5 Ways to Boost Your Dishwasher's Drying Performance

On February 16, 2025 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!


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