Why Is an LG Dishwasher Always Wet Inside? 7 Reasons It Isn’t Drying

Wet dishwasher

Some moisture or condensation inside a dishwasher is normal, even when it’s not in use.

However, if your LG dishwasher doesn’t dry dishes thoroughly or is always wet inside, it deserves attention.

So, why is an LG dishwasher always wet on the inside?

LG Dishwasher Always Wet on The Inside

There can be several reasons for your dishwasher not drying properly after and between cycles. Some of them include improper dish placement inside the dishwasher, damaged or malfunctioning dishwasher parts, low-temperature settings, insufficient rinse aid, and leaving the dishwasher door closed.

Let’s explore each of these in closer detail and find out how to fix this problem.

7 Reasons Your LG Dishwasher Isn’t Drying Properly

LG dishwashers are sturdy appliances that don’t present many problems.

Most issues are usually due to user error, which is good since the problem can be easily resolved.

However, there are instances when the appliance malfunctions due to faulty parts or age.

Now, if your LG dishwasher isn’t drying properly, the problem could either be usage-related or machine-related.

Let’s find out more about all the likely causes.

1. Improper Loading

Dishwashers can wash several dishes at a time. However, it’s important to space them out.

Overcrowding or improper placement will prevent proper drying.

If the dishes touch each other inside the compartment, they will not dry properly.

The right way to place plates is to keep them facing the center.

Bowls and glasses should be placed upside down to prevent them from collecting water.

Keep larger dishes in the lower rack facing downwards.

Finally, place all the cutlery in the cutlery rack to make sure they are washed properly.

Also, leave enough space between the dishes to ensure that they don’t touch each other.

This will allow hot air to circulate properly between each item and dry it well.

2. Improper Unloading

Sometimes, dishes may end up being damp because of something simple like unloading the dishes in the wrong order.

The ideal way to unload a dishwasher is from top to bottom.

This will prevent any water in the dishes on the top rack from falling on those below and making them wet.

3. Not Using the Heat Dry Option

For some dishwasher models, you must manually choose the heat-dry setting.

If you don’t engage this setting, the dishwasher will not circulate hot air to dry the dishes.

Check if this is causing the issue, and manually choose the setting if necessary.

Most LG models will have additional heating and sanitizing settings that will ensure thorough drying and leave your dishes hot to the touch.

These include the Night Dry setting, Sanitary rinse, and Extra Dry setting.

You may like to engage these settings if you want your dishes and the inside of the dishwasher to be thoroughly dried.

4. Improper or Malfunctioning Parts

A dishwasher is a complex appliance with electronic circuitry, various hardware parts, and vents and pipes that work together.

Any damage to any of these parts can make the dishwasher operate erroneously.

So, a malfunctioning or damaged dishwasher part may be responsible for your LG dishwasher not drying properly.

You can determine if this is the problem by checking for the following:

  • There is a vent that releases the hot steamy air from the dishwasher during the cycle. If it’s blocked, the moisture will not have an easy path to escape and can end up being trapped and making the insides wet.
  • Most dishwashers have an internal fan near the vent. The purpose of this fan is to speed up the evaporation process. So, if it malfunctions, the evaporation will not progress as intended. Check the dishwasher manual to find where the fan motor is located and clear any debris or dirt that may be obstructing its movement. If required, get it checked by a professional.
  • The heating element is mainly responsible for heating the dishes during the drying cycle. It will raise the internal temperature of the dishwasher and ensure better drying. You can visually inspect the heating element after switching off the appliance to find out if it’s broken or has burnt areas. If this doesn’t seem to be the issue, contact an electrician to determine if it’s a problem with the circuitry connected to the heating element. If it’s faulty, you may have to replace or repair it.
  • Some dishwashers have a limit or overload switch that automatically engages when the unit becomes too hot. If this part of the dishwasher malfunctions, it can prevent the heating element from doing its job. However, to test if this is the issue, you should understand how the circuitry works and use a multimeter to test the switch.

5. Insufficient Rinse-Aid

Adding Rinse-Aid in dishwasher

Most people believe that the only use of Rinse-Aid is to prevent spots on glasses.

Hence, they skip adding it to the dishwasher.

However, Rinse Aid has a more important role in a dishwasher cycle.

It’s an essential LG dishwasher drying agent that plays an important role in the operation of the dishwasher.

This drying agent alters the shape of the water droplets falling on the dishes so that they easily run off the surface.

By doing so, it prevents moisture and water from sticking to the dish surface, even when it’s oily or greasy.

When the dishwasher has enough Rinse-Aid, it ends up drying dishes better.

However, when the level of the Rinse-Aid falls, it reduces the efficiency of drying.

So, you may end up with wet dishes.

We suggest filling the Rinse-Aid dispenser to the maximum and checking it between cycles to ensure there is enough for the cycle.

You may be able to skip adding Rinse-Aid if your dishwashing detergent already contains Rinse-Aid.

However, check the label to make sure it does.

6. Condensation Dry Cycle in Newer Dishwashers

Some of the newer LG dishwasher models have a condensation drying system to reduce the use of the heating element.

In the condensation drying system, water will evaporate off the dishes and condense on the walls of the dishwasher.

It will appear as moisture along the inside walls of the appliance.

Some amount of condensation in this manner will not cause any problems. It will dry on its own in some time.

However, if there is excess moisture that doesn’t dry off after some time, it can cause problems.

This may be one of the reasons why your dishwasher insides always feel wet.

Check your product manual to find out if your dishwasher uses this technology.

Related Reading: How Many Amps Does A Dishwasher Use? | Can You Hardwire Dishwashers?

7. Lack of The Auto-Open Feature

Some LG dishwasher models have an auto-open feature.

In these models, the door opens automatically during the drying cycle.

This not only speeds up the drying process but significantly reduces the moisture on dishes and the insides of the appliance.

If your dishwasher isn’t equipped with the auto-open feature, it can take longer for the insides of the dishwasher to dry.

So you may feel it’s damp when you check it after a dishwasher cycle.

To speed up the evaporation process and help it dry, you can leave the door slightly open by a few inches after the drying cycle.

This will help any residual steam escape before you empty the dishwasher.

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