While washing is the primary function, a dishwasher that leaves dishes wet isn’t performing at full capacity. Why does my LG dishwasher not dry my dishes sufficiently? Using a heated dry option may be more effective at removing moisture. Troubleshoot an LG dishwasher not drying dishes with these common causes and DIY solutions.

Top 5 Reasons for an LG Dishwasher Not Drying Dishes

There can be several reasons for an LG dishwasher not drying dishes, but most have a simple fix that quickly solves the problem. From improper loading to skipping rinse aid, here’s why your dishes may be staying wet.

LG Dishwasher Not Loaded Correctly

How you load the dishwasher is just as important for drying dishes as it is for cleaning them. Overloading racks, overlapping and nesting items and misplacing dishes and glassware can all restrict airflow, leaving dishes wet.

Here’s how to load your dishwasher racks for improved drying:

• Top rack: Reserve for cups, bowls and glasses. Place each item upside down, at an angle, for better rinsing and drying.
• Bottom rack: Meant for dinner and serving plates and cookware. Place one dish per slot to ensure adequate airflow between each. Position cookware upside down for improved draining and drying.
• Silverware basket: Alternate forks, spoons and knives next to each other when placing them in slots or compartments to avoid nesting.

The Top Rack Unloaded First 

Unloading the dishwasher correctly is just as crucial to dryer dishes as proper loading. Unloading the top rack first causes residual water to fall on items below, making it seem like your LG dishwasher leaves dishes wet. Always unload the bottom rack before the top so any remaining water from above falls on an empty rack.

Heated Dry Not Used

If your LG dishwasher doesn’t dry dishes sufficiently, make sure you select any additional drying options before starting a wash cycle. Features that use a heated drying option or other drying functions don’t engage automatically and must be manually selected.

Image Courtesy of This West Coast Mommy

If available, try these LG dishwasher settings for dryer dishes:

• Extra Dry: Increases the water temperature during rinse cycles, while also increasing drying time.
• Night Dry: Runs fans intermittently throughout the night so dishes are completely dry by morning.
• Sanitary Rinse: Heats water temperature even higher during the rinse cycle, resulting in longer cooling times that improve drying.

Only Plastic Items Still Wet

It’s common to find an LG dishwasher not drying dishes made of plastic as well as other materials. This is because plastic doesn’t retain heat as well as glass, ceramic or other substances, cooling plasticware before water can evaporate. When washing a large amount of plastic items, consider placing them in a separate dishwasher load. This will prevent their lingering moisture from affecting the drying cycle or re-wetting other dishes and glassware.

Not Using a Rinse Aid

Rinse aid can be a helpful LG dishwasher drying agent, especially if you have hard water. Rinse aid alters the surface tension of water droplets, making them lie flat on dishes and glassware. This flatter shape enables water to roll off items more easily, therefore mineral deposits aren’t left behind. 

If you’re using rinse aid but still find your LG dishwasher not drying dishes adequately, you may need to adjust the amount used. Most rinse aid dispensers allow you to increase the amount of rinse aid dispensed via an adjustable dial. Avoid adding too much, though, as a buildup of rinse aid residue can result in a clogged dishwasher and draining problems.

If these DIY tips still leave you with wet dishes, a part malfunction may be responsible. For a fast and professional LG dishwasher repair, schedule your service with the experts at Tiger Mechanical!