Quick Answer
If your dishwasher leaves dishes wet, the usual causes are missing rinse aid, a heat-dry setting that is off, a failed heating element, or plastic items that just do not dry well. Add rinse aid and check the dry setting first.
If your dishwasher leaves dishes wet at the end of a cycle, the usual causes are an empty rinse-aid dispenser, a heat-dry setting that is turned off, a failed heating element, or plastic items that naturally hold water. Two of those take seconds to check, so start there.
Start with rinse aid and the dry setting
Rinse aid helps water sheet off dishes instead of beading up, which makes a big difference in drying. Fill the dispenser and turn on the heat-dry or extended-dry option if your model has one. ENERGY STAR notes that many efficient dishwashers rely on rinse aid to dry well.
Check the heating element
Many dishwashers dry with a heating element at the bottom of the tub. If dishes are not just damp but cold and soaked, the element or its control may have failed. This is the same area we cover in our guide to a dishwasher that will not drain.
Plastics and loading
Plastic does not hold heat the way glass and ceramic do, so it stays wet longer. Spreading items out and avoiding nested cups also helps air reach every surface.
When to call a local pro
If rinse aid and the dry setting do not fix it, the heating element or vent fan likely needs attention. Get connected with a local Fairfield technician or see our dishwasher repair page.
Frequently asked questions
Do all dishwashers have a heating element?
No. Many newer, efficient models use condensation drying and depend heavily on rinse aid instead.
Is it normal for plastics to stay wet?
Yes, somewhat. Plastic is the last thing to dry, even in a healthy dishwasher.