Dishwashers are highly efficient appliances that streamline the process of cleaning dirty dishes. But, even the most well-maintained dishwashers can experience issues with drying dishes.
If your Amana dishwasher leaves water spots or fails to dry your dishes completely, it’s likely that there is an issue with the appliance
In this guide, I will break down the drying process of a dishwasher and the possible reasons why yours is not drying dishes.
Why Is My Amana Dishwasher Isn’t Drying?
A dishwasher has two main drying methods, either the dishwasher has Heated drying, or it uses Condensation drying.
Typically, heated drying uses the heating element to produce hot air that circulates through the dishwasher before a small fan pushes the air out the dishwasher vents. The heating element is usually blamed when the dishes in your dishwasher aren’t drying.
A malfunctioning heating element is the main culprit for a dishwasher not drying dishes properly. Aside from this, defective wiring, wrong heating settings, or malfunctioning fans and vents can also be responsible.
Here are the reasons why the Amana dishwasher fails to dry after cleaning:
- Defective heating element.
- Defective high-limit thermostat.
- Damaged wiring.
- Malfunctioning vents
- Incorrect heating settings.
Troubleshooting dish drying issue in an Amana dishwasher
To troubleshoot your Amana dishwasher if it is not drying dishes, first ensure that the water is draining correctly. Then, check if the heating element is functioning. If it is not, replace it.
Before diving into step-by-step instructions, look at the bellow table. This will make it easier for you to understand this guide quickly.
| Reasons for Dishwasher Not Drying Properly | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Blocked or clogged drain or filter | Clean or replace the drain or filters |
| Faulty or broken heating element | Replace the heating element |
| Improper loading of dishes | Rearrange the dishes to allow proper airflow |
| Insufficient water temperature | Check the water pressure or replace the water heater |
| Malfunctioning door seal | Replace the door seal |
| Outdated or worn-out dishwasher | Consider purchasing a new dishwasher |
Step-1: properly load the dishwasher
Are you putting too many dishes in your dishwasher?
Have you tilted dishes correctly? Perhaps they are touching one another or falling over and filling up with water!
Incorrect loading of your dishwasher can cause lightweight plastic cups or glassware to shift and tip over, resulting in them being filled with wash water.
If you’re unsure how to load it correctly, consult the user manual (you may find it online if you lost it) Always spin the spray arm lightly before starting a cycle to ensure it isn’t bumping into anything.
Step 2: Check and refill the rinse aid
It’s a good idea to check the simple things first. If the dishwasher has started leaving dishes wet, check if the rinse aid has run out.
Rinse aid helps the drying process by dispersing water from the surface of your dishes during the final rinse. It keeps water droplets from drying and leaving water marks on your dishes.
But how do you know if it’s time to refill the reservoir? You can check it by looking at the rinse aid light. If it’s illuminating, it’s time to fill the tank. Open the cover of the reservoir, pour in the rinse aid until the reservoir is full, and close the cover.
Step 3: Check the water heater if it’s the issue
Many newer dishwashers heat the water to the appropriate temperature before starting, but if that isn’t the case with yours, check your water heater’s settings.
The water entering the dishwasher should be between 120 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit (49 and 66 degrees Celsius).
Additionally, check the timing of your dishwasher’s cycles. If everyone in your house has just a shower, your dishwasher may not have enough hot water.
Note: make sure to select the proper washing settings for the kind of load you are washing.
Step 4: Open the door after the washing cycle
As mentioned, the dishwasher dries dishes in two methods. Either it uses Heated drying or Condensation drying method.
If your dishwasher uses condensation to dry dishes, dry dishes may become wet again as the air inside the appliance cools.
You can easily avoid this problem by opening the door after the cycle, letting the humid air out, and preventing it from condensing on the dishes.
Step 5: Check the heating element if it’s damaged
Heating element is a piece of metal that heats up when electricity is passed through it. In a dishwasher, it is used to heat water so that it is hot enough to clean and then dry the dishes properly.
However, if your dishwasher uses a heating element to dry the dishes, it’s possible that your dishes are no longer drying because the heating element has been damaged.
If you’re comfortable working with electricity, you can check it yourself. But first, you must open the bottom panel and check it with a multimeter. Watch the below video to test the heating element.
F.A.Q.s
Q: Still, my Amana dishwasher is not drying dishes! What next?
If you have tried all of the solutions mentioned above and your Amana dishwasher is still not drying dishes, several dishwasher parts could be at fault.
Fortunately, most dishwasher replacement parts are widely available online.
But you may be unable to check and change those parts (like the heating element, control board, Vent, or thermostat) yourself as you are not experienced enough.
It is best to call a qualified repairer to look at your dishwasher.
Q: How much does a dishwasher heating element replacement cost?
It can cost anywhere from $100 to $300 to replace the heating element in a dishwasher, says Imani Francies, a home maintenance expert with Clearsurance.
In the UK, expect to pay from around £95 to £140, according to the experts at Checkatrade.
The cost will depend on your dishwasher’s model and the heating element’s price. It will also depend on where purchase the part is.
Q: Can using the wrong detergent cause the Amana dishwasher to not dry dishes?
Yes, using the wrong detergent can affect the drying performance of your Amana dishwasher. Ensure that you are using a detergent specifically designed for automatic dishwashers.
Using regular dish soap or hand-washing detergents can lead to excessive suds, inhibiting the dishwasher’s drying process.
Q: Can hard water affect the drying performance of an Amana dishwasher?
Yes, hard water can impact the drying performance of any dishwasher, including Amana models. The mineral deposits present in hard water can leave spots and film on dishes.
Consider using a rinse aid specifically designed for hard water to improve drying results.
Abdul Kader, a handy guy and experienced founder of a TV repair shop in Gulshan, Dhaka, Bangladesh. He is mainly an expert in understanding and repairing different types of issues with Smart TVs and providing helpful insights on how to keep them in good working order. Read his Full Story.