If your Kenmore dishwasher isn't drying your dishes how it should, then it can be very frustrating. The good news is there are a few things you can check to troubleshoot the problem. Let's take a look at some of the most common issues that can cause your Kenmore dishwasher to not dry dishes properly.
If your Kenmore dishwasher isn't drying properly, check the following:
- Check the level of Jet Dry
- Avoid overloading the dishwasher
- Look for clogged vents
- See if the drain is clogged
- Ensure you have a dry setting on
- Check for leaks
- Check fan motor for continuity
- Inspect the heating element
As you can see, there are a few potential reasons why your Kenmore dishwasher might not be drying dishes as it should. In this article, we will help you troubleshoot each of these potential problems and explain how to fix them. In addition, we will answer other frequently asked questions about Kenmore dishwashers, so read on!
Why Is My Kenmore Dishwasher Not Drying?
Kenmore is a known name when it comes to dishwashers and other home appliances. However, like any appliance, no matter the brand name, dishwashers can experience issues from time to time.
A common problem with dishwashers is that they don't effectively dry dishes. This can be frustrating because it means you have to either dry dishes by hand or leave them in the dishwasher for an extended period of time, which can lead to moisture damage.
There are a few potential reasons why your Kenmore dishwasher isn't drying dishes properly. We will go over each of these potential problems and explain how to fix them.
Check The Level Of Jet Dry
Jet Dry is a dishwasher additive that helps dishes dry faster by reducing water spots and streaks. If your Jet Dry is low, it could be the reason why your Kenmore dishwasher isn't drying dishes properly.
To check the level of Jet Dry, open up the dishwasher and look for the small compartment where Jet Dry is dispensed. The compartment is usually located near the top of the dishwasher. If the Jet Dry compartment is empty, simply add more Jet Dry and close the compartment.
If you're not sure how much Jet Dry to add, consult your dishwasher's manual. Once you've added more Jet Dry, run a test cycle to see if that has fixed the problem.
Avoid Overloading The Dishwasher
It can be easy to want to pack as much into the dishwasher as possible to save time, but this can actually lead to dishes not getting clean or dried properly. When loading the dishwasher, make sure dishes are not touching each other and that they are facing downwards so water can reach them.
In addition, try not to overload the dishwasher. Most dishwashers have a capacity of 12 place settings, so if you're trying to wash more than that at once, you're likely overloading the dishwasher. Doing this can cause dishes to not get clean and can also prevent them from drying properly.
Look For Clogged Vents
Over time, your Kenmore dishwasher vents can build up with grease and debris which can impede the dishwasher's performance. To clean your dishwasher vents, start by removing the lower rack. Then, look for the small round vents located near the bottom of the dishwasher.
Using a toothpick or other sharp object, clear out any debris that might be blocking the vents. You may also need to use a vacuum cleaner with a small attachment to reach any debris that's located farther down the vents. Once you've cleared out the vents, run a test cycle to see if that has fixed the problem.
See If The Drain Is Clogged
Like your dishwasher's vents, the drain can become clogged over time with grease and debris. If the dishwasher drain is clogged, water will have difficulty draining from the dishwasher, which can lead to dishes not getting clean or dried properly.
To clean your dishwasher drain, start by removing the lower rack. Then, look for the small round opening near the bottom of the dishwasher that leads to the drain.
Using a toothpick or other sharp object, clear out any debris that might be blocking the opening. You may also need to use a vacuum cleaner with a small attachment to reach any debris that's located farther down the drain.
Ensure You Have A Dry Setting On
If you are new to the dishwasher or have never used the dry setting, you may not know that some dishwashers have a dry setting. This means that after the final rinse cycle, the dishwasher will run a drying cycle using hot air.
Check that the dry setting is on and that the dishwasher is set to run a drying cycle. This can usually be found on the control panel of the dishwasher. If the dry setting is on and the dishwasher is still not drying dishes properly, there may be another issue.
Check For Leaks
If your Kenmore dishwasher is not drying dishes properly, there may be a leak in the dishwasher. A leak can cause water to build up in the dishwasher which can prevent dishes from drying properly.
To check for leaks, start by running a test cycle. Then, open the dishwasher and check for any water on the floor near the dishwasher. If there is water on the floor, there may be a leak in the dishwasher. If you suspect there is a leak, it's important to have it fixed as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Check Fan Motor For Continuity
The fan motor helps circulate air in the dishwasher, which is necessary for dishes to dry properly. If the fan motor is not working, dishes will not dry properly.
To check the fan motor for continuity, start by removing the lower rack. Then, locate the fan motor near the bottom of the dishwasher. Using a multimeter, check the fan motor for continuity. If the multimeter does not register continuity, the fan motor will need to be replaced.
Click here to see this multimeter on Amazon.
Inspect The Heating Element
If you have checked all of the above and your Kenmore dishwasher still isn't drying dishes properly, there may be an issue with the heating element. The heating element heats the water in the dishwasher so that dishes can dry properly.
Heating elements can fail over time, which can cause dishes to not dry properly. To inspect the heating element, start by removing the lower rack. Then, locate the heating element near the bottom of the dishwasher.
Check the heating element for any corrosion or other signs of damage. If the heating element is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
How Long Do Kenmore Dishwashers Last?
Depending on how well you take care of it, your Kenmore dishwasher should last 10 years. However, there are some factors that can shorten the lifespan of your dishwasher, such as using it too often, not cleaning it regularly, or not troubleshooting problems right away.
In addition, if you have hard water, this can also shorten the lifespan of your dishwasher. Hard water can cause mineral deposits to build up on the dishwasher, which can lead to corrosion and other damage.
To extend the lifespan of your Kenmore dishwasher, be sure to clean it regularly, troubleshoot problems right away, and use a water softener if you have hard water.
When Should I Replace My Kenmore Dishwasher?
If your dishwasher is more than 10 years old, it's probably time to start shopping for a new one. While you may be able to extend the life of your dishwasher with proper care and maintenance, eventually, it will reach the end of its lifespan.
By this time, the repairs and quality of the dishwasher will likely not be worth the money you put into it. Plus, newer dishwashers are more energy efficient and have better features.
You can also have your dishwasher inspected to see if it needs to be replaced. A professional can help you determine whether your dishwasher is at the end of its lifespan and whether it's time for a new one.
Should You Leave Your Dishwasher Open To Dry?
After your dishwasher has run its cycle and dishes are dry, you may be wondering if you should leave the dishwasher door open to air out.
Leaving the dishwasher door open can help prevent mold and mildew from growing inside the dishwasher. In addition, leaving the door open can help extend the life of your dishwasher by preventing water damage.
You just want to ensure that your dishwasher has completed its drying cycle before you leave the door open. Otherwise, dishes may not dry properly, and you'll have to run the cycle again.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, troubleshooting a Kenmore dishwasher that's not drying dishes properly can be a bit of a process. However, by following the steps above, you should be able to identify and fix the problem.
If you are still confused as to why your dishwasher is not drying dishes properly, contact a professional for help. A professional can diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action.
Made it to the end? Here are other articles you might find helpful:
How Old Is My Kenmore Dishwasher?
How Long Does A Kenmore Dishwasher Run?
How To Reset A Kenmore Dishwasher [Elite, Ultra Wash, Quiet Guard Standard]?
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