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GE Dishwasher Not Drying

It can be super frustrating to find one of the most important appliances in your kitchen not doing its job well. If you are wondering, how you can fix your GE dishwasher not drying issue, I’ve got your back.

A GE dishwasher not drying dishes is commonly due to a malfunctioning heating element, which is crucial for the drying phase. If the element is faulty, it won’t produce heat. Verify the element’s condition with a multimeter and replace it if it shows no continuity to solve the drying problem.

Dishwasher racks full

Another reason for poor drying could be a vent failure. The vent releases the hot, moist air at the end of the cycle. If the vent doesn’t open properly due to a malfunction, dishes will remain wet. Fix this by ensuring the vent is not blocked and functioning correctly, or replace the vent assembly.

Depending on your issue, the solution will be different as well. So, in this article, I will help you with a variety of solutions you can try to solve any problem you might be facing. Without any further ado, let’s get started.

GE Dishwasher Not Drying the Dishes

To solve your GE dishwasher not drying any dishes, make sure to adjust the settings first. Then check to see if the vent is working properly and repair or replace if necessary. Finally, check the heating elements and repair or replace if it is damaged.

However, there may be different reasons as to why the dishwasher is not drying the dishes. The problem may be a simple mistake with your dish placement or the settings. The following are a few quick steps to fix the problem with your dishwasher:

Step 1: Check the Dish Placement

The dishwasher might not be able to dry the dishes because of their placement. If you place the dishes that dry slower on the top rack, the water may drip down to the ones on the lower rack. Another reason is not leaving enough space between the dishes for airflow.

Here’s how you can properly place all the dishes –

  • Place dishes that dry faster on the top rack.
  • Make sure there is enough space in between each dishware.
  • Avoid stacking or nesting several items.

Step 2: Review the Settings of Your Dishwasher

Different dishwashers come equipped with their own unique sets of features and heating cycles. Sometimes smart dishwashers will conserve energy by not using heated drying. Also, make sure the rinse aid dispenser is working without a problem.

A few simple adjustments you can try are –

  • If there is a “Heated Dry” option, manually turn it on to boost the drying performance.
  • Check if the rinse aid dispenser is full. If it isn’t, remove the cap and fill it with enough rinse aid.
  • If it is full, check for discoloration or damage.
  • If it is dirty, open the cap and clean the dispenser. It’s best if you clean the entire dishwasher.
  • If the cap is damaged, replace it with a new one.

Step 3: Make Sure to Check the Vent Heating Element

If the setting is well adjusted but the dishes are still not drying, then it’s possible that the vent is the main problem. It has most possibly malfunctioned.

Here’s how you can fix the problem-

  • Check if the vent is opening and closing properly.
  • In case the vent door seems stuck or won’t open fully, you need to repair or replace it.
  • Check the vent motor. If it’s not working see your manufacturer’s warranty to see if the replacement is covered.

Step 4: Finally, Check if the Heating Element is Working

Usually, the heating element is placed behind the dishwasher’s lower panel and the main unit that heats up your dishes. If it’s damaged your dishes won’t get dried.

Here’s how you can check whether it’s working properly:

  • Unplug or turn off the dishwasher’s main power source.
  • Find and check the heating element for any damage with a multimeter.
  • Consult a professional if it is damaged and needs to be repaired or changed.

DID YOU KNOW:

A GE dishwasher door that won’t open could be due to a stuck door latch or control lock feature being activated. Press and hold the control lock button for three seconds to deactivate this feature. If the door still won’t open, the latch may be jammed or broken, and you should gently wiggle the door handle to release it or replace the latch if necessary.

GE Dishwasher Not Drying Top Rack

Top view of dishwasher rack

If your GE dishwasher is not drying the top rack, first make sure the water temperature is at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Then fill the rinse aid solution in the rinse aid tank. Lastly, arrange the dishes so there is enough space between them.

There may be multiple reasons behind why your GE dishwasher is not drying the dishes on the top rack. So, it’s best you go through all the following steps to achieve maximum efficiency:

Step 1: Check the Water Temperature

It’s a must that the water temperature is not lower than 120 Fahrenheit. The hotter the temperature, the faster your dishes will dry.

Step 2: Check the Rinse Aid Tank

Run a rinse air solution through the tank for rinse aid. Doing this will speed up the drying process.

Step 3: Arrange the Dish Placement

Arrange all the dishes properly. Make sure there is enough space for airflow. Also, make sure that the glasses won’t tip over. If they do, they get filled with water and will slow up the drying process.

GE Dishwasher Not Drying Well Or Completely

Close up of dishwasher rack

If your GE dishwasher is not drying all the dishes well or completely, you need to check the heating element and thermostat for damage. If you find any damage on either of them, it’s time to get a replacement.

Follow all the methods below to fix the problem with ease-

Method 1: Fix the Heating Element

It’s usually the heating element not working properly if your dishwasher can’t dry all the dishes completely. Check the heating element placed on the bottom of your dishwasher’s tub.

Here’s what you need to do to fix the heating element:

  • Unplug the dishwasher.
  • Carefully remove the heating element.
  • Check with a multimeter if it is working properly.
  • If it is damaged, contact a professional and repair or replace according to their recommendation.

Method 2: Check the Thermostat Limit

For most dishwashers, there will be a high limit for safety. It keeps your dishwasher from getting too hot. If all your dishes have not completely dried, it is possible the thermostat has malfunctioned.

The following steps will help you through how you can solve this problem:

  • Unplug the machine.
  • Locate the thermostat and remove it.
  • Use a multimeter to check if it is working correctly.
  • If it isn’t working, replace it

Method 3: Check the Rinse Aid Dispenser

If your dishwasher comes with a rinse aid, this could be the reason behind your problem. Sometimes the cap of the rinse aid dispenser is damaged and all your dishes can’t shed water properly.

Let’s check how you can fix this problem:

  • Take off the cap from your aid dispenser.
  • Check if it has any discolorations, warp or damage.
  • If there are any of the above issues, replace it with a new one.

GE Dishwasher Not Drying Plastic

Open dishwasher door

If you are facing this problem, make sure the dishes go through a full cycle. You should avoid rinsing the dishes before loading them in the dishwasher to let them go through a full cycle. You could also try placing the plastic dishes with enough space in between.

However, do remember that plastic dishes tend to be harder to dry and even manufacturers would say so. But a few simple tips for better the driest plastic dishes are:

  • Avoid rinsing your dishes before loading them in the dishwasher.
  • Skip quick wash cycles and use the full cycle.
  • Place all plasticware on the topmost rack.
  • Leave space between all your dishes.
  • Keep the temperature of the water to 120-degree Fahrenheit.
  • Use rinse aid to get all your dishes fully dry.

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