If you’ve been using your Frigidaire dishwasher and have noticed that it isn’t drying the dishes like it used to, you may be wondering what the problem could be. There are several reasons why your dishwasher might not be drying correctly. First, we’ll look at the different drying features and what can cause them to malfunction.
There are several reasons a dishwasher won’t dry dishes completely, and they are as follows:
- The type of dishes you’re loading
- A damaged or broken heating element
- The vent door doesn’t function properly
- Damaged Detergent Dispenser
- You’re loading the dishes wrong
Frigidaire is a reputable brand, and most of their dishwashers come with various features designed to ensure your dishes dry correctly.
However, if you’re not using the proper settings or loading the dishwasher correctly, it could prevent it from drying efficiently.
Before discussing the issues that can prevent a Frigidaire dishwasher from drying, let’s look at the different drying options.
All Frigidaire dishwashers come with both heat and air dry options.
Heat Dry
The Heat Dry option is the most efficient and powerful way to dry your dishes. This setting uses a combination of hot air and steam to ensure the dishwasher dries quickly and efficiently.
This is the fastest way to dry the dishes off, but it also uses the most energy.
Air Dry
The Air Dry setting is slightly less effective than Heat Dry, but it can still get the job done. This option works by circulating air over the dishes to help them dry more slowly.
Air Dry is also a lot less energy-intensive than Heat Dry, so it’s perfect for those who want to save on energy costs.
Once you understand the different drying options and how they work, you can begin to troubleshoot why your Frigidaire dishwasher may not be drying.
5 Reasons Your Frigidaire Dishwasher Isn’t Drying Dishes
#1 The Type of Dishes In Your Dishwasher
Certain dishes can be harder to dry than others and may require a longer cycle or higher heat setting. For example, plastic dishes take longer to dry and should be loaded in the top rack or side racks if your dishwasher has them.
Heavy pots and pans should always be loaded in the bottom rack, as they take longer to dry and can prevent water from draining off the other dishes.
#2 A damaged or Broken Heating Element
All dishwashers, regardless of brand, use a heating element to dry dishes. If the heating element is not functioning correctly, it can cause a dishwasher to be unable to dry dishes effectively.
Sometimes it’s easy to visibly see if the element is broken, burnt out, or blistering. However, it’s not always possible to see the damage.
Therefore you’ll need to perform a continuity test. This video will walk you through how to perform a continuity test.
A continuity test will determine if a continuous electrical path is present in the element.
If the element has continuity, it should function properly, and it’s likely one of the other reasons listed.
No continuity means the element is broken and needs to be replaced.
If the dishwasher is under warranty, the manufacturer should be able to replace it free of charge. Otherwise, you can pick up replacement parts at Amazon or your local hardware store.
If you’re not a handy person, you may need to seek help from a professional to help diagnose the issue.
#3 The Vent Door Doesn’t Function Properly
The vent door is a spring-loaded, hinged flap that opens and closes to control airflow within the dishwasher. If the vent door isn’t working correctly, it can cause poor air circulation and prevent dishes from drying thoroughly.
In most cases, you can fix a broken vent door by simply cleaning it and ensuring it opens and closes properly.
However, if the vent is severely damaged or broken, you will need to replace the vent.
Again, if your dishwasher is under warranty, the manufacturer should provide both the part and technician to replace the part free of charge.
#4 Damaged Detergent Dispenser
A damaged detergent dispenser won’t necessarily affect the drying of the dishes. So it’s still possible to use the appliance. However, all parts, including the detergent dispenser, must function properly to operate correctly.
If the detergent dispenser is broken, cracked, or doesn’t open, it can prevent the dishwasher from completing all its cycles or miss a step.
This means your dishes won’t dry completely or come out dirty.
A malfunctioning detergent dispenser is usually an easy fix and can usually be replaced with a few simple tools.
#5 You’re Loading The Dishes Wrong
The way you load your dishwasher can also affect how well it dries the dishes. For example, if you don’t leave enough space between the dishes, water may not be able to evaporate correctly, which can cause dishes to remain wet.
Plates and bowls should be loaded facing down so water can drain off of them.
Ensure you leave enough space between the dishes and around the edges of the dishwasher.
This will allow for better air circulation and more effective drying. It may take time to learn how to load it properly, but once you find the best way, your dishes should be dry every time.
What To Do If You’re Dishwasher Isn’t Drying?
If your Frigidaire dishwasher is not working correctly, the first thing to do is to run a troubleshooting test.
If your dishwasher passes the troubleshooting test and you’ve tried all of the above, it’s best to contact the manufacturer for service or further instructions.
They should be able to help you to get your dishwasher working again.
If your appliance is not under warranty, it may be more cost-effective to hire a technician to diagnose and repair the issue.
Final Word
There are many reasons why your Frigidaire dishwasher may not be drying correctly. However, it’s important to first check if your appliance’s components are functioning correctly, such as the heating element, vent door, detergent dispenser, and loading technique.
If the problem persists, contact a professional to help diagnose and repair the issue.
Frigidaire dishwashers are reliable appliances, and regular maintenance and care can last you for many years.
With the proper troubleshooting steps, you should be able to get your dishwasher up and running again in no time, without spending a fortune.
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Sources
https://www.myrecipes.com/convenience/dishwasher-setting-killing-machine
https://manuals.plus/frigidaire/frigidaire-dishwasher-manual#features_at_a_glance