Whirlpool Dishwasher not Heat Drying? Fix it with a few Simple Steps

Are your clean dishes emerging from the washer damp or even soaking wet? Whether you own an old model or a brand new dishwasher, it may be a good idea to consider the potential causes and solutions to a problem such as this. Whether or not you plan on using a repair service to remediate the issue or are more confident in your skills with appliance repair, you should know for sure what the root causes are, as they may be different.

Here are a few possible reasons for your whirlpool dishwasher not heat drying:

1. The vents are not opening properly

The possible causes of this drying problem can more or less be classified as ventilation or heating element problems. Many dishwashing assemblies utilize a ventilation system with a motorized vent to allow for steam to escape. One of the most common causes of dishes not drying is the vent door not opening all the way during the rinse cycle. It is important that they are not warped or damaged as the rinse cycle is when hot water is distributed throughout a tightly enclosed space. If this is the case for your system, it can be easily confirmed by checking the vent. If it is warped or damaged, it must be replaced. Below are a list of potential reasons why your washer is not working as it should.

2. Defective Vent Fan Motor

Some dishwashers utilize a motor to blow the heated air out through the vent after the rinse. If the blade of the fan or the motor is damaged, your dishes will not dry properly. If you suspect that a defective vent fan motor is the cause of the problem, use a multimeter, testing your motor for continuity. In the case that it tests negative, you should replace it immediately.

3. Defective Limit Switch

Models that use a heating element should have a limit switch to shut off power from the element if the component overheats. Should the switch fail, it is possible that the heating element will go unpowered. Similarly with a defective vent fan motor, you should use a multimeter to test the limit switch's continuity.

4. Water Not Hot Enough

If the water coming through your plumbing system is insufficiently hot, the ventilation/heating system in your dishwasher will most likely be unable to turn the lukewarm to cold water entering it into a gas. In other words, the root problem of your dishes not drying may not be your appliance at all, but the water line/heater in your home. Have a repair person inspect the heating system or, if you choose to do it yourself, check the heater usually located underneath the kitchen sink.

Preventative Measures

Wash Frequently

Using the dishwasher on a regular basis will act as a self-cleaning mechanism, making sure all of the dishwasher parts run smoothly and don’t rust or corrode.

Clean Spray Arms

Cleaning the spry arms of your dishwasher can actually be a very simple and straightforward process. Using a pipe cleaner or even a piece of metal wire such as a clothes hanger, clean out any clogs inside the arms.

Other things to keep in mind are:

  • Use very hot water
  • Wash full loads
  • Use a Rinse Agent
  • Never wash dishes beforehand