5 Ways to Boost Your Dishwasher's Drying Performance
On February 25, 2026 By newsroom Topic: Appliance Buyers Guide
Drying dishes can be a challenge, especially for items like plastic that don’t retain heat well. Here are expert tips to help you get dishes bone dry every time.
1. Allow Space Between Dishes
- Why it works: Proper spacing improves water and air circulation, which aids in drying.
- How to do it: Avoid overloading your dishwasher and ensure dishes don’t touch.
2. Use a Rinse Aid
- Why it works: Rinse aid helps water sheet off dishes, preventing water spots and enhancing drying.
- Tip: Many dishwashers have a built-in rinse aid dispenser—fill it regularly for optimal results.
3. Use the Heat Feature
- Why it works: Heat improves drying by evaporating water more effectively.
- How to use: Depending on your dishwasher, select heat options for washing, rinsing, or drying cycles.
4. Open the Door Post-Cycle
- Why it works: Trapped moisture escapes, reducing condensation on dishes.
- Tip: Open the dishwasher door a few inches immediately after the cycle ends for best results.
5. Empty the Bottom Rack First
- Why it works: Water collected on top-rack items can drip onto the lower rack.
- How to do it: Start unloading from the bottom to keep dishes on the lower rack dry.
Bonus Tips for Better Drying
- Upgrade your dishwasher: Some models feature advanced drying technologies like heated air or moisture-absorbing crystals.
- Choose plastic wisely: Plastic items dry less effectively than glass or ceramic, so consider air-drying them.
By implementing these strategies, you can boost your dishwasher’s drying performance—even without high-tech features!
