Sears Home Services
Sears Home Advantage
appointment lookup logoAppointment Lookup
Repair
Home Warranty
Tune-Up & Maintain
MembershipShop Parts
Resources
Repair
Home Warranty
Tune-Up & Maintain
MembershipShop Parts
Resource Center
Glossary
Help
Symptom Center
sears home advantageSears Home Advantage
appointment lookup logoAppointment Lookup
  1. Repair
  2. KitchenAid
  3. KitchenAid Dishwasher
  4. Symptom Center
  5. Dishwasher not drying

KitchenAid dishwasher not drying

Common reasons your KitchenAid dishwasher is not drying

The most common reasons your KitchenAid dishwasher is not drying are a broken heating element, defective electronic control board or a stripped wire connector.

  • 42%

    42% of the time it's the
    Heating Element

  • 24%

    24% of the time it's the
    Electronic Control Board

  • 14%

    14% of the time it's the
    Wire Connector

  • 20%

    20% of the time it's the
    Something else

Schedule your dishwasher repair now!

We can help! Our service technicians have repaired over 100,000 KitchenAid dishwashers. We can fix yours no matter where you bought it.

Call (646) 440-2692 or schedule online now.
Text (240) 616-1772 to schedule now.

Most common repairs needed to fix a KitchenAid 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.


How to replace a dishwasher heating element

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 KitchenAid 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.

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 having a Sears Home Services professional 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.

When you need KitchenAid dishwasher repair, trust the pros at Sears Home Services to fix the problem.

If your KitchenAid dishwasher leaves plates damp, a faulty heating element or blocked vent might be to blame. Rather than manually towel-drying, address the underlying cause to ensure a fully dry finish. A quick inspection keeps your cleanup effortless. For reliable help, contact dishwasher repair near me and enjoy cabinet-ready dishes once again.

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

Why is my KitchenAid dishwasher not drying dishes?
Common causes include a malfunctioning heating element, poor rinse aid usage, or blocked venting. Checking these components can resolve most drying issues.
Do I need rinse aid for proper drying in a KitchenAid dishwasher?
Yes. Rinse aid helps water slide off dishes more easily, enhancing the drying process and reducing spotting. Ensure the rinse aid dispenser is filled regularly.
How do I check the heating element in my KitchenAid dishwasher?
Disconnect power, locate the element at the bottom of the tub, and inspect for breaks or scorch marks. Use a multimeter to test for continuity.
What if my KitchenAid dishwasher still won’t dry after basic troubleshooting?
Persistent drying problems may be due to a faulty control board or high-limit thermostat. In this case, scheduling a service appointment ensures a proper fix.

Repair Dishwasher Resources

Photo of an open Kenmore dishwasher in white modern kitchen
5 min readMar. 04

If you've ever encountered a dishwasher with standing water, you understand the frustration of a drainage issue.

Simple Steps to Replace a Blocked Dishwasher Spray Arm
6 min readMar. 04

If the dishes in your dishwasher are no longer getting clean, it could be the spray arm is clogged.

7 Common Dishwasher Problems and How to Fix Them
5 min readMar. 04

Many common issues stem from simple misuse.

dishwasher tips
4 min readMar. 04

If your dishwasher is giving you trouble, our experts have crafted a video playlist that offers a wealth of solutions to tackle common issues.

Glossary Terms

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 heat pump is an energy-efficient device that transfers heat from one place to another, providing heating in the winter and cooling in the summer.

A dryer thermal fuse is a safety device designed to protect a dryer from overheating by cutting off the power if the air temperature exceeds a safe level.

A dryer thermistor is a temperature sensor that plays a critical role in regulating the heat levels within a dryer, ensuring clothes are dried efficiently without overheating.

Additional possible KitchenAid dishwasher symptoms you may experience