Are you constantly finding wet dishes in your LG dishwasher after a cycle? You’re not alone.
While LG dishwashers are reliable and efficient appliances, it’s not unheard of to face difficulties with them from time to time. One common challenge is dishes that come out of a cycle soaking wet.
Many LG dishwasher owners experience this issue, and it can be frustrating. Not to worry, though, because, in this article, we’ll explore the 6 major reasons it could happen and tell you the simple steps you can take to sort it out.
Keep reading to get your dishes dry in no time.
Why is Your LG Dishwasher Not Drying?
Before you can even begin to think about fixing the problem, you need to understand what’s causing it in the first place. These are some common causes you can look out for.
1. Faulty Heating Element
One of the main reasons your LG dishwasher may not be drying your dishes is a faulty heating element. This appliance component is responsible for heating the water during the wash cycle and heating the air during the dry cycle.
If it’s not working correctly, it won’t be able to thoroughly dry your dishes. This could happen because of wear and tear over time or if the heating element has become damaged for some reason.
2. Dirty or Clogged Air Vent
Another common reason for this issue is a dirty or clogged air vent. The air vent forces hot air to circulate in the appliance during the drying process.
If it’s blocked, the hot air won’t be able to circulate properly, and your dishes won’t dry as well. This can happen if the vent becomes clogged with food debris or the filter is dirty and needs cleaning.
3. Improper Loading
Believe it or not, how you load your dishwasher can affect its ability to dry your dishes. If you overload your dishwasher or place dishes too close together, the hot air won’t be able to circulate properly, and your dishes won’t dry as well.
Similarly, if you place dishes that have concave surfaces, like bowls or cups, facing downwards, water can collect in these areas and prevent the items from drying thoroughly.
4. Inadequate Rinse Aid
Rinse aid is a critical component in ensuring your dishes dry thoroughly in a dishwasher. It helps to reduce surface tension, allowing water to slide off dishes more easily and preventing water spots.
Rinse aid also prevents streaks on your dishes and gives them a shiny, clean-looking finish. If you don’t use enough rinse aid or forget to refill it regularly, your dishes may not dry as well as they should and could come out looking filmy.
5. Faulty Thermostat
Your LG dishwasher has a thermostat that regulates the dishwasher’s temperature during the wash and drying cycles.
If it’s not working correctly, it won’t be able to maintain the proper temperature during the drying cycle, resulting in cold, wet dishes. This can happen if the thermostat becomes worn out over time or if something damages the component.
6. Defective Drying Fan
Finally, the drying fan in your LG dishwasher is needed to circulate hot air during the drying cycle to help dry your dishes.
Sometimes, the fan can become clogged with debris. It may also be damaged due to wear and tear, impacting how well your dishes are dried, so you could notice water droplets left on your items.
How to Fix an LG Dishwasher That’s Not Drying?
Now that you know all the possible causes of a sub-par drying cycle, here are simple ways to fix an LG dishwasher that’s not drying your items properly.
1. Check the Heating Element
You already know that the heating element is responsible for both hot water and hot air in your appliance, so if it’s not working correctly, your dishes probably won’t be thoroughly clean or dry.
To check if the heating element is the issue, perform a simple continuity test using a multimeter. Of course, you’ll need to have the right tools and knowledge to do this.
First, unplug the dishwasher and locate the heating element. Use the multimeter to check for continuity in the heating element; if there is no continuity, you’ll know that the element is faulty and needs replacing.
If you don’t have the equipment or aren’t sure how to use it, get in touch with a professional.
2. Clean the Air Vent and Filter
A dirty or clogged air vent or filter can prevent hot air from circulating during the drying cycle.
To clean the air vent, first, locate it in the dishwasher and remove any visible debris or food particles. Then, use a small brush or toothbrush to clean the vent thoroughly.
When you want to clean the filter, remove it and rinse it under running water. Use a soft brush to remove any stubborn debris or buildup.
Once both the vent and filter are clean, run the dishwasher on a heated rinse to see if your dishes dry properly.
3. Properly Load the Dishwasher
You’ve just learned that how you load your dishwasher can also affect its ability to dry dishes, so you understand how important it is to place the items correctly. Overloading the dishwasher or placing dishes too close together can prevent hot air from circulating properly.
Additionally, placing dishes with concave surfaces facing downwards can cause water to collect and prevent proper drying. To avoid this, make sure you load your dishwasher with enough space between each dish and always place dishes with concave surfaces facing upwards.
4. Use Adequate Rinse Aid
If you’re not using enough rinse aid or forget to refill it regularly, your dishes may not dry as well as they should, and they might come out looking dirty. To add rinse aid to your appliance, locate the rinse aid dispenser in your dishwasher and fill it with the recommended amount of rinse aid.
The symbol for the rinse aid should look like a sun with dotted rays – the rinse aid dispenser is located next to the detergent dispenser. Make sure to refill the dispenser regularly – some dishwasher models will have a rinse aid indicator that alerts you when the dispenser is empty.
5. Check the Thermostat
If the thermostat is broken, the temperature won’t be regulated during the dishwasher cycles. To check the thermostat, you can perform a continuity test using a multimeter, which again means that you might need professional assistance.
If you can use a multimeter, first unplug the dishwasher from the power outlet and ensure it’s drained of energy, then locate the thermostat. Use the multimeter to check for continuity – if the results don’t look good, you’ll probably need to replace this component.
6. Replace the Drying Fan
Finally, you may need to replace the fan in your appliance. If you notice that the fan isn’t spinning properly or has any damage, this might be the case.
To replace the drying fan, unplug the dishwasher and locate the fan. Use a screwdriver to remove all the screws holding the fan in place and disconnect the wiring. Now remove the old fan, install the new one, and reconnect the wiring.
Finally, replace the screws and plug the dishwasher back in. Remember that these types of repairs should only be done if you’re confident in your abilities; otherwise, getting help from a qualified technician is crucial.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, a dishwasher that’s not drying properly can be frustrating, but it’s a problem that can be fixed quite simply.
By getting educated on the cause of the problem and following these steps, you can troubleshoot and solve the issue, ensuring that your LG dishwasher is functioning properly and that your dishes are fully dry after every cycle.
Remember always to consult your user manual and seek professional help if you’re unsure about any of these steps.
FAQs
Can I Fix My LG Dishwasher Myself?
While homeowners can perform some of the solutions outlined in this article, it’s important to note that if you’re uncomfortable or unsure about any of the steps, it’s a good idea to seek professional help.
An appliance repair technician can diagnose and repair any issues with your dishwasher, ensuring that it’s functioning correctly and that you’re getting the most out of your appliance without any risk to your health and safety.
How Often Should I Refill the Rinse Aid Dispenser?
The frequency with which you should refill the rinse aid dispenser will depend on the model of your LG dishwasher and how often you use it.
As a general rule of thumb, remember to check the rinse aid dispenser after every 30-40 loads and refill it as needed – look out for the rinse aid refill indicator on your machine.
Should I Replace My LG Dishwasher If It’s Not Drying Dishes Properly?
Not necessarily. While a dishwasher that’s not drying dishes properly can be frustrating, it’s usually a problem that can be fixed with simple troubleshooting and maintenance.
Before you consider replacing your LG dishwasher, read through the above steps and contact appliance repair specialists to find out whether it’s fixable.
Adrian is an ISCET licensed professional that has completed the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam and has the expertise to diagnose and repair any appliance. He is well-versed in the latest technologies and techniques and is always up-to-date on the latest industry standards.
