Kitchenaid Dishwasher Not Drying? Here’s Why And How To Fix It!
What To Know
- If it’s broken, the dishwasher may not be able to determine when the dishes are dry and will continue to run the drying cycle unnecessarily.
- Troubleshooting a KitchenAid dishwasher that’s not drying can be challenging, but by following the steps outlined in this guide, you can identify and resolve the problem.
- There are several reasons why your dishwasher may not be drying dishes completely, including a clogged vent or air gap, a faulty heating element, a broken thermistor, a malfunctioning control board, incorrect rinse aid usage, an overcrowded dishwasher, or a worn-out gasket.
Do you find yourself wondering, “Why is my KitchenAid dishwasher not drying?” If so, you’re not alone. This common issue can be frustrating, especially when you’re short on time or have a lot of dishes to clean. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various reasons why your KitchenAid dishwasher may not be drying and provide step-by-step solutions to help you resolve the problem.
Identifying the Problem
Before diving into the troubleshooting process, it’s crucial to identify the specific drying issue you’re experiencing. Here are some common symptoms:
- Dishes are still wet or damp after the cycle
- Water droplets or condensation inside the dishwasher
- Dishes feel cold or lukewarm
Once you’ve identified the problem, you can start troubleshooting.
Troubleshooting Common Causes
1. Clogged Vent or Air Gap
The vent or air gap allows moisture to escape from the dishwasher. If it becomes clogged, the dishwasher won’t be able to dry the dishes effectively. To check for a clog, remove the vent cover and inspect it for debris. If there’s a blockage, clean it out using a vacuum cleaner or a pipe cleaner.
2. Faulty Heating Element
The heating element is responsible for generating heat to dry the dishes. If it’s faulty, the dishwasher won‘t be able to heat up sufficiently. To test the heating element, use a multimeter to measure its resistance. If the resistance is too high or infinite, the heating element needs to be replaced.
3. Broken Thermistor
The thermistor is a temperature sensor that monitors the temperature inside the dishwasher. If it’s broken, the dishwasher may not be able to determine when the dishes are dry and will continue to run the drying cycle unnecessarily. To replace the thermistor, locate it near the heating element and disconnect the wires. Install the new thermistor and reconnect the wires.
4. Malfunctioning Control Board
The control board is the brain of the dishwasher. If it malfunctions, it may not be able to properly control the drying cycle. To test the control board, you’ll need a multimeter to check for continuity. If there’s no continuity, the control board needs to be replaced.
5. Incorrect Rinse Aid Usage
Rinse aid helps the dishes dry faster and prevents water spots. If you’re not using enough rinse aid, the dishes may not dry properly. Check the rinse aid dispenser and make sure it’s full. If it’s empty, add some rinse aid and run a rinse cycle without any dishes.
6. Overcrowded Dishwasher
If you overload the dishwasher, the dishes won‘t have enough space to dry properly. Make sure to leave some space between the dishes and don’t block the vent or air gap.
7. Worn-Out Gasket
The gasket around the dishwasher door creates a seal to prevent water from leaking out. If the gasket is worn or damaged, moisture may escape during the drying cycle, resulting in wet dishes. Inspect the gasket for any tears or gaps and replace it if necessary.
Resetting the Dishwasher
If you’ve tried the above troubleshooting steps and the dishwasher is still not drying, you can try resetting it. To do this, unplug the dishwasher from the power outlet for at least 30 seconds. Then, plug it back in and start a rinse cycle without any dishes.
Final Thoughts
Troubleshooting a KitchenAid dishwasher that’s not drying can be challenging, but by following the steps outlined in this guide, you can identify and resolve the problem. If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and the dishwasher is still not drying, it’s recommended to contact a qualified appliance repair technician.
What You Need to Know
Q: Why is my KitchenAid dishwasher not drying dishes completely?
A: There are several reasons why your dishwasher may not be drying dishes completely, including a clogged vent or air gap, a faulty heating element, a broken thermistor, a malfunctioning control board, incorrect rinse aid usage, an overcrowded dishwasher, or a worn-out gasket.
Q: How do I troubleshoot a KitchenAid dishwasher that’s not drying?
A: To troubleshoot a KitchenAid dishwasher that’s not drying, start by identifying the specific drying issue you’re experiencing. Then, check for a clogged vent or air gap, test the heating element, replace the thermistor if necessary, and inspect the control board. You should also check the rinse aid dispenser, make sure the dishwasher is not overcrowded, and inspect the gasket around the door.
Q: Can I reset my KitchenAid dishwasher if it’s not drying?
A: Yes, you can reset your KitchenAid dishwasher if it’s not drying. To do this, unplug the dishwasher from the power outlet for at least 30 seconds and then plug it back in. Start a rinse cycle without any dishes to reset the dishwasher.
