Having a dishwasher in our home is a real convenience. If it isn’t drying properly, however, that convenience turns into frustration.
An issue with an LG dishwasher not drying can often be traced to a user error. If the dishes are not loaded properly or if they are overloaded, then the dishwasher will not be able to dry them. Otherwise, it could be an issue with the heating element.
We will take a look at some of the most common reasons why an LG dishwasher is not drying your dishes. You can try them in order or check for some of the more specific issues that are listed below.
LG Dishwasher Not Drying
First of all, it’s important to understand that there is a difference between an LG dishwasher not drying your dishes and not drying them properly. At times, it can be the same issue.
If you open the dishwasher after the drying cycle has completed and the tub walls are wet, that is perfectly normal. In fact, it is part of the proper operation of the dishwasher and is associated with having the dishwasher dry dishes properly.
The tub walls cool quickly but the dishes stay warm. This allows the water to evaporate from the dishes and condensate on the walls of the dishwasher.
It may also be possible that plastic items stay wet longer than other dishes, including glasses and plates. This is due to plastics not holding onto the heat as much as the other items in the dishwasher.
If you find that the plastics are not drying properly but your other dishes are drying, you can try using the sanitary rinse option. The sanitary rinse uses very hot water at the end of the wash cycle and that heats the dishes, making it more likely for them to dry properly.
There is also an extra dry cycle on most LG dishwashers. Engaging the extra dry cycle may help to dry any stubborn dishes that tend to stay wet.
If you are washing your dishes at night and unloading them in the morning, make sure you are using the ‘night dry’ cycle. That will typically allow the dishes to dry even further.
Finally, there may be an option to automatically open the door when the dry cycle is nearing its end. This will allow any water vapor to escape the dishwasher into the surrounding room.
If your dishwasher does not have an open automatically option, then you can open the door manually a few inches when the dishwasher dry cycle is coming close to an end.
There may also be some other issues that can lead to a dishwasher not drying completely. Here are a few to consider:
Properly Loading the Dishes – Many people tend to overload the dishwasher, and if the dishes are touching each other, they are not going to dry properly. Put any larger items upside down on the lower rack. Use the cutlery rack separators to separate utensils.
Rinse Aid – It is surprising how many people do not use Rinse Aid with their dishwasher. It does more than keep spots from appearing on the glasses, it also helps to properly rinse the dishes and make it easier for them to dry.
If you are using Rinse Aid, make sure that you are using enough of it and using the proper type. You should also not use Rinse Aid if you are using a detergent tablet that also contains Rinse Aid.
Check the Cycles – It is important to use the proper cycle for the types of dishes being washed. You should also use the proper dry cycle, depending upon the types of dishes and when you are washing them.
In order to increase the ability of the dishwasher to dry the dishes, you can use the ‘extra dry’ and ‘high temperature’ options. Using both of them will typically help to dry the dishes properly.
LG Dishwasher No Heat Dry
If you are using your dishwasher and it is not heating properly during the drying cycle, this may be by design. Many new dishwashers are using a condensation drying system and are not using the heating element as often.
Some people love the condensation drying system but other people feel that it doesn’t work as effectively. It essentially causes the water to evaporate off of the dishes and condensate on the walls of the dishwasher.
The way that it does this is by heating the dishes during the wash cycle. That is why it is often recommended that you use a sanitary rinse cycle to heat the dishes further when the dry cycle is about to start.
You can also boost the ability of the dishwasher to dry dishes by slightly opening the door while the dry cycle is operating. That will help the water to evaporate off of the dishes even more and out into the surrounding room.
At times, the heating element may not be operating properly. The heating element is not only used for drying the dishes, it is also used for heating the water.
Typically, the water that enters the dishwasher is about 120°F. In order to sanitize the dishes and kill bacteria, it needs to be heated to about 160°F.
If the element is not heating the water during the wash cycle and the dishes are not drying, it may be necessary to replace the heating element. You can check the heating element continuity by disconnecting it from the power and using a multimeter.
LG Dishwasher Not Drying Dishes Properly
One of the most common issues that lead to an LG dishwasher not drying dishes properly is for the dishes to be loaded improperly. Make sure that you are following the loading instructions carefully and don’t overload your dishes.
Here are some other possibilities for why an LG dishwasher is not drying dishes properly.
High-Temperature Wash – Since most new LG dishwashers use a condensation drying system, the dishes need to be warm in order for them to dry properly. Using a high-temperature wash will help the water evaporate and condensate on the walls of the dishwasher.
Auto-Open – If the LG dishwasher is equipped with an auto-open feature, make sure you are using it. With this feature, the door opens automatically during the dry cycle. Of course, you can always open it manually.
Rinse Aid – Rinse Aid helps to keep the dishes from spotting but it also makes the water rinse from the dishes more effectively. With less water left on the dishes, there is less to dry.
Control Board – There may be a problem with the control board that is not allowing the dishwasher to run through the dry cycle properly. Unfortunately, you can’t check the control board using a multimeter.
It is possible to visually inspect the control board by removing it and looking for any burned areas. You will find it easier to inspect the control board with a magnifying glass. If any issues are found, you can replace the control board.
LG Dishwasher Heater Not Working
Most people are under the assumption that an LG dishwasher heater is only used during the drying cycle. In fact, it is used more during the wash and preparation cycles.
The heater heats the water that comes into the dishwasher so it is hot enough to sanitize the dishes and remove bacteria. In most cases, the dishwasher receives water at about 120°F and then heats it to 160°F.
It is the heating during the wash and rinse cycles that allows the dishwasher to dry the dishes properly. In some older models, the heating element does work to dry the dishes but in newer models, a condensation drying system is used.
If you have a problem with your dishwasher heater not working, look for some of the following issues:
Error Code – If there is an error code, particularly ‘HE’ at the end of the cycle, it may be associated with a control relay or perhaps a thermistor. Either of those can be checked with a multimeter and replaced if necessary.
The HE code may also appear if the water is too hot. Although this can be an issue with the thermostat, it may also be that the heating element is working too much and causing the water to heat excessively.
Check Continuity – After turning off the power to the dishwasher, you can check the continuity of the heating element using a multimeter. You might also want to check the voltage coming into the heating element if you are comfortable doing so.
The heating element can be replaced if it is not operating properly. It may be, however, that there are other issues leading to this problem.
Water Temperature – If the water coming into the dishwasher is too hot or too cold, it may need to be adjusted. At a minimum, the water should be 120°F but it should not be over 160°F. If the water is too hot or too cold, the heating element may not work properly.
Control Board – A problem with the control board can lead to the LG dishwasher heater not working properly. Visually inspect the control board with a magnifying glass to see if there are any burned sections. You can also check the power ribbon for micro-cracks.
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on September 16, 2021.
Manual Reboot – If all else fails, try performing a manual reboot of the dishwasher. You can do this by unplugging the dishwasher or turning it off at the circuit breaker. Wait for at least one minute and restore the power.
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Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on September 16, 2021.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on September 16, 2021.