Last Updated on November 25, 2023 by Kimberly Crawford
If your Whirlpool dishwasher is not drying the dishes, you are likely experiencing one of two problems.
The first possibility is that something is blocking the dishwasher’s airflow, preventing it from drying the dishes.
The second possibility is that there is an issue with the dishwasher’s heating element, which prevents it from properly heating the water and causing it to evaporate.
In this blog post, we will discuss both of these possibilities and provide you with instructions on how to fix them!
Related: 9 Dishwasher Brands To Avoid and 3 Most Reliable Brands
My Whirlpool Dishwasher Is Not Drying: What Do I Do?
1. OverLoading.
Your dishwasher can have too much in it and not be able to properly circulate the water to clean and dry your dishes. This is called overloading.
How do you fix it?
- First, try rearranging your dishes so that they are not all packed in tightly together. This will allow better circulation of water and air around them.
- If that doesn’t work, try taking some dishes out of your dishwasher altogether.
- Finally, if you’re still having trouble, consider running your dishwasher with less water. This will help to increase the circulation and improve the drying process.
2. Unloading in the wrong order.
The most common reason your dishwasher isn’t drying properly is because you’re unloading it in the wrong order. Start with the top shelf and work your way down.
This way, the dishes on the top shelf will have a chance to air dry while you’re unloading the rest of the dishwasher.
3. Limit Plastic Items.
If your dishwasher isn’t drying plastic items, it’s likely because the plastic isn’t heat-resistant. To prevent this from happening, limit the amount of plastic you put in the dishwasher.
If possible, avoid putting plastics in the top rack where they’re more likely to be exposed to high temperatures. Instead, place them on the lower rack or in the silverware basket.
If you must put plastic on the top rack, make sure it’s not blocking the dishwasher’s vents. Doing so will help ensure that hot air can circulate and dry your dishes properly.
4. Use Rinse Aid.
If your dishes aren’t coming out of the dishwasher as dry as you’d like, there are a few things you can do. One is to make sure that you’re using rinse aid.
Rinse aid helps water to bead up and roll off of dishes rather than sitting on them and drying slowly. This can help speed up the drying process and prevent spots and streaks.
How to fix it?
If you’re not using rinse aid, or if you are and your dishes still aren’t drying as well as you’d like, there are a few other things you can try. One is to run the dishwasher on a hotter setting.
This will help to evaporate any remaining water on the dishes. You can also try opening the dishwasher door during the final rinse cycle to let some of the steam out. This can help speed up the drying process. If all else fails, you can always try hand-drying your dishes.
5. Heated Dry Option Not Selected.
If your dishwasher isn’t drying properly, there’s a chance that the Heated Dry option wasn’t selected when the cycle was started.
This option can be found on most modern dishwashers, and it’s generally located near the top of the control panel.
Defective Whirlpool Dishwasher Parts
6. Vent.
What is it?
The vent on your dishwasher helps to circulate air and promote the evaporation of water from the dishwasher during the drying cycle. If your dishes are not coming out dry, one possible reason is that the vent is blocked or there is something preventing it from operating properly.
To clean the vent, start by removing any debris or objects that may be blocking it. Then, use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to remove any dust or dirt buildup. Once the vent is clear, run the dishwasher through a cycle to see if the dishes come out dry.
How to prevent it?
There are a few things you can do to prevent your dishwasher vent from becoming blocked or damaged. First, make sure to clean the filters regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This will help to remove any food particles or other debris that could clog the vent.
Another thing you can do is leave the door open for a few minutes after the cycle has finished. This will allow any moisture to evaporate and prevent it from condensing on the dishes. Finally, make sure that there is nothing blocking the vent itself, such as a dish rack or other object.
7. Vent Fan Motor.
What is it?
The vent fan motor is responsible for drawing air through the dishwasher and out the vent.
If your Whirlpool dishwasher isn’t drying dishes properly, one possible reason is that the vent fan motor is not working correctly.
This could be due to a number of reasons, such as a clogged vent or a faulty motor. If you suspect that the vent fan motor is the problem, you’ll need to replace it. Here’s how:
First, locate the vent fan motor. It will be located near the top of the dishwasher, behind the control panel.
Next, disconnect the power to the dishwasher. Be sure to unplug it from the wall outlet or turn off the circuit breaker.
Now, remove the screws that secure the motor to the dishwasher. Be careful not to drop the motor when removing it.
Once the old motor is out, you can install the new one by reversing the steps above. Be sure to test the dishwasher before putting it back into use.
8. Heating Element
What is it?
The heating element is the part of the dishwasher that actually dries the dishes. It works by using a resistive coil to heat up water, which then evaporates and leaves your dishes dry.
