Why Your Thermador Dishwasher Not Drying Dishes Properly

Thermador dishwashers are known for their top-notch performance, but it can be frustrating when dishes come out wet after a cycle. A Thermador dishwasher not drying dishes properly may be due to a few common issues that can often be solved with a bit of troubleshooting. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the reasons this might happen and provide practical, step-by-step solutions to get your Thermador dishwasher back to delivering dry, spotless dishes.

Common Reasons for Thermador Dishwasher Not Drying Dishes

Understanding the cause of this problem can make fixing it much easier. Here are some of the typical reasons why your Thermador dishwasher not drying dishes might be happening:

1. Heating Element Issues: A faulty heating element prevents effective drying by failing to heat water during the drying phase.
2. Rinse Aid Deficiency: Without rinse aid, water lingers on dishes, causing streaks and preventing proper drying.
3. Loading Technique: Overcrowding or improper loading obstructs airflow, hindering the drying process.
4. Faulty Thermostat: A defective thermostat can affect both the washing and drying cycles by not maintaining the correct temperature.
5. Ventilation Problems: If the vent or fan isn’t working, moisture remains trapped, leaving dishes damp.

How to Fix Thermador Dishwasher Not Drying Dishes

Let’s dive into a few troubleshooting steps to get your Thermador dishwasher not drying issue resolved:

Step 1: Check the Heating Element

The heating element is critical to the drying process because it generates heat to evaporate moisture from the dishes after the washing cycle.

1. Disconnect Power: Start by disconnecting your dishwasher from power to avoid any risk of electric shock.
2. Locate the Heating Element: Open your dishwasher and look at the base of the interior tub. The heating element is usually a circular or U-shaped metal rod positioned along the bottom.
3. Inspect for Damage: Check the heating element for any visible signs of damage, such as cracks, breakages, or areas with discoloration (which may indicate overheating).
4. Test the Heating Element: If you have a multimeter, you can test the element for continuity. Set the multimeter to the ohm setting, place the probes on each end of the heating element’s terminals, and check the reading. A properly functioning heating element will show some resistance, usually in the 10-30 ohms range. If there is no resistance (reading zero), the element is likely broken and needs replacing.
5. Replace if Necessary: If you confirm the element is damaged or faulty, it’s often best to have a professional handle the replacement. A faulty heating element can’t produce the heat needed to dry your dishes, so replacing it will be essential for restoring your dishwasher’s drying capabilities.

Step 2: Add or Refill Rinse Aid

Rinse aid is a key component in ensuring dishes dry properly, as it helps water to sheet off more easily.

1. Check the Rinse Aid Dispenser: Open your dishwasher’s rinse aid compartment and check the fill level. If it’s low or empty, that may be the cause of your Thermador dishwasher not drying issue.
2. Refill the Dispenser: Pour a high-quality rinse aid into the compartment. Many Thermador dishwashers have adjustable rinse aid dispensers, so if your model allows it, consider adjusting the setting for the best results. Typically, a mid-level setting works well, but you might experiment to find what’s optimal for your dishwasher.
3. Adjust Dishwasher Settings: Some dishwashers have specific settings for enhanced drying cycles that work in conjunction with rinse aid. Be sure these settings are selected, especially when washing loads that are harder to dry, like plastics.

Step 3: Adjust Your Loading Technique

Proper loading is often overlooked but can make a big difference in drying performance.

1. Avoid Overloading: When too many dishes are packed into the dishwasher, they can block air circulation. Airflow is necessary for effective drying, so make sure there is enough space between items for air to move around.
2. Position Dishes Properly: Place dishes at an angle, which allows water to drain off more easily. Position large items, like pots and pans, around the edges and avoid blocking any parts where water or air flow from the spray arms.
3. Separate Plastics from Other Items: Plastics often dry more slowly, so grouping them together (away from heavier items) helps them dry more effectively. This reduces the risk of leftover moisture on plastics.
4. Keep the Racks Balanced: Uneven weight distribution can disrupt drying, so balance the load on each rack to ensure all dishes get adequate drying exposure.

