How to Fix an Amana Dishwasher Not Drying

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Ocean Appliance
May 8, 2023
Dishwasher Repair

Among the most amazing features of Amana dishwashers is their ability to dry the dishes after washing them. But what do you do when they come out still wet?

We know how troublesome and inconvenient it can be when even a normal task like drying dishes comes at you unexpectedly. But never fear. Help is here!

In this blog post, we take you through exactly what you need to do in order to fix an Amana dishwasher that isn’t drying properly so that you’ll be able to get that hassle out of your life. Let’s get started!

1. Make sure your dishwasher is using the correct settings

Let’s start with the easiest fix.

If you’re having trouble getting your dishes to come out of your Amana dishwasher completely dry, make sure you’re selecting the right settings for the load. Try using the highest heat setting or the strongest drying option available when choosing a cycle on your dishwasher. This should help get all of your dishes dried as quickly and efficiently as possible.

2. Fill the rinse aid dispenser

If you’re having trouble getting your dishes to dry at the end of a cycle, make sure to top up your rinse aid.

Rinse aid is a liquid that can be used in dishwashers to improve the cleaning process. It’s designed to help water flow off dishes more easily, which can prevent water spots, streaking, and residue from forming. Rinse aid can also speed up the drying process, which leaves dishes looking cleaner and more polished.

Amana dishwashers come with a built-in dispenser that you can fill with rinse aid. This is an easy step that can go a long way in helping you get perfectly dry dishes every time!

3. Make sure the water is hot enough

For optimal drying performance, it’s important that your Amana dishwasher is connected to a pipe delivering water at least 120°F. This ensures the temperature of the water entering the dishwasher is high enough for dishes to come out dry and spotless.

To check your water temperature, refer to your owner’s manual. Some models heat the water to the right temperature themselves, but others rely on the hot water from your water heater. Check your manual to find out how your model gets its hot water, and adjust the settings on your dishwasher or hot water heater, as necessary.

4. Make sure the dishes are loaded correctly

For your Amana dishwasher to dry dishes properly, make sure all items are loaded in the right way. Plates should be stacked at an angle, and cups and bowls should face downwards. This helps the water to run off properly during the drying cycle so that they come out nice and dry. Be sure to check before you start a cycle—it’ll save time and energy!

5. Check that the vent is working properly

If you’ve tried the above tips and your Amana dishwasher still isn’t drying dishes properly, the next thing to check is the vent. The vent opens up after the rinse cycle to let out steam, helping the dishes dry quickly. If the vent becomes defective, however, your dishes won’t dry properly, or they may not dry at all. So make sure you give the vent a careful inspection before looking for any other possible causes. Make sure nothing is blocking it during the cycle, like an improperly placed plate.

Also, ensure that it functions correctly and opens and closes smoothly. If it doesn’t, you may need to contact a repair professional.

Before calling a pro, however, you can keep reading. Keep in mind that these next steps involve opening the dishwasher and testing the internal/plumbing components. If you’d rather not tackle a DIY project, then it’s best to call a professional.

6. Check the vent motor

If your Amana dishwasher is still not drying dishes adequately, you’ll want to check if you have a faulty vent fan motor.

First, make sure the power to the dishwasher is off, then remove any side or back panels to access the internal components. Locate the vent fan and manually turn it in a full rotation to ensure it has no obstructions. If the fan doesn’t move, then it is faulty and will need replacing.

If it moves freely, then use a multimeter to test if the motor has continuity. If it doesn’t, then replace it with a new one. Do this by unscrewing the screws, removing the old motor, and screwing the new one in place.

Once the new motor is installed, turn on the power and check if it now dries your dishes correctly. If not, you’ll need to check the heating element.

7. Check the heating element

The problem your Amana dishwasher is having could be due to a faulty heating element. To check this, you’ll need to switch off the power to your dishwasher and remove the side and/or back panels so you can access its internal components.

Once the internal components are exposed, locate the heating element and use a multimeter to test if it has continuity. If it doesn’t, you need to replace it by disconnecting it, removing the screws that hold it in place, and attaching a new one.

Check your user manual for more detailed instructions on how to do this properly. After replacing the element, test again to see if your dishwasher now dries dishes correctly.

The bottom line

To summarize, it’s important to make sure your Amana dishwasher is set up correctly, with the correct water temperature, with dishes loaded correctly, and with rinse aid in the dispenser. If necessary, you should check that the vent, vent motor, and heating element are all working properly. If you find yourself lost at any stage, don’t hesitate to call a repair professional for help. That way, you can be confident your dishwasher is working optimally and efficiently!

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