Amana Dishwasher Not Drying Properly: How To Fix It

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Twin Cities Appliance
March 14, 2023
Dishwasher Repair

If you’ve run your Amana dishwasher and found that your dishes aren’t properly dried, don’t despair. This fairly common problem can usually be fixed without calling in a professional. 

In this article, we’ll walk you through common causes of this issue as well as tell you how to fix them. With a little troubleshooting, you should be able to get your dishwasher back to normal in no time.

1. The dishwasher was not loaded correctly

Incorrectly loading the dishwasher can be a major cause of dishes not drying properly. To ensure that water can circulate throughout the machine, dishes should not be over-stacked within a compartment and should not block any ventilation openings. 

Also, dishes should not be placed too close to each other, which can impede air circulation. Since water droplets tend to settle on surfaces cooler than the surrounding air temperature, greater distance between items will decrease their likelihood of remaining damp after the cycle has ended.

2. The filter may be clogged and needs cleaning or replacing

The filter in an Amana dishwasher is responsible for trapping food or dirt particles, preventing them from circulating around the dishwasher. Over time, this dishwasher filter can become clogged and needs to be cleaned or replaced. 

In certain models, the filter also allows air to circulate in the dishwasher during a drying cycle. When clogged, air cannot reach certain areas of the dishwasher — which can hinder the drying process. To ensure optimal performance, regularly check and clean the filter to prevent it from becoming clogged. If your dishwasher still isn’t drying properly after cleaning the filter, continue reading for further assistance.

3. The rinse aid dispenser might need to be refilled

Rinse aid dispensers are designed to help reduce spotting and filming on dishes and aid in the drying process. When empty or needing a refill, rinse aid will not be dispensed during the cycle which leads to dishes remaining wet after the cycle has ended. Always ensure that your rinse aid dispenser in your Amana dishwasher is full before running a cycle to avoid this issue. 

Also, check that the rinse aid dispenser mechanism opens and closes easily. Otherwise, the rinse aid dispenser may be introduced too early into the cycle or not at all. If you still have trouble with dish drying, continue reading for more possible solutions.

4. The water temperature may be too low for proper drying

Low water temperature can be a major cause of dishes not drying properly in dishwashers. To be sure that the water is hot enough to help evaporate and remove droplets from surfaces, the temperature should be at least 120°F (48.9°C). If the temperature is lower than this, droplets will take significantly longer to dry, leading to dishes remaining wet after the cycle ends.

Some Amana dishwashers may have their own internal heating element to bring water to the proper temperature. Others require the household water to be at the right temperature to give your dishes the best clean. To check if this is an issue, reset your water heater to the ideal temperature, and run a cycle. When the cycle finishes, your dishes should be warm to the touch. If they are not, there may be a more internal cause for your dishwasher not drying.

5. There may be an issue with the drain line or pump

If the Amana dishwasher is not draining properly, dishes will likely remain wet after a cycle as water will remain in the appliance for too long. One obvious sign of this is water pooling in the bottom of the dishwasher.

In such cases, it is important to check and ensure that the drain line or pump is clear of any blockages and that they are functioning properly. Additionally, ensure that the drain hose is connected properly and not kinked or looped, which can cause drainage issues. You can clean or replace the drainage pump or hose yourself, but if you are not comfortable repairing the dishwasher yourself, be sure to call in a professional.

6. The dishwasher is not ventilated properly

If your Amana dishwasher has a heated dry setting, improper ventilation can impede the dishwasher’s ability to properly dry dishes. The hot air generated by the dishwasher needs somewhere to go, and ventilated openings are designed to allow this air exchange. 

If the ventilation is inadequate or blocked completely, hot air will not be able to escape from the machine quickly enough, leading to dishes that do not dry fully. When this occurs, it is important to check for any blockages in the venting system and clear them out as soon as possible. Additionally, increasing airflow in the area around the dishwasher may help with proper drying (see the above filter and dish space sections).

7. The heating element might be faulty

A faulty heating element can be a major cause of inadequate drying for Amana dishwashers. The heating element adds heat to the water to speed up the drying process. If the element is not working properly because it failed or was installed incorrectly, it will not be able to do its job. This can lead to dishes that are still wet after the cycle has ended. 

To find out if this is the cause of the drying issue, turn off the dishwasher and unplug it fully. Consult your manual for instructions on how to find the heating element on your particular model. You can visually inspect the heating element and look for any signs of burnout or breakage. Call a professional technician for help if the element has been damaged or needs replacement.

The bottom line

This article has provided an overview of some possible reasons why your dishwasher may not dry properly. Whether it is an issue with the rinse aid dispenser, filter, or something else entirely, addressing the root cause of any problems should restore the dishwasher’s ability to dry dishes to its original performance. If you still have trouble after troubleshooting these issues, consult a professional to get your dishwasher running at peak efficiency.

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