Step 4: Test the Thermostat

The thermostat regulates the temperature in your dishwasher and plays a vital role in achieving the right drying temperature.

1. Access the Thermostat: The thermostat is typically located at the bottom of the dishwasher, near the heating element. To access it, you may need to remove the bottom panel.
2. Check for Faulty Signals: A multimeter can test the thermostat’s functionality. Set the multimeter to ohms and place the probes on the thermostat’s terminals. Like the heating element, a functioning thermostat should show continuity; if it doesn’t, it’s defective and may need replacement.
3. Consider Professional Assistance: Replacing a thermostat is somewhat complex and requires knowledge of electrical components, so consult a technician if you’re unfamiliar with this type of repair. A working thermostat ensures that the dishwasher reaches the proper temperature for drying, so fixing it can often resolve the drying issue.

Step 5: Inspect the Vent and Fan Assembly

Thermador dishwashers use either a fan or vent to release steam from the dishwasher during the drying cycle.

1. Check for Steam: After a wash cycle, quickly open the dishwasher door and see if steam is escaping. The presence of steam indicates that the vent or fan is functioning; however, if there’s little to no steam, the vent could be blocked or the fan may not be working.
2. Ensure the Vent is Clear: Inspect the vent for obstructions, such as food particles, grease, or mineral buildup. Clear any visible blockages that might be restricting airflow.
3. Test the Fan Assembly: If your Thermador model has a fan, it helps push moist air out during the drying cycle. Listen for any unusual noises that might indicate the fan motor is faulty.
4. Consult a Professional for Repairs: Blocked or damaged vent and fan assemblies often require professional attention. The fan motor and vent components can be intricate, and if they aren’t functioning properly, they can prevent dishes from drying fully.

Each of these steps can make a difference in improving your dishwasher’s drying performance. By ensuring these components work correctly, you can address common issues and get your Thermador dishwasher not drying problem resolved effectively.

Preventative Tips to Keep Your Thermador Dishwasher Drying Efficiently

To prevent the Thermador dishwasher not drying problem from recurring, try these additional tips:

1. Run Hot Water Before Starting the Dishwasher: Running the tap until it’s hot before starting a cycle ensures your dishwasher uses hot water from the beginning, which can improve drying results.
2. Use the ‘Heated Dry’ Setting: Thermador dishwashers typically have an option for a heated dry cycle. Selecting this setting can enhance the drying process.
3. Open the Dishwasher Door After the Cycle: After the cycle is complete, opening the door allows moisture to escape and speeds up the drying process.
4. Regular Maintenance: Periodically inspect and clean the heating element, thermostat, and vents to keep the dishwasher running efficiently.

Final Thoughts

A Thermador dishwasher not drying can be a frustrating experience, but with some troubleshooting, you can likely resolve this issue and enjoy dry, spotless dishes again. Remember to check the heating element, use rinse aid, adjust your loading technique, and inspect the vent for optimal performance. If the problem persists, our team at Thermador Appliance Repair Experts is here to help.

Contact Thermador Appliance Repair Experts for expert service if you need professional assistance with your dishwasher. We’re here to get your appliance back to peak performance!

FAQs

1. Why does my Thermador dishwasher leave dishes wet?

Common causes include a faulty heating element, lack of rinse aid, improper loading, or ventilation issues.

2. How often should I refill the rinse aid?

Most dishwashers require rinse aid refills every month, but it depends on usage. Check the levels regularly.

3. Can I use the dishwasher without rinse aid?

Using a dishwasher without rinse aid might lead to wet dishes and water spots, as rinse aid helps in the drying process.

4. How long does a dishwasher heating element last?

With regular maintenance, a heating element can last around 8–10 years, though it may wear out sooner with heavy use.

Curious about common dishwasher issues? Don’t miss our previous blog about the Thermador dishwashing not starting, which offers insights into diagnosing other frequent dishwasher problems.