These days, a reliable dishwasher is an essential kitchen appliance. It helps to avoid the time-consuming effort required to wash utensils by hand. Like all appliances, regular maintenance is necessary, and regular visits to an appliance repair shop like the Pittsburgh Appliance Repair shop will keep your dishwasher running for years.
Drying utensils is not the primary function of a dishwasher. However, this process may be more energy-consuming than most people realize. Dishwashers make use of several methods to accomplish the task of drying dishes. Some models heat the water toward the end of each washing cycle; others will utilize a heating element to raise the temperature inside the washer. Other dishwashers enable the drying process by using fans; these propellers blast warm air into the tub to speed up the drying process. Some of the latest models utilize a combination of all three methods to speed up the drying of utensils.
Several reasons can disrupt the drying function of dishwashers. Plastic utensils, for example, do not dry completely like other materials. Ensure that only crockery made of the right material goes into your dishwasher.
Common Reasons Your Dishwasher is not Drying Utensils
As with all electrical appliances, appropriate use and proper handle will ensure the longevity of your dishwasher. Many problems arise due to mishandling of the machinery or outright improper use. All dishwashers are not built to identical specifications and complexity. A dishwasher not cleaning or drying your utensils and cutlery as it should can mean one of the following issues.
The Dishwasher is Improperly Loaded
Improper stacking of utensils inside the dishwasher can lead to the utensils not drying well. Ensure to load all crockery and cutlery in an orderly fashion. This simple process will enable you to detect any abnormal behavior unrelated to improper loading. As previously stated, plastic items placed inside dishwashers may not dry properly, like metal or ceramic utensils.
The Heat Coil Malfunction
This coil is an essential dishwasher component. It helps to warm the water during washing and rinsing cycles. Because of its location at the bottom of the washtub, the heating coil can easily break. After each wash cycle, the cutlery and utensils should feel warm to the touch. If not, then the heating coil is most likely not in good working condition.
To assess this problem, refer to the user manual of the dishwasher. After unplugging the machine, locate the heating element to look for any physical damage.
Damaged Rinse Aid Dispenser
Rinse aid is the surfactant used in dishwashers. It reduces the surface tension of the water in the dishwasher, thus expediting the drying process. A visual inspection can identify the issue; occasionally, the rinse aid is used up or insufficient. Sometimes, the dispense may be damaged hence dishes not drying adequately.
Thermostat Failure
The thermostat is essential to the temperature control of the dishwasher. It regulates the water temperature and the drying of utensils. Modern dishwasher thermostats have an automatic functionality; such thermostats can determine whether the utensils in the dishwasher are already clean. A turbidity sensor enables this self-regulation process.
If the heating coil is in working order yet the dishwasher is still malfunctioning, the thermostat is the most likely source of the problem. A multimeter can help detect this problem.
Drying Fan and Vent Failure
A drying fan is a crucial component of several dishwasher models. Along with the vent, the fan helps remove damp air from the dishwasher. The drying process ensures that no moisture remains on the dishes. If this happens, the vent or fan is probably not functioning properly. This vent is very susceptible to blockage. A visual inspection can help to identify the problem. Ensure to unplug the dishwasher before attempting to access the drying fan or vent. As before, a multimeter comes in handy.
Suggestions for Boosting Drying Capability
Changes in manufacturing standards have led to some modifications in some essential dishwashing ingredients. Phosphate-based detergents, for instance, used to be the norm for dishwashers a few years ago. Now, they are no longer on the market. Dishwashing machine manufacturers now have to adhere to stringent water capacity for each machine.
All in all, do not overload your dishwasher. This advice may seem counterintuitive; however, the washing and drying cycle moves along more efficiently if there is sufficient space for the water to clean the dishes. Using sufficient quantities of rinse aid also ensures that the drying process is efficient.
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