why are dishes still wet after my dishwasher finishes?
wet dishes do not automatically mean a heater fault. the programme may lack a drying phase, rinse aid may be low, or water may be trapped in cup and container bases.
check that the selected cycle includes drying and has finished. condensation on the tub walls can be normal, and plastics may remain wetter than crockery even when drying works. these are different observations from a pool of undrained water across the base.
the linked drying guide covers checking and refilling the marked rinse-aid dispenser according to the manual. angle suitable cups and containers so their bases drain, and separate touching utensils. do not substitute detergent into the rinse-aid compartment or assume every dishwasher uses the same drying technology.
if drying has become noticeably worse and stays poor with an appropriate completed cycle, rinse aid and loading, arrange service rather than buying a heating component on this symptom alone.
possible causes
- the selected cycle has no drying phase or has not finished
- the rinse-aid dispenser needs refilling
- water collecting in cups or container bases
solutions
diy warning
working on appliances can involve mains electricity, water and moving parts. always disconnect power and water before you start. in Australia, gas work must be done by a licensed gasfitter, and fixed (hard-wired) electrical work by a licensed electrician. everything on this site is guidance only, and any repair you carry out is at your own risk. we are not responsible for any damage or injury caused by attempting a repair. if you are not confident, please use a qualified technician.
