If you have a KitchenAid dishwasher, there is no doubt that you are enjoying using it. When it stops working, however, the inconvenience is felt by all in the home.
One of the many problems that can occur with the KitchenAid dishwasher is for it to not dry the dishes. It seems like a simple step in the process, but there are a number of factors that can lead up to this problem.
When a KitchenAid dishwasher doesn’t dry properly, it is typically an issue with the machine not cycling as it should. Some other common issues include the vents not opening, the heating element not working, or the Rinse Aid dispenser not being used properly.
One thing that surprises many people about KitchenAid dishwashers is the fact that they don’t dry as well as they could at first. In fact, it may take a few weeks for your new dishwasher to start drying at an optimum level.
That is why the first suggestion for those who have a new KitchenAid dishwasher that is not drying is to simply wait it out. You may find that your dishes are coming out dry after a week or two of operation.
Another common issue that will be discussed in the more specific scenarios below is that the cycle is not completed. Opening the door before the cycle completes and then not pressing the start button when you close the door can cause the dishwasher to hang in the middle of a cycle.
One other common issue is for heat dry to not be turned on. In many KitchenAid dishwashers, it is not turned on by default and it will not operate if you are using a quick wash setting.
Below are some of the more common issues associated with a KitchenAid dishwasher not drying. In many cases, the solution is simple but often overlooked.
KitchenAid Dishwasher Does Not Heat Dry
Although it certainly is possible to dry dishes without using heat, it is a much quicker and more convenient way to do so. The heat dry setting allows the dishes to be dry thoroughly and it reduces the possibility for watermarks.
The first thing to do when you think that the heating element is not working is to check the dishes at the end of the cycle. Typically, when the heating element is not operating properly the dishes will not be dry and they will not be warm to the touch immediately after the cycle ends.
Check the Control Panel
Is the heat-dry setting is turned on? In many KitchenAid dishwashers, this setting is not turned on by default. Once you turn it on, however, it will remain on until you turn it off or the dishwasher is hard cycled (no power for 1 minute or longer).
Check the Wash Settings
Are you using an express wash setting? Any of the express or quick wash settings will not typically engage the heat dry cycle. The same would also be true for the rinse and hold, in which the dishes are not going to go through any dry cycle.
If you have verified that the heat dry setting is engaged and you are using a normal or heavy cycle, then there may be other issues involved.
Reset the Dishwasher
Before you begin looking at some of the inner parts, you can try resetting the dishwasher. This is done by either unplugging the dishwasher for one minute or, if it is hardwired, you can turn off the circuit breaker for one minute. When you turn it back on, it will be reset.
Check the Heating Element
If you have reset your dishwasher and still experience the problem, then you may have an issue with the heating element. You can check the continuity of the heating element using a multi-meter. If there is no continuity, you may need to replace the heating element.
Check the Thermostat
One other factor that could cause the heating element to not work is for the thermostat to be faulty. In a dishwasher, the thermostat keeps the element from getting too hot and burning out.
If it is not operating properly, the thermostat may cause the heating element to shut off prematurely. It may work temporarily, but it will not work for long.
You might be interested in the article KitchenAid Dishwasher not Working.
KitchenAid Dishwasher Doesn’t Dry Dishes
If you have a KitchenAid dishwasher that simply does not dry the dishes, there may be some internal issues.
Did The Last Cycle Run?
Before we start tearing things apart or getting on her hands and knees to look inside of the dishwasher, you should check to make sure that the cycle had completely finished.
If you open the door prior to the time that the cycle finishes, the dishwasher has a memory that will cause it to start at that point moving forward. It can even cause the dishes not to dry properly.
In order to reset the dishwasher, unplug it or turn off the circuit breaker for one minute and turn it back on again. The dishwasher should operate from the beginning of the cycle the next time you use it.
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on September 4, 2021.
Check the Vent
Another issue that can cause the dishwasher not to dry dishes is if the vent is stuck.
The vent allows the hot, moist air to escape the dishwasher. If it is stuck in the closed position or is not operating properly, then the dishwasher will continually cycle the hot, moist air.
After locating the vent, you can try opening it by hand. If it is stuck, then opening it manually a few times may loosen things up enough that it will operate properly. If it is not opening, there may also be something that is blocking it.
Check the Vent Fan Motor
On most new KitchenAid dishwashers, there is also a vent fan motor. The vent fan helps to move the moist air out of the dishwasher and allows the dishes to dry more effectively.
After unplugging the dishwasher, try to turn the fan blade by hand. You can also check the continuity of the motor using a multi-meter. If it is not operating properly, it may need to be replaced.
Check the Heating Element
One other factor to consider is that the heating element may be burned out. Check for continuity using a multi-meter and replace if necessary.
KitchenAid Dishwasher Not Drying Completely
If your KitchenAid dishwasher is not fully drying the dishes, it may be one of a number of different issues. Fortunately, most of these problems are easily addressed.
Many homeowners don’t realize that a new KitchenAid dishwasher is not going to effectively dry dishes when it is new. It may take up to two weeks before it reaches the optimum drying abilities. If your dishwasher is new, wait two weeks and see if it starts drying properly.
Are You Using Rinse Aid?
Are you using Rinse Aid? Many homeowners think that this is optional, but it can make a difference in how well your dishes dry.
Rinse Aid reduces the surface temperature of the water and stops drops from forming. If you are not using it or if the dispenser is clogged, then your dishes may not fully dry.
Is the Water Temperature Correct?
The temperature of the water as it goes into the dishwasher is also a factor in the dishes drying completely. Generally speaking, the temperature of the water should be 120° when entering the dishwasher.
You can check the temperature of the water and change the temperature on your hot water heater.
Are the Dishes Properly Loaded?
One other possibility is that the items were not loaded correctly or you put too many items in the dishwasher. Make sure that you load the dishwasher properly as it will make a difference in how effectively the dishwasher dries dishes.
KitchenAid Dishwasher Not Drying Vent
The vent may seem like a simple part of the overall machine, but it can make a big difference in whether the dishes dry properly or not. Many people don’t even realize that there is a vent.
The vent has a singular purpose, to allow the moist, warm air to get out of the dishwasher so the dishes can dry.
If the vent is not working properly, then the moist air will continue to circulate inside of the dishwasher. The dishes will dry, but it will take a long time or they may not dry completely before the cycle completes.
In many KitchenAid dishwashers, there is also a fan motor that helps to push the warm air out of the dishwasher. If the fan motor is not working, then the dishes will not dry during the regular cycle.
You can check the vent by unplugging the dishwasher and operating it manually. The vent motor can be checked by using a multimeter and checking continuity.
If the vent or vent motor are not operating properly, it should be replaced. That should fix the issue.
When your KitchenAid dishwasher is operating properly, it is a part of your kitchen you would not live without. By checking any little issues that occur along the way, you can keep the dishwasher operational for many years.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on September 4, 2021.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on September 4, 2021.