Appointment Lookup
646-440-2692
Maytag dishwasher not drying
Common reasons your Maytag dishwasher is not drying
The most common reasons your Maytag dishwasher is not drying are a broken heating element, defective electronic control board or a stripped wire connector.
47% of the time it's the Heating Element
26% of the time it's the Electronic Control Board
9% of the time it's the Wire Connector
18% of the time it's the Something else
Schedule your dishwasher repair now!
We can help! Our service technicians have repaired over 40,000 Maytag dishwashers. We can fix yours no matter where you bought it.
Most common repairs needed to fix a Maytag 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.
Why isn't my Maytag dishwasher drying my dishes?
Poor drying performance in your Maytag dishwasher can be caused by basic operation problems such as:
- Improper dish loading.
- Not selecting the right cycle and/or cycle settings (such as heated dry).
- Not using rinse aid or rinse aid dispenser problems.
- Plastic dishes won’t dry because they don’t retain heat.
- Using the Auto Open Door feature or opening the door slightly after the cycle ends will help the Maytag dishwasher dry dishes better in many models.
- Low water temperature.
- Heating element failure.
- Defective electronic control board.
- Wiring failure.
Rinse aid dispenser problems
If your Maytag dishwasher isn’t dispensing rinse aid because you never need to fill that dispenser, you may need to replace the detergent dispenser.
Here’s a video that shows how to replace the detergent dispenser in a dishwasher:
If the rinse aid dispenser is working properly, check the additional issues discussed in this troubleshooting video for a dishwasher not drying:
Check water temperature
For dishes to dry properly in a Maytag dishwasher, the water temperature must be at least 120 degrees.
Here's how to check it:
- Run the sink’s hot water from your kitchen sink faucet for 1 minute.
- Fill a glass with the hot water.
- Use a cooking thermometer to measure the water temperature in the glass.
If the temperature is around 120 degrees then the water supply going to your dishwasher is okay.
If it's less than 120 degrees, carefully increase the temperature settings on your water heater. Only make small, incremental increases in your water heater setting and don't set the water heater temperature above 120 degrees. This will help you avoid the risk of scalding when using the hot water in the bath or shower.
Checking other issues such as the heating element, electronic control board and wiring in your Maytag dishwasher is best left to a service technician with the right tools and expertise to diagnose dishwasher component failures. Schedule dishwasher repair service if you’re unable to find the cause of the drying problem on your own.
What to expect when you experience a Maytag 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.
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 Maytag dishwasher that leaves dishes wet often points to a failed heating coil or vent assembly. Manually drying every load undercuts the appliance’s ease of use. Rather than settling for damp results, turn to dishwasher fix near me. A quick repair ensures each cycle finishes with dry, cabinet-ready plates.
What our customers say about us
With more than 1.3 Million 5 Star Reviews, you don't have to take our word for it
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
Repair Dishwasher Resources
Learn how to drain a GE dishwasher with our step-by-step guide. Keep your dishwasher running smoothly with our expert tips.
Find out why your dishwasher won’t turn on and get expert tips from Sears Home Services to fix the problem.
If you've ever encountered a dishwasher with standing water, you understand the frustration of a drainage issue.
If the dishes in your dishwasher are no longer getting clean, it could be the spray arm is clogged.
Glossary Terms
A dishwasher gasket is a flexible seal that prevents water from leaking out of the dishwasher door during operation. It's crucial for maintaining the appliance's efficiency and preventing water damage.
A dishwasher impeller is a rotating component within the dishwasher's pump that circulates water throughout the unit during a wash cycle, ensuring efficient cleaning by spraying water at high pressure.
A dishwasher sump is located at the bottom of the dishwasher, serving as a collection point for water during the wash cycle. It houses the main pump and filter, facilitating the recirculation and drainage of water, essential for the cleaning process.
A dishwasher turbidity sensor is an advanced feature that measures the level of food particles and debris in the water, allowing the dishwasher to adjust the wash cycle length and water usage for optimal cleaning efficiency.