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Encountering dishwasher dilemmas like dishes refusing to dry or stubborn food residue can turn kitchen cleanup into a headache.
Bosch dishwasher not drying
Common reasons your Bosch dishwasher is not drying
The most common reasons your Bosch dishwasher is not drying are a broken heating element, defective electronic control board or a stripped wire connector.
40% of the time it's the Heating Element
35% of the time it's the Electronic Control Board
13% of the time it's the Wire Connector
12% of the time it's the Something else
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Most common repairs needed to fix a Bosch dishwasher
Heating Element Replacement
Most dishwashers have a heating element at the bottom of the tub that helps dry dishwasher at the end of the cycle. Dishes won’t dry when a dishwasher has a broken heating element. Sometimes you can see cracks or damage on the heating element but damage isn’t always visible. When the heating element isn’t working and appears to be broken, schedule a Sears Home Services Expert to diagnose and repair your dishwasher.
Electronic Control Board Replacement
A dishwasher that is not drying dishes could have a defective electronic control board. The control board sends current to the heating element and fan (if your dishwasher has a fan) to dry the dishes at the end of the cycle. A failed relay or corrupted logic on the circuit board could prevent the control board from sending electrical current to the heating element and/or fan. Determining whether an electronic control board is defective is difficult. Have a Sears Home Services Repair Expert visit your home and fix the dishwasher when it is not drying dishes.
Wire Connector Replacement
When your dishwasher is not drying, a stripped wire connector between the electronic control board and heating element could be causing the problem. The electronic control board sends current through the wire harness to the heating element during the drying cycle. No electrical current will reach the heating element when a wire connector between those components is stripped. Also, a stripped wire on the user interface control can prevent you from selecting a heating option correctly. When the dishwasher isn’t drying, have Sears Home Services Repair Expert visit your home and fix the problem.
What to expect when you experience a Bosch dishwasher not drying issue
How is the not drying problem fixed?
Correcting most not drying problems usually involves replacing the heating element, electronic control board or wire connector. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.
How do I fix my Bosch dishwasher that is not drying?
First, follow the tips in the owner’s manual to help dishes dry better. As shown in the image below, the manual recommends that you check the rinse aid dispenser and refill it if it’s empty. Also, tilt open the dishwasher door and prop it open slightly using the top dishwasher rack.
These basic troubleshooting tips may help you fix the drying problem in your Bosch dishwasher.
Keep in mind that plastic dishes inside the dishwasher won’t dry because those items don’t retain heat needed for dishes to dry inside the dishwasher.
Check the Rinse Aid Dispenser
If you fill the rinse aid dispenser and it never empties out, the dispenser may be clogged or defective. A control board problem or wiring failure could also prevent the dispenser from dispensing rinse aid. Have a service technician examine and repair the dishwasher if the detergent dispenser isn’t dispensing rinse aid.
If you’re certain that the detergent dispenser is defective and you want to replace it yourself, follow the steps shown in this video to replace that part:
Rinse aid is key to proper drying of dishes in a Bosch dishwasher because this type of dishwasher uses extra-hot water in the final rinse to enact dish drying instead of using an exposed heating element inside the dishwasher tub.
How does a Bosch dishwasher dry dishes without an exposed heating element?
You won’t find an exposed heating element in the bottom of a Bosch dishwasher. Bosch uses a flow-through heater below the dishwasher tub sump to heat water as shown in the image below.
In the final rinse, the heater raises water temperature to around 150 degrees and heats the dishes with that hot water so the dishes dry after the cycle ends. Proper heater operation is key to drying dishes in a Bosch dishwasher.
The heater is extremely difficult to access in a Bosch dishwasher. If you’re having drying problems and you suspect a failed heater, schedule dishwasher repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the drying problem and replace the heater if needed.
Sears Home Services recommendations for a dishwasher that is not drying
When the dishwasher is not drying it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of dishwasher failures.
What to look out for with a dishwasher not drying diagnosis
Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your dishwasher problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.
A Bosch dishwasher that cleans but leaves plates wet often has a faulty heating coil or vent assembly blocking steam release. Damp dish loads can increase post-wash work. Call a dishwasher appliance repair near me to restore proper heat circulation. Once repaired, your Bosch delivers cabinet-ready dishes after each cycle.
What our customers say about us
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Thorough
James called to give an estimated arrival time. He was professional and personable. He had 2 professional ideas of the problem and found 1 was correct, but he didn't stop there. He did a thorough check of the appliance. 1 small part was needed. He ordered the part to my house. Fortunately, he was able to schedule for the next week, just before Thanksgiving. As before, he called ahead, arrived and quickly fixed the problem. My appliance is working perfectly.
Kirsten A, Oxford, PA
Service Call
Luke was great. Polite and knowledgeable even though the dishwasher was older than he!
James G, Hillsboro, MO
Daniel
Daniel went above and beyond to fix my dish washer. Very pleasant to deal with.
Paul F, Hghlnds Ranch, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are dishes coming out wet from my Bosch dishwasher?
A faulty heating element, blocked vent, or inadequate rinse aid can cause poor drying. Ensuring the heating cycle functions is key to resolving the issue.
How do I verify the heating element is working?
Turn off power, remove the bottom panel, and use a multimeter to test the element for continuity. Replace it if the circuit is open.
Is rinse aid crucial for proper drying?
Yes. Rinse aid lowers surface tension, allowing water to drain off dishes more effectively. Keep the dispenser filled for best results.
When should I call a service technician for a Bosch dishwasher not drying?
If replacing the heating element or adding rinse aid doesn’t help, the control board or thermostat could be faulty. A professional can diagnose these components.
Repair Dishwasher Resources
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Glossary Terms
A dishwasher basket is a removable container designed to securely hold small items like cutlery and utensils during the wash cycle, ensuring efficient cleaning without loss or damage.
A dishwasher end panel is a finishing piece installed on the exposed side of a dishwasher, primarily when it is at the end of kitchen cabinetry, to ensure a seamless and aesthetically pleasing look in the kitchen.
A dishwasher diverter motor controls the direction of water flow to different spray arms within the dishwasher, ensuring optimal water distribution during each wash cycle for thorough cleaning.
A dishwasher drawer is a compact, space-saving kitchen appliance designed to clean dishes efficiently, resembling a standard kitchen drawer that slides out for easy loading and unloading.