If your dishwasher is not drying your dishes, it is likely because the heating element is not working properly. There are a few things that can cause this:
-The heating element could be damaged. This is usually caused by a power surge or lightning strike. If the element is visibly damaged, it will need to be replaced.
-The heating element could be burned out. This happens when the element gets too hot and essentially melts. If this happens, you will need to replace the element.
-There could be a problem with the wiring. This is usually caused by a loose connection or a break in the wire. If you suspect this is the problem, you should call an electrician to check it out.
-The heating element could be covered in limescale. This happens when hard water builds up on the element and prevents it from heating properly. To clean the element, you can soak it in vinegar or descaling solution.
9. Heating Element Assembly.
What is it?
The heating element is the part of the dishwasher that actually dries your dishes. It’s usually located near the bottom of the tub, underneath where the water drains out.
How does it work?
The heating element assembly works by using electricity to heat up a metal coil. This in turn heats up the air inside the dishwasher, which then dries your dishes.
Why is it not working?
There are a few reasons why your heating element assembly might not be working. The most common reason is that the element itself has burned out. This can happen if there’s a power surge, or if the dishwasher isn’t used often enough and the element rusts.
Another reason why the heating element assembly might not be working is because the thermal fuse has blown. This is a safety feature that prevents the dishwasher from overheating. If the thermal fuse blows, it will need to be replaced before the dishwasher can be used again.
How do I fix it?
If your heating element assembly has burned out, you will need to replace it. You can do this yourself, or you can call a qualified appliance repair technician.
10. High Limit Thermostat.
What is it?
The high limit thermostat is a safety device that is mounted on the dishwasher. If the dishwasher starts to overheat, the high limit thermostat will shut off the power to the dishwasher.
How do I know if my dishwasher has a high limit thermostat? If your dishwasher is not drying dishes, it is likely that the high limit thermostat has been tripped.
How do I reset the high limit thermostat? The high limit thermostat can be reset by turning off the power to the dishwasher and then turning it back on. Once the dishwasher has been turned back on, you will need to run a test cycle to see if the problem has been fixed.
How to prevent it?
To prevent the high limit thermostat from tripping, you will need to make sure that your dishwasher is not overloaded. You will also need to make sure that the dishwasher is not blocked in by anything.
If the dishwasher is blocked, it will not be able to circulate air properly and this can cause the dishwasher to overheat.
Finally, you will need to make sure that the door seal is tight and that there are no gaps around the door. If there are any gaps, air can enter the dishwasher and cause it to overheat.
11. Thermostat.
What is it?
The thermostat is a switch that controls the dishwasher’s heating element. When the dishwasher is turned on, the heating element turns on and heats the water in the dishwasher.
The thermostat monitors the water temperature and turns off the heating element when the water reaches a certain temperature.
Why is it important?
The thermostat is important because it prevents the water from getting too hot. If the water gets too hot, it can damage the dishwasher.
How do I know if it’s working?
You can test the thermostat with a multimeter. To do this, turn off the power to the dishwasher and disconnect the wires from the thermostat. Use the multimeter to test the continuity of the thermostat. If the thermostat is working, the multimeter will beep.
How do I fix it?
If the thermostat is not working, you will need to replace it. You can find replacement thermostats at most hardware stores.
How to prevent it?
You can prevent the thermostat from going bad by regularly cleaning the dishwasher. This will help to remove any dirt or debris that could damage the thermostat.
You should also make sure that the dishwasher is properly ventilated. This will help to keep the air inside the dishwasher cool and prevent the thermostat from getting too hot.
12. Control Board.
What is it?
The control board is the brains of the dishwasher. It controls all the other components and ensures that they are working properly.
If your dishwasher is not drying, it could be because of a problem with the control board. You’ll need to call a technician to come and take a look at it. In the meantime, you can try running the dishwasher with the heat dry cycle to see if that makes a difference.
How to prevent it?
There’s not much you can do to prevent problems with the control board. However, you can try to keep your dishwasher clean and free of debris. This will help to prolong its life.
13. Control Module.
If your dishwasher is not drying, the control module may be to blame. The control module can fail for a number of reasons, including water damage, power surges, and manufacturing defects.
How to fix it?
If the control module is the problem, you’ll need to replace it. This is a fairly straightforward repair that can be done with a few tools and some basic knowledge of electronics.
You can find replacement modules online or at your local appliance store. Be sure to get the right model for your dishwasher.
14. Main Control Board.
The main control board is a very common cause of dishwasher drying issues. If the main control board is defective, it may not send power to the heating element. As a result, the dishwasher won’t heat up and the dishes won’t dry.
To test the main control board, first check that there’s power going to it. If there is, then replace the main control board.
15. Timer.
What is it?
The timer is a mechanism that controls the dishwasher’s various cycles. It is usually located behind the control panel. If your dishwasher is not drying, the timer may be to blame.
