Bosch Dishwasher Not Drying? Here’s What To Do!

Bosch dishwashers are some of the most popular dishwashers in the market, with one of their biggest selling points being their innovative rack designs and super-quiet operation. But like any other brand of dishwasher, they can experience operational issues, such as the dishes not drying at the end of the cycle. We researched Bosch dishwashers to uncover the most common reasons for this. In this post, we will discuss it.

Here are common reasons why you're a Bosch dishwasher may not try your dishes properly:

  • Too many dishes loaded.
  • Burned out heating element
  • Improper unloading
  • Using the wrong drying settings
  • Bad fan motor
  • Issues with plastics
  • Faulty vent

Troubleshooting the dishwasher can help you nail down the issue that may be causing it to leave the dishes wet. Continue reading to learn more about these issues and how to determine if they are fixable or if the dishwasher needs professional repair.

An opened dishwasher due to a broken dryer, Bosch Dishwasher Not Drying? Here's What To Do

Reasons Why Your Bosch Dishwasher Isn't Drying Your Dishes

A dishwashing rack with plates and glass on it

Too many dishes loaded

Loading too many dishes in the dishwasher at once is one of the most common reasons for drying issues. Plates and cups that are spaced too tightly together cannot receive the airflow from the dishwasher's vent to dry thoroughly. Here are a few tips to follow to ensure that your Bosch dishwasher dries your dishware effectively:

Dishes on the bottom rack

The bottom rack is usually dedicated to bowls and dinner plates. Load plates in the same direction (this prevents them from cupping in blocking airflow) and load all bowls upside down so that the inside of them will not fill up with water during the rinse cycle.

Dishes on the top rack

The top rack of the dishwasher is typically dedicated to cups, glass, bowls, and smaller plates. Always place the dishware upside down on the rack and angle them slightly to ensure complete airflow access and drainage.

Silverware holder

Silverware can also remain wet if it is not spaced out correctly in the basket. Always load silverware in the same direction and alternate between the type of silverware to prevent them from resting too close to one another. For example, don't place spoons or forks in the basket back to back (as they appear in the packet when you purchase them), but alternate them instead.

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Burned out heating element

The heating element in your Bosch dishwasher may be worn out (not all models will include this). If it is, the dishwasher will not dry the dishes at all. You can test the functionality of the heating element using a multimeter (which will test its continuity). If it turns out that the heating element has no continuity, it will need to be replaced by a professional.

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Improper unloading

Similar to how overloading can hinder the drain ability of a dishwasher, so can improper unloading. This factor is actually so simple that you may not even consider it and not even be considering it. Always unload the bottom rack of your dishwasher first. When you unload the top first, you may cause any water on the surface of the dishes to drip down to the bottom rack (especially if the dishes are overcrowded), causing any dry dishes to become wet.

Using the wrong drying settings

Many Bosch dishwashers will not have a heating element but will instead use a drying process that involves condensation. This process consists of a hot rinse cycle to create condensation on the dishes, causing the droplets of water on them to dry faster. If you are using the standard cycle, you may need to select a stronger dry cycle option. On most models, you can also select the "Extra Dry" option if you have a particularly heavy load (or a mixed load). Another common option on Bosch models is the sanitize function which can add time and raise the temperature of the dry cycle.

Bad fan motor

If your Bosch dishwasher model has a fan motor, this can also be the reason that not drying properly. Fan motors are prone to malfunctions and failure just like any other internal component of a dishwasher. To determine if this is the culprit, you can use a multimeter to test its continuity. If it turns out to be faulty, you will need to contact an appliance contractor to replace it with a new one.

Issues with plastics

Bosch dishwashers use heat to dry the dishes--plastics aren't great conductors of heat. So to say, they will prove more difficult to dry than ceramic, glass, and stainless steel dishware. If you are having issues with your plastic dishware drying, try using a different dry cycle or selecting the "Extra Dry" option. It's best to first try this with one plastic dishware, as the heat may cause the plastic to warp (particularly if it's thin). It's also better to place plastic items on the bottom of the dishwasher to prevent damage during the drying cycle.

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Faulty vent

One simple reason that your dishes may not be drying properly is that the event is not opening completely. Sometimes the dryer vent on a dishwasher can become stuck in place, trapping hot air inside during the drying cycle. This is typically an issue that will need to be troubleshot by an appliance professional, particularly one familiar with Bosch dishwasher models. If the vent is faulty, it will need to be replaced. The event itself is fairly inexpensive, however.

Quick Tips:

  • Sometimes, simply adding a rinse aid can help your dishes dry more effectively. These aides work by removing water droplets from the dishes quickly and allowing them to dry or easily.

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  • If your Bosch dishwasher contains a heating element, be sure to load your plastic items on the top rack only to avoid damage.
  • Set a timer for your dishwasher so that you may know when it completes its drying cycle. When the drying cycle has completed, open the door to the dishwasher to let the steamy air escape and evaporate. You can also leave the door completely open to allow the dishes to air-dry (which can speed up their drying process).

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How long does it take for a Bosch dishwasher to dry?

On average, Bosch dishwasher models take around 30 minutes to complete the dry cycle, with their entire wash cycles (on a regular setting) taking anywhere from one and a half to two hours.

Should you leave the dishwasher door open to dry?

Yes, if you prefer to air-dry your dishes, you can simply open up the door and allow them to air dry. This can also be helpful if you are in a rush and need the dishes cleaned as soon as possible, or if you want them to be cool before do you place them back in the cabinets. Air-drying the dishes can save about 15% of the dishwasher's energy use.

How do I fix standing water in my Bosch dishwasher?

A repair man fixing a broken dish washing machine

If your Bosch dishwasher has standing water beneath it, this means that there is an issue with the drainage components. The best way to solve this is to troubleshoot the cause of the drainage issue so that it may be remedied. Here's how to do it.

Check the filter

Clogged filters are the most common cause of drainage and standing water issues. Check to see if your filter is free of debris and food particles.

Inspect the air gap

If there is any grimy residue or food particles stuck in the air gap, it can definitely cause water to overflow beneath the dishwasher. The air gap is located on your sink, typically to the right of your faucet. Remove the top of the air gap and clear out any debris inside.

Clogged drain line

Another common cause of standing water issues is a clogged drain line. To troubleshoot this, remove your drain hose remove the drain hose from your Bosch dishwasher and run it under the sink to see if water passes through it freely (you can also use a wire hanger to clear it out). If it doesn't, this may be your issue.

Does Bosch dishwasher have a warranty?

Bosch dishwashers come with a limited warranty which covers the following:

  • Parts & Labor (first year only)
  • Dishracks parts are covered for the 2nd through the 5th years of ownership.
  • The printed circuit board (or Microprocessor) is covered for the 2nd through the 5th years of ownership.
  • Inner tub liner (if it experiences a "rust-through") for the lifetime of the dishwasher

You can find warranty information in the owner's manual of a Bosch dishwasher as well as on their website where you can also look up the model number of your dishwasher. Bosch is known to deliver solid appliances and products, and their dishwasher warranty guarantees that the appliance will be free of material defects as well as workmanship errors. If it is not, the company promises to either repair or replace the dishwasher using an authorized dealer/repair service.

Wrapping Things Up

There could be several issues that may cause a Bosch dishwasher to not dry different dishes properly. The best way to remedy the issue is to troubleshoot the most common causes to see if you met can fix them yourself. If not it's best to contact an approved Bosch appliance repair company to fix the issue.

Before you go, be sure to check out our other posts:

How Much Does It Cost To Replace Granite Countertops?

Are Casserole Dishes Dishwasher Safe? [Here’s Which Ones Are]

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