Is it normal for some dishes to be wet?
Some wetness is normal. Many modern dishwashers dry by condensation: the hot dishes and a cooler tub let water run off rather than blowing hot air. Plastics hold little heat, so they stay wet. Cups and bowls with dished bottoms collect water. If everything is soaking wet and the dishes feel cool at the end of a normal programme, something is wrong.
Common causes
These are the usual causes, starting with the ones you can check yourself.
At a glance
| Cause | Who fixes it |
|---|---|
| The rinse aid dispenser is empty | You can check this |
| An eco or quick programme was used | You can check this |
| The dishwasher is overloaded | You can check this |
| The heating element or thermostat has failed | Technician |
| The drying fan or vent has failed | Technician |
- 1
The rinse aid dispenser is empty
You can check thisRinse aid helps water run off instead of sitting in drops. Without it, dishes stay much wetter. Top it up and check the dosage setting.
- 2
An eco or quick programme was used
You can check thisEco and quick programmes use lower temperatures and shorter drying. Try a normal or intensive programme, or switch on the extra dry option if your model has one.
- 3
The dishwasher is overloaded
You can check thisItems packed tightly or nested together trap water. Leave space between items and tilt cups and bowls so water runs off.
- 4
The heating element or thermostat has failed
TechnicianIf the water is not getting hot, dishes come out wet and often not clean. A failed element, thermostat or temperature sensor needs a technician.
- 5
The drying fan or vent has failed
TechnicianSome models use a fan or an opening vent to dry. If the fan has failed or the vent is stuck, steam stays inside and dishes stay wet.
What you can safely check yourself
- Fill the rinse aidTop up the rinse aid and set the dosage to the middle setting or higher.
- Change the programmeRun a normal or intensive programme with extra dry switched on, if your model has it.
- Load for dryingLeave gaps between items and tilt cups and bowls.
- Unload the bottom firstUnload the bottom basket before the top, so water from the top does not drip onto dry items.
- Check the heatOpen the door just after a normal programme ends. The dishes and the inside should feel clearly hot.
When to stop and call a technician
The dishes come out cold, the dishwasher trips the power, shows an error code linked to heating, smells of burning, or the dishes are also coming out dirty.
Still having trouble with your dishwasher?
Our technician comes to your home, usually the same day. The R450 call-out falls away if you go ahead, and you get a fixed price in writing before any work starts.
How a technician diagnoses it
- Heat checkThe technician checks the water temperature during a wash.
- Element and sensor testThe heating element, thermostat or temperature sensor is tested.
- Fan and vent checkOn models that have them, the drying fan and vent are tested.
- Fixed priceYou get a fixed price in writing before any part is replaced.
Is it worth repairing?
Usually worth repairing when
- The dishwasher is a mid or high-end model
- The fault is one part such as the element or fan
- The tub and door seal are in good condition
Consider replacing when
- The tub is rusted or leaking
- Several major parts have failed
- Parts are no longer made for the model