To test the timer, first make sure that it is receiving power by checking for continuity with a multimeter. If the timer is not receiving power, check the wiring and fuse. If the timer is receiving power but not working, it will need to be replaced.
How do I know if my heating element is bad in my Whirlpool dishwasher?
If your dishwasher isn’t heating up water, it’s possible that the heating element is bad. To test this, you’ll need a voltmeter.
First, locate the heating element. It will be in the bottom of the dishwasher tub, near the center. Once you’ve found it, use your voltmeter to test for continuity.
If there is no continuity, then the heating element is most likely bad and will need to be replaced.
Related:
- 15 Reasons Why Whirlpool Dishwasher Is Not Draining: How To Fix
- 14 Reasons Why Whirlpool Dishwasher Not Washing – {How to Fix It}
How do you reset the heating element on a Whirlpool dishwasher?
If your Whirlpool dishwasher isn’t heating properly, you may need to reset the heating element. To do this, first make sure that the dishwasher is turned off and unplugged. Next, locate the heating element on the back of the dishwasher. There will be two screws holding it in place. Remove these screws and carefully pull out the heating element.
Once you have removed the heating element, you will need to find the reset button. This button is usually located on the control panel. Press and hold the reset button for three seconds. After that, plug the dishwasher back in and turn it on. The heating element should now be reset and working properly.
Why is my Whirlpool dishwasher still wet inside?
There are a few things that could be causing your dishwasher to leave your dishes wet. One possibility is that the spray arms are not working properly. Another possibility is that the dishwasher isn’t draining properly.
If the spray arms are not working properly, there could be a clog preventing water from getting to them. Check the spray arms and clear any debris that you find.
If the dishwasher isn’t draining properly, there could be a clog in the drain hose. Check the drain hose for any blockages and clear them if you find any.
If you’ve checked the spray arms and the drain hose and there don’t seem to be any problems, then it’s possible that the dishwasher itself isn’t draining properly.
Whirlpool dishwasher not drying after replacing heating element?
One possible reason why your Whirlpool dishwasher is not drying after replacing the heating element could be that the element is not compatible with your model of dishwasher.
Another possibility is that the heating element was installed incorrectly. If this is the case, you will need to remove it and reinstall it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Another potential reason for your dishwasher not drying properly could be that the air intake vents are blocked. These vents are located on the back of the dishwasher and allow air to circulate around the heating element.
If these vents are blocked, heat will not be able to circulate properly and your dishes will not dry properly. You should check the vents and make sure they are not blocked by debris or other objects.
Whirlpool dishwasher WDF540PADM3 not drying?
First, check the air filter. A clogged air filter can prevent the dishwasher from drying properly. Second, make sure the door is completely closed and latched.
An open door will cause the dishwasher to run in a shorter cycle, which can result in incomplete drying. Finally, check the vent at the back of the dishwasher. If it is clogged, air cannot circulate properly and dishes will not dry.
If you have checked all of these things and your dishwasher still isn’t drying, there may be a problem with the heating element. This is a more serious issue that will require service from a qualified technician.
Whirlpool dishwasher WDTA50SAHZ0 not drying?
One possible cause is that the dishwasher is not getting enough water. This can be caused by a clogged water supply line or a faulty inlet valve.
Another possible cause is that the dishwasher’s heating element is not working correctly. This can be caused by a blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker. If the dishwasher’s heating element is not working, the dishes will not be dried properly.
If your Whirlpool dishwasher WDTA50SAHZ0 is not drying, check the water supply line and inlet valve for clogs. Also, check the heating element for damage. If you cannot find the cause of the problem, call a qualified appliance repair technician for help. Do not attempt to repair the dishwasher yourself.
Whirlpool dishwasher WDT920SADM2 not drying?
There are several possible reasons why your dishwasher isn’t drying dishes properly. Check out this list of potential causes and solutions to see if you can fix the problem yourself.
-There could be something blocking the dishwasher’s water spray arm. Remove any debris or foreign objects that might be clogging the arm and try running the dishwasher again.
-If the dishwasher’s filters are dirty, they won’t be able to do their job properly. Clean or replace the filters according to your model’s instructions.
-The dishes themselves could be preventing proper air circulation. Arrange them so that they’re not nestled too closely together on the racks.
-It’s also possible that the dishwasher isn’t getting hot enough. Check the water heater to make sure it’s set to at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
-If none of these solutions solve the problem, you may need to call a repair technician.
Conclusion
If your Whirlpool dishwasher isn’t drying dishes, the most likely culprit is a clogged heating element. To fix this problem, you’ll need to clean the heating element and check the thermostat. If these two steps don’t solve the issue, you may need to replace the heating element or thermostat.