Appointment Lookup
646-440-2692
Whirlpool dishwasher not drying
Common reasons your Whirlpool dishwasher is not drying
The most common reasons your Whirlpool dishwasher is not drying are a broken heating element, defective electronic control board or a stripped wire connector.
63% of the time it's the Heating Element
16% of the time it's the Electronic Control Board
9% of the time it's the Wire Connector
12% of the time it's the Something else
Schedule your dishwasher repair now!
We can help! Our service technicians have repaired over 100,000 Whirlpool dishwashers. We can fix yours no matter where you bought it.
Most common repairs needed to fix a Whirlpool 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 Whirlpool 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.
Why is my Whirlpool Dishwasher not Drying Dishes?
There are a several issues that can prevent your Whirlpool dishwasher from drying the dishes. Component failures such as bad heating element or issues like water temperature and incorrect loading can affect drying performance.
Before we begin with troubleshooting advice, keep in mind that certain dishes like plastic items don’t dry as well as others. Because plastic doesn’t retain heat, you'll almost always see drops of water on these items after the cycle finishes.
Let’s look at the issues that can prevent non-plastic dishes from drying in your Whirlpool dishwasher.
Here a comprehensive DIY troubleshooting video that covers all of the common drying issues:
If you’re unable to find and fix the cause of the drying failure in your Whirlpool dishwasher, schedule appliance repair services and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the problem.
How do I replace the heating element in my Whirlpool dishwasher?
Shut off the house circuit breaker or unplug the dishwasher before beginning this repair.
Follow the steps shown in this safe DIY repair video to replace the heating element in your Whirlpool dishwasher:
If you’re not confident that you can replace the heating element yourself, schedule service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to install a new heating element for you.
a
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 scheduling a Whirlpool dishwasher repair with a Sears Home Services professional who can 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.
Troubleshooting a Whirlpool Dishwasher That Doesn’t Dry
When your Whirlpool dishwasher doesn’t dry dishes, knowing what to check can help determine your best course of action. Start by checking the heating element for visible damage. If it appears damaged or isn’t working, consider replacing it. Inspect the electronic control board for faults and have a professional diagnose and replace it if necessary. Examine the wire connectors for any stripped or damaged wires that might be preventing the heating element from receiving power.
If you’re unable to diagnose or fix the problem on your own, it’s wise to call a professional. Sears Home Services can provide expert diagnosis and repair for your Whirlpool dishwasher. Our technicians have the experience and knowledge to handle any issue, ensuring your dishwasher dries your dishes effectively. By understanding these common issues and knowing how to address them, you can troubleshoot why your Whirlpool dishwasher doesn’t dry dishes properly. For more detailed guidance and repair services, schedule an appointment with our experienced technicians.
If your Whirlpool dishwasher won’t dry, its heating element or vent could be malfunctioning. Damp dishes defeat the hands-free convenience you expect. Don’t keep towel-drying—arrange a dishwasher repair near me. Properly heated final rinses ensure plates emerge ready for the cupboard.
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
Is your dishwasher not draining water? Learn 7 easy fixes for clogs, pump failures & more.
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 the dishes in your dishwasher are no longer getting clean, it could be the spray arm is clogged.
Glossary Terms
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.
Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It contrasts with soft water, which has lower concentrations of these minerals.
A dishwasher filter is designed to trap food particles, debris, and other residues during the wash cycle to prevent them from redepositing on dishes and clogging the drain.