Whirlpool Dishwasher Not Drying Dishes? Here’s What to Do…
“Why are my dishes not drying?” Your heated dry dishwasher is extremely handy, but it isn’t magic. Getting clean, dry dishes requires proper placement, dishwasher settings, and unloading techniques. Not doing any of these things can result in a Whirlpool dishwasher not drying properly. Here are the most common problems and steps you can take to fix them.
Dishes Aren’t Loaded Correctly
The most common mistake people make when using their dishwasher is loading it incorrectly. This can also be one of the reasons why your dishwasher doesn’t clean well. You should always avoid overcrowing and leave enough space between each dish for hot water to reach and air to evaporate. Otherwise, your Whirlpool dishwasher leaves dishes wet.
Make sure you’re loading it properly, with these tips:
- Proper placement: Plates, cookware, large kitchen items go on the bottom rack. Mugs, Bowls, and other small things go on the top rack. Silverware goes into the silverware cabinet.
- No nesting: Nesting is what happens when dishes of similar size overlap, creating pockets of unwashable areas. Avoid this by alternating silverware, and not stacking bowls too closely.
- Upside-down: Placing bowls, mugs, and other items that can fill with water upside-down will prevent them from filling up with water- something that will mean your Whirlpool dishwasher doesn’t dry.
Unloading Out of Order
Washing Plastic Items
Not Using Rinse Aid
One of the most often overlooked reasons for a Whirlpool dishwasher not drying completely is a lack of rinse aid. Rinse aid is often touted in advertisements as something to make your dishes shine more. What it really helps with though is the drying process. Rinse aid works to decrease the surface tension of water, which is the property of water to stick to itself and surfaces. Adding rinse aid may fix the drying issues you have.

Not Using Heated Dry Setting
Defective Whirlpool Dishwasher Parts
If you’ve tried all of the above but no luck, your dishwasher may have one or more defective components. Some of the usual suspects include the dishwasher vent, heating element, or circulation fan. At this point, we recommend a professional Whirlpool dishwasher troubleshooting technician to resolve the issue.