Samsung Dishwasher Not Drying? Fix It Fast With These Easy Tips

You just finished a load in your Samsung dishwasher, expecting clean and dry dishes. But when you open the door, everything is still wet. It’s frustrating, especially when you paid for a smart, helpful machine. The good news is that there are real and simple ways to fix this problem. In this article, you will learn the most common reasons why your Samsung dishwasher is not drying your dishes and how to solve each one. Whether it’s a setting or a part issue, you can fix it without calling a repairman.

Check the Drying Settings on the Control Panel

Many Samsung dishwashers come with different drying options. Sometimes, the reason your dishes are not drying is very simple — the drying setting is not turned on. It’s easy to miss this when you’re in a hurry or if someone else uses the dishwasher and changes the setting.

First, look at your control panel. Models may vary, but you’ll usually see options like ‘Heated Dry,’ ‘Sanitize,’ or ‘Auto Dry.’ Make sure the ‘Heated Dry’ or similar option is selected. This setting makes the dishwasher use a heater at the end of the wash cycle to dry the dishes.

Some Samsung dishwashers also let you add extra drying time. This is often called ‘Extra Dry’ or ‘High Temp.’ You should always turn this on if your dishes are not getting fully dry. If your dishwasher has an ‘Eco Mode,’ that setting may save energy by turning off the drying feature. So if you use Eco Mode, your dishes will come out clean but still wet.

Another helpful feature is the ‘Sanitize’ option. It uses very hot water in the final rinse, which helps the drying process by raising the temperature inside the dishwasher.

Sometimes, you may have selected the right settings, but they are not saved. To make sure your dishwasher keeps using the same settings, try reading your model’s manual to see how to save the cycle with drying turned on.

Dishwasher settings can be tricky, especially with all the different options available today. But this small check can save you from wet dishes every time.

• Make sure ‘Heated Dry’ is turned on.
• Use ‘Sanitize’ for better drying.
• Avoid using ‘Eco Mode’ if you want dry dishes.
• Check for and turn on ‘Extra Dry’ or ‘High Temp’.
• Always recheck the panel before starting a cycle.

Open the Door After the Cycle Ends

When the dishwasher finishes its job, the dishes are clean but still warm. That warmth can actually help the drying process. But if you keep the door shut tight for hours after the cycle, all the steam stays inside. That steam turns into water again and sticks to your dishes.

So, what should you do? Right after your dishwasher finishes, open the door just a little. You don’t have to take everything out right away. Just crack it open, maybe by an inch or two. This lets all the steam get out and the air from your kitchen come in. That air helps everything dry faster.

This method works best when combined with the right settings like ‘Heated Dry’ or ‘Sanitize.’ The heat inside will already be drying your dishes. By opening the door, you make it even more effective.

Also, don’t open it too early. Wait for the cycle to end completely. If you open it too soon, you might release too much heat and stop the drying part too early. Most Samsung dishwashers beep when the cycle is done. Wait for the beep, then crack the door open.

If you run your dishwasher at night, just open the door slightly before you go to bed. In the morning, your dishes will be dry and ready to put away.

• Always open the door a little after the cycle ends.
• Let the steam out to speed up drying.
• Wait until the full cycle is done before opening.
• Best results come when used with drying settings.
• Avoid letting the door stay shut for too long.

Use Rinse Aid for Better Drying

Rinse aid is like a little helper for your dishwasher. It doesn’t just stop water spots — it also helps water slide off your dishes during the final rinse. This helps everything dry faster and more completely.

Samsung dishwashers usually have a place for rinse aid. Open your dishwasher and look at the inside of the door. You’ll see a little cap labeled ‘Rinse Aid.’ Open it and pour rinse aid in until it’s full. Then close the cap tightly.

You don’t need to refill it every time. Just check it once a week or so. Most dishwashers will even have a small light or icon that shows when the rinse aid is low.

Some people don’t use rinse aid because they think it’s not important. But without it, your dishes might stay wet, especially plastic ones. Rinse aid lowers the surface tension of water. That means water runs off dishes easily instead of clinging.

Also, if your home has hard water, rinse aid becomes even more important. Hard water can leave spots and slow drying. Rinse aid fixes both of those problems.

If you are worried about chemicals, you can buy natural or plant-based rinse aids. These work just as well for drying.

• Fill the rinse aid compartment fully.
• Check and refill about once a week.
• Helps water slide off, leading to better drying.
• Reduces spots and works great with hard water.
• Safe options available for chemical-free homes.

Make Sure the Heating Element Is Working

The heating element is a metal piece at the bottom of your dishwasher. It gets hot during the drying cycle. If it doesn’t heat up, your dishes will not dry no matter what settings you use.

First, let your dishwasher finish a full cycle. Then, carefully open it and check the inside. If it feels warm or hot, the heater is probably working. If it’s completely cool, the heating element might be broken.

To be sure, you can check for a burnt smell or visible damage. A broken heating element often looks cracked, discolored, or warped. It may also have black marks.

If you suspect it’s broken, you might need a multimeter to test it. This is a simple tool that checks if electricity can pass through. If you’re not comfortable with this, it’s okay to call a technician. But some people like doing it themselves, and many YouTube videos can guide you step by step.

Replacing the heating element is not very expensive. Many Samsung parts are easy to find online or in appliance stores. Just make sure to get the exact model that matches your dishwasher.

• Check if the inside of dishwasher is warm after a cycle.
• Look for damage or signs of burning on the heating element.
• Use a multimeter to test if the part is working.
• Replace it with the correct part if broken.
• Get help from a professional if needed.

Load Dishes the Right Way

How you place your dishes inside the dishwasher can affect how well they dry. If the dishes are too close together, water gets trapped between them. That trapped water never gets the chance to dry out, especially on plastic or deep bowls.

Start by making sure plates and bowls are placed at an angle. This lets water slide off instead of pooling. Keep some space between each dish so that hot air can move around.

Place cups and glasses upside down. This stops water from pooling inside. But don’t put them too tightly together. Air needs to flow between them.

Avoid putting plastic items on the bottom rack. The heating element is usually down there, and it can melt plastic. Also, plastic doesn’t hold heat like glass or metal. So even with drying settings on, plastic items often come out wet. Place them on the top rack where it’s cooler, but still gets airflow.

Silverware should be spread out, not stacked. Try to mix forks, knives, and spoons to avoid them sticking together. When they touch too closely, water stays between them.

Also, don’t overload the dishwasher. It might feel like you’re saving time, but in the end, it stops the machine from working its best.

• Keep space between dishes to let air move.
• Place items at an angle for better water drainage.
• Put plastic on the top rack to prevent melting.
• Don’t overcrowd silverware or stack them tightly.
• Avoid overloading the machine with too many items.

Clean Filters and Vents for Better Airflow

Dirty filters and blocked vents can stop your dishwasher from drying dishes properly. The filters catch food bits and dirt during each wash. Over time, these filters get clogged, and water doesn’t drain as it should. That leftover water can stay on dishes and make drying harder.

To clean the filter, take out the bottom rack. In the center, you’ll see a round or square filter. Twist it and pull it out. Rinse it under warm water and use a soft brush or sponge to remove food pieces. Don’t use anything sharp. Clean it once a week or more often if you use the dishwasher daily.

Next, check the air vents. These are often near the top of the inside door. If they’re covered with grime or blocked by a dish, air can’t escape during the drying cycle. Clean them with a toothbrush or a small cloth.

Some Samsung models also have a vent fan. If the fan isn’t working, steam stays trapped. Listen during the drying part of the cycle — if you don’t hear a small humming sound, the fan might not be running.

Also, check the drain at the bottom of the dishwasher. If it’s blocked, water won’t drain fully, and wet dishes stay wet longer.

• Clean filters once a week to keep water flowing.
• Rinse with warm water and use a soft brush.
• Check vents for food, grime, or blockages.
• Make sure no dishes are blocking the airflow.
• Watch out for drain or fan problems.

Final Thoughts

When your Samsung dishwasher is not drying, it can feel like a big problem. But many times, it’s something small you can fix on your own. From changing a setting to cleaning a filter, the solution is usually simple. Taking a few minutes to check each area can save you time and stress. Keep your dishwasher in top shape and enjoy dry, clean dishes after every load. A little care goes a long way in making your dishwasher work better for you.

Problem	What to Check	Fix It How	Tools Needed	How Often to Check
Drying Settings Off	Control Panel	Turn on Heated Dry or Sanitize	None	Every use
Door Left Closed	After Cycle Ends	Crack door open to release steam	None	Every use
No Rinse Aid	Rinse Aid Compartment	Fill rinse aid to full	Rinse aid	Weekly
Broken Heating Element	Dishwasher Base	Test with multimeter and replace	Multimeter	When not drying
Dishes Loaded Wrong	Inside Dishwasher Racks	Re-arrange for space and angle	None	Every load
Dirty Filters or Vents	Bottom Filter and Door Vents	Clean and scrub filters and vents	Brush, Water	Weekly

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it normal for plastic dishes to come out wet?

Yes, it is normal. Plastic does not hold heat like glass or metal. Since plastic stays cooler, the water doesn’t evaporate as quickly. This is why even when you use heated dry or sanitize options, plastic items may still be damp. Try placing them on the top rack and using rinse aid. Also, crack the dishwasher door after the cycle ends to help plastic items dry faster.

Can a Samsung dishwasher dry without rinse aid?

It can, but it may not do a good job. Rinse aid helps water run off the dishes so they dry better. Without it, especially if you have hard water, your dishes may stay wet or get spots. Rinse aid is safe and easy to use. Most dishwashers even tell you when it’s running low, so keeping it full is simple and helpful.

Do I need to use the heated dry setting every time?

If you want dry dishes, then yes, it’s best to use the heated dry setting every time. This setting turns on the internal heater that helps get rid of water from your dishes. If you skip it, your dishes may come out clean but wet. For better drying, always combine it with rinse aid and crack the door after the cycle.

Is it safe to clean the dishwasher filter myself?

Yes, it’s safe and easy. Most Samsung dishwashers have a filter that you can twist and pull out. You don’t need special tools. Just rinse it under warm water and use a soft brush to scrub away food bits. Clean it once a week to keep your dishwasher working well and drying better.

Can a broken fan stop drying?

Yes, it can. Some Samsung dishwashers use a small fan to push hot air out during drying. If the fan isn’t working, steam stays inside and your dishes stay wet. You might not hear the fan if it’s broken. In that case, you may need a repair or replacement. But first, try cleaning the vents and see if that helps.

Do I need to leave space between dishes?

Yes, leaving space is very important. When dishes touch each other too closely, water gets stuck between them and can’t dry. Air also can’t move around well, so drying takes longer. Always load dishes with enough room so that air and heat can reach every part of each item.

Is it okay to run the dishwasher overnight?

Yes, it’s okay. But for better drying, open the door slightly when the cycle ends, even if it’s the middle of the night. If you don’t, the steam will stay trapped and dishes may be wet in the morning. Many people set a timer to crack the door or run it earlier in the evening.

Can I dry dishes faster without changing parts?

Yes, you can. Simple actions like turning on heated dry, using rinse aid, opening the door after the cycle, and loading dishes with space between them can help a lot. You don’t always need to replace a part. Small habits make a big difference in drying results.