Hand drying items that a dishwasher leaves wet is too time-consuming to be a long-term solution. Wondering why does my Viking dishwasher not dry dishes sufficiently? Overloading can restrict the air circulation required for proper drying. Learn more reasons for a Viking dishwasher not drying dishes and easy ways to improve performance.
Fix a Viking Dishwasher Not Drying Dishes With These DIY Solutions
Fortunately, a Viking dishwasher not drying dishes usually has a simple solution. Whether it’s changing your loading practices or utilizing the right functions, the right use and care can achieve drier results.
1) Need to Unload Bottom Rack First
Do you unload the top rack of your dishwasher first? This could be why it looks like your Viking dishwasher leaves dishes wet. Removing top rack items first allows any residual water to fall on the full rack below, making unloaded dishes wet again. Always unload bottom items first so lingering water from above spills on an empty rack and not dry dishes.
2) Loading Too Many Dishes
Viking dishwasher troubleshooting includes the right loading methods as well. Crowding too many dishes in the dishwasher restricts the airflow that’s necessary to dry dishes sufficiently.
Follow these dishwasher loading tips to maximize air circulation for drier dishes:
- Top rack: Load bowls, cups, and glassware upside down and at an angle for better rinsing.
- Bottom rack: Place one dish per slot, ensuring they don’t touch each other so air can flow between them. Our tips on how to clean a dishwasher explain how removing large food scraps from dishes before loading can prevent filter clogs.
- Silverware basket: Avoid “nesting” by alternating forks, spoons, and knives next to each other.
3) Insufficient Hot Water Supply
Hot water not only improves cleaning performance, but evaporates faster for better drying. If you find your Viking dishwasher not drying dishes sufficiently, it may not have sufficient hot water.
The following issues can affect your dishwasher’s hot water supply and drying abilities:
- Incorrect connection or water temperature: Make sure your dishwasher is properly connected to your home’s hot water supply and that water is sufficiently heated. If necessary, adjust your water heater so water is heated to at least 120℉ for optimum washing and drying.
- Slow access to hot water: Before starting a wash cycle, run the faucet in the kitchen sink with hot water so it’s more readily available to the dishwasher.
- Faulty water inlet valve: If the dishwasher’s water inlet valve doesn’t open properly, there may be insufficient water for cleaning and drying. A faulty water inlet valve requires replacement.
4) Not Using Heated Dry Functions
If they’re offered on your model dishwasher, advanced drying features can improve performance. The Turbo Fan Dry function uses an internal fan to circulate air, increasing drying speed and efficiency. Other models have the AirFlow Gentle Drying system that heats air through an internal heater. A fan also circulates the air before expelling it through the Viking dishwasher vent.
If your dishwasher has these functions, select them before beginning a wash cycle to result in dryer dishes.
5) Try Adding Dishwasher Rinse Aid
Rinse aid can improve drying capabilities on almost any dishwasher. This liquid additive alters the structure of water droplets, enabling them to run off dishes and glassware more easily. Better rinsing improves drying and lessens spotting, filming, and streaking. Always add rinse aid before starting a wash cycle to result in drier dishes.
The rinse aid dispenser on a Viking dishwasher is adjustable, enabling you to increase or decrease the amount of rinse aid, as needed. A level of 2 is recommended for areas with soft water. Areas with hard water may require a higher level with more rinse aid.
Is your Viking dishwasher not drying dishes even after these DIY tips? It may be time for a professional dishwasher repair service to assess the problem. Schedule your appointment with Aviv Service Today!
