If your Amana dishwasher finishes its cycle but still leaves dishes dripping wet, you’re not alone. This is a common issue that can usually be fixed with a few quick checks. Whether it’s a loading mistake, a faulty heating element, or poor ventilation, here’s how to get your dishwasher drying like new again.

1. Check How You Load the Dishwasher

The way you load your dishes can make or break drying performance. Poor air circulation traps moisture, leaving everything damp.

Tips for proper loading:

• Avoid stacking or nesting dishes — space them out for good airflow.
• Keep plastics on the top rack since they’re more sensitive to heat.
• Don’t overload — water and air need room to circulate.
• Choose a cycle with heated dry or high-temperature wash for better results.

2. Inspect the Heating Element

The heating element warms up both the water during washing and the air during drying. If it’s not working, dishes won’t dry properly.

How to check:

1. Turn off and unplug the dishwasher.
2. Locate the heating element at the bottom of the tub.
3. Look for visible damage such as cracks or burn marks.
4. If it looks fine, a technician can test it with a multimeter — lack of continuity means it needs replacement.

If your Amana dishwasher leaves dishes cold and wet, the heating element is often the main culprit.

3. Fill and Clean the Rinse Aid Dispenser

Rinse aid is essential for spot-free drying. It helps water sheet off dishes instead of clinging to surfaces.

What to do:

• Make sure the dispenser is filled with rinse aid (like Jet-Dry).
• If it’s clogged or damaged, clean or replace it.
• For adjustable dispensers, increase the rinse aid dosage slightly if your dishes still come out damp.

4. Improve Ventilation Inside the Dishwasher

When steam can’t escape properly, moisture lingers on your dishes. The vent system allows hot, moist air to release during the dry cycle.

Steps to maintain ventilation:

• Inspect the vent (usually near the top left of the door) and clear any blockages.
• Make sure the fan motor runs during drying — if it’s silent or weak, it may need replacing.
• Check the door gasket for proper sealing; gaps can trap moisture inside.
• Clean the drain filter to ensure water drains completely at the end of the cycle.

5. Choose the Right Settings

If your dishwasher offers multiple drying options, make sure heated dry or extended dry is turned on. Energy-saving or air-dry settings will leave dishes wetter.

6. When to Call a Technician

If your Amana dishwasher still doesn’t dry after these checks, the issue could be with the control board or fan assembly. These electrical parts should be diagnosed by a professional.

With proper loading, routine cleaning, and a working heating element, your Amana dishwasher should leave dishes spotless and completely dry. Regular maintenance not only saves you from towel-drying — it also extends the life of your appliance.