Symptoms
- Plastic items are wet at the end of the cycle
- Standing water pools inside cups and bowls
- Glasses look cloudy or streaky when dry
- Steam does not seem to vent during the dry phase
Likely causes
- CommonRinse aid dispenser emptyRinse aid causes water to sheet off dishes instead of forming droplets; without it, drying is much worse.
- CommonHeat-dry or energy-saver mode selectedMany modern dishwashers air-dry by default to save energy, which leaves plastics especially wet.
- CommonPlastic items in the loadPlastic doesn't retain heat like glass or ceramic, so it stays wet longer regardless of settings.
- PossibleFailed heating element or vent fanIf the element or fan motor fails, the dry cycle won't work even with the right settings.
- Less commonDoor vent stuck closedSome models vent steam through a small door flap that can stick shut.
What to do
- Fill the rinse aid dispenser (usually near the detergent cup) and set the dispenser dial higher if drying is still weak.
- Check the dishwasher's settings and select a heated dry or 'sanitize' option instead of air-dry or eco mode.
- Load plastic items on the top rack away from the center where less heat reaches, and expect them to dry slower than glass or metal.
- Leave the door cracked open a few inches right after the cycle ends to let steam escape and dishes air-dry faster.
- Check that nothing is blocking the vent opening on the top or front of the tub.
- If drying is still poor with rinse aid and heat-dry on, the heating element may have failed and should be tested by a technician.
Tools and parts
Rinse aidSearch: “dishwasher rinse aid”
When to call a pro
If dishes stay wet even with rinse aid and heated dry enabled, have a technician test the heating element and vent fan.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.