, such as food storage containers and lids, tend to hold onto moisture longer than glass or ceramic. Since plastic doesn’t retain heat as well, it dries less effectively. Reducing the number of plastic items in a wash cycle or hand washing them separately can help.
Positioning matters too. Cups, glasses, and bowls should be placed upside down and slightly tilted. This allows water to drain efficiently and minimizes pooling inside concave surfaces.
Unload Dishes the Correct Way
How dishes are removed from the dishwasher affects how dry they remain. Unloading the top rack first can cause any water trapped on cups or bowls to spill onto the lower dishes, making them wet again.
To keep dishes as dry as possible, always start with the bottom rack. This ensures that any remaining water drips onto an empty surface instead of clean, dry dishes.
For items that still have moisture after the dry cycle, leaving the dishwasher door open for a few minutes can help. This allows warm, moist air to escape, improving overall drying results.
Use Rinse Aid
Rinse aid plays a crucial role in drying performance by reducing water droplet formation. It works by altering the surface tension of water, allowing it to sheet off dishes instead of forming droplets that leave behind moisture. Without it, water tends to cling to glassware, plates, and utensils, leading to poor drying results.
To improve drying, always add rinse aid to the designated dispenser before starting a wash cycle. Many Whirlpool dishwashers allow users to adjust the amount dispensed, making it possible to increase the dosage for better drying or decrease it for smaller loads. Regularly check the rinse aid level and refill as needed to ensure consistent performance.
Use Additional Drying Features
Many Whirlpool dishwashers include drying features that enhance performance, but these functions are often not activated by default. The Heated Dry option uses the heating element to accelerate drying, but it may need to be manually selected, depending on the wash cycle. If dishes consistently come out wet, verify that this setting is enabled.
Some models offer an Extended Dry function, which prolongs the drying phase by 25–35 minutes. This additional time allows for better moisture evaporation, especially for plastic items that retain water longer. Checking your user manual for specific drying options and ensuring they are selected can significantly improve results.
Water Isn’t Hot Enough
Water temperature plays a critical role in both washing and drying performance. Hot water evaporates faster, which helps dishes dry more effectively. If the water entering the dishwasher is too cold, it can lead to longer drying times and leave items damp at the end of the cycle.
To check the water temperature, run the kitchen faucet for a minute and measure the water with a thermometer. The temperature should be at least 120°F (49°C) for optimal drying results. If it’s lower, adjusting the home’s water heater may be necessary. Also, running hot water in the sink before starting the dishwasher can help ensure the appliance fills with properly heated water.
Check the Dishwasher Parts
If loading techniques, rinse aid, and water temperature aren’t the issue, a failing component could be responsible. Several key parts help the dishwasher dry dishes, and if any of them malfunction, moisture can remain trapped inside.
- Vent: Some dishwashers use a vent to release moist air during the dry cycle. If the vent is clogged or stuck closed, steam stays inside, preventing proper drying.
- Vent Fan: In models with a vent fan, the fan helps push warm, moist air out. If it stops working, dishes will stay damp.
- Heating Element: This component provides heat for the drying cycle. If it burns out, the dishwasher won’t generate the warmth needed for effective drying. A multimeter can be used to test if the heating element needs to be replaced.
If any of these parts fail, a repair or replacement may be needed to restore proper drying performance.
Is It Time to Call a Professional for Help?
Signs that indicate a repair is needed include persistent moisture after every cycle, a dishwasher that no longer heats at all, or visible damage to internal components. Using a multimeter to test electrical parts can confirm failures, but handling replacements without proper knowledge can be challenging.
A technician can quickly find the problem and fix it the right way. Trying to repair complex parts without the right tools might cause more damage. If nothing else has worked, getting professional help can save time, prevent bigger issues, and make sure your dishwasher dries properly again.
Conclusion
A Whirlpool dishwasher that doesn’t dry dishes can be frustrating, but in most cases, the issue has a simple fix. Proper loading, using rinse aid, and selecting the right drying features can significantly improve drying performance. Ensuring the water temperature is at least 120°F and avoiding too many plastic items can also make a difference.
If dishes still come out wet, checking key components like the vent, fan, and heating element may be necessary. A multimeter can help diagnose electrical failures, but if parts need replacing, professional help might be the best option.
FAQs
Why Is My Whirlpool Dishwasher Always Wet Inside?
Whirlpool dishwashers use condensation drying, which relies on heat and airflow rather than an active drying fan. If moisture remains inside, improper loading, a blocked vent, or a faulty fan motor could be the cause. Adding rinse aid helps water slide off surfaces, improving drying performance.
How Do You Reset the Heating Element on a Whirlpool Dishwasher?
To reset the heating element, enter the diagnostic mode by pressing three buttons in sequence three times within five seconds. Close the door to start the test cycle. If the dishwasher still doesn’t heat, test the heating element with a multimeter and replace it if defective.
Can I Use My Dishwasher Without Rinse Aid?
Yes, but drying may be less effective. Rinse aid helps water slide off dishes, reducing spots and improving drying results. It’s especially useful in hard water areas or for models without a heating element. If dishes stay wet, adding rinse aid can make a noticeable difference.
What Are Common Whirlpool Error Codes Related to Drying Issues?
Common error codes include F3E4 (faulty heating element), F8E1 (slow drainage affecting drying), and F7E1 (heater locked out due to low water temperature). If these appear, check the heating element, thermostat, or drainage system for issues and repair them if necessary.
