What does Samsung Dishwasher Not Drying - Causes & Fix mean?

Low or empty rinse aid is the most common cause. Refill the rinse-aid dispenser and enable Heated Dry in the settings menu.

How do I fix Samsung Dishwasher Not Drying - Causes & Fix?

Follow the step-by-step diagnosis below. The most likely fix is identified by checking power, sensor resistance, and control-board signals in order — using a multimeter and the part numbers documented in the parts reference table.

Can I keep running the equipment with this fault active?

Generally no. Faults on Appliance units are emitted when a sensor, safety, or control circuit is outside its operating envelope. Running through an active fault risks compressor, heater, or control-board damage. Diagnose and clear the fault first.

What part is most commonly replaced for Samsung Dishwasher Not Drying - Causes & Fix?

The most frequently replaced parts for Samsung Dishwasher Not Drying - Causes & Fix are listed in the Parts Reference section of this guide with OEM part numbers and typical price ranges. Check the table for direct replacements.

Is Samsung Dishwasher Not Drying - Causes & Fix a DIY repair or do I need a technician?

Sensor swaps, fan motor replacements, and condenser cleaning are typical DIY-level repairs. Anything involving refrigerant, gas, or high-voltage (>240V) work requires a licensed technician for both safety and code-compliance reasons.

Samsung Dishwasher Not Drying - Causes & Fix

Samsung Dishwasher Not Drying — What’s Happening

When a Samsung dishwasher leaves dishes wet at the end of a cycle, Samsung treats it as a drying-performance issue rather than a single fault code. The complaint usually means one of three things: the cycle did not finish normally because an error stopped it mid-run, something bumped the door and paused the machine, or the dishwasher completed the cycle but lacks the settings or supplies needed to remove moisture effectively.

Samsung does not publish a universal error code for poor drying. If a specific code appears on the display, that fault must be diagnosed separately. Most drying complaints on plastic-tub models trace back to missing rinse aid, disabled drying features, or improper loading that traps water on dishes.

Jump to Fix

Most Likely Causes

Rinse aid is low or empty Samsung states that dishes will not get dry without rinse aid, and the dispenser must be filled with liquid rinse aid and set to the correct level for your load size.
Heated Dry is turned off Many Samsung dishwashers require the Heated Dry setting to be enabled in the control menu, especially on plastic-tub models that depend on active heat for moisture removal.
Auto door open is disabled or not available On models with this feature, the door pops open slightly at the end of the cycle to release steam, and if the setting is off or the mechanism fails, dishes stay wet.
Cycle was interrupted by an error or door event If the dishwasher stops mid-cycle because of an error code or an item inside strikes the door hard enough to trigger the door sensor, the drying phase never runs and dishes remain wet.
Dishes are loaded incorrectly Nested or overlapping items trap water, and blocking the spray arms, detergent dispenser, or vent path prevents proper rinsing and drying.
Drying vent or steam path is blocked Food debris, mineral scale, