Whirlpool Dishwasher: not drying properly

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Are you struggling with your Whirlpool dishwasher not drying properly? If your dishes come out wet or inadequately dried after a wash cycle, you're not alone. This common issue can stem from several causes such as insufficient rinse aid, heating element failure, or improper dish placement. Understanding these factors can help you restore your dishwasher's drying efficiency.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Whirlpool Models

  • Selecting the Extended Dry option and verifying proper rinse aid use is confirmed by Whirlpool as improving drying performance.

Possible Causes

Inadequate use of rinse aid or rinse aid dispenser empty

How to Identify: Rinse aid reservoir empty or low; dishes particularly on top rack remain wet

Part: Rinse aid dispenser

Heating element failure or thermostat issues

How to Identify: Dishwasher not producing heat during drying; multimeter can test continuity of heating element

Part: Heating element, hi‑limit thermostat

Dishware type/placement and condensation effects

How to Identify: Plastic or insulated items remain wet due to their low heat retention; poor loading blocks airflow

Part: Loading pattern and dish types

DIY Solutions

Ensure rinse aid reservoir is filled

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Locate rinse aid dispenser inside dishwasher door
  2. Fill with recommended rinse aid to proper level
  3. Run a normal wash/dry cycle to check improvement

Select stronger drying settings

Easy 2 minutes
  1. Before starting cycle, choose Heat Dry or Pro Dry option
  2. If available, select Extended Dry or similar longer drying option
  3. Start cycle and check drying performance at end

Adjust dish loading and types

Easy 5–10 minutes
  1. Avoid overcrowding and ensure airflow around dishes
  2. Place plastic items on top rack where heat exposure is better
  3. Angle dishes to allow water to drain off surfaces

Professional Repairs

Replace vent assembly or vent motor

Estimated Cost: $80 - $200

Replace heating element or hi‑limit thermostat

Estimated Cost: $100 - $300

When to Call a Professional

If multimeter testing needed for heating element or electrical component diagnosis
If vent assembly is stuck or inaccessible without disassembly

Preventive Maintenance

  • Refill rinse aid regularly: Poor drying due to lack of rinse aid
    Frequency: Each month or as needed
  • Clean interior and filter regularly: Debris buildup affecting performance
    Frequency: Monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Whirlpool Dishwasher not drying properly?
Common causes include empty rinse aid, heating element issues, or poor dish placement.
How do I fix Whirlpool Dishwasher not drying properly myself?
Ensure rinse aid is filled, select stronger drying settings, and adjust dish loading for better airflow.
How much does it cost to fix not drying properly?
Professional repairs can range from $80 to $300 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not drying properly?
If DIY solutions fail or if you suspect a heating element or vent issue, it's time to call a pro.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

50%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Professional

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Heating element malfunction (1 mentions)
  • Thermostat issues (1 mentions)
  • Insufficient hot water supply (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Repair the heating element

    Success rate: 50.0%

  2. Upgrade to Bosch 800

    Success rate: 50.0%
Analysis based on 2 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Upgraded dishwasher worth it?
  2. A couple weeks ago dishwasher stopped getting things as dry ...

Community Discussions

Needs a ~$300 repair, almost all plastic comes out wet

Consider upgrading to Bosch 800 or repairing the current dishwasher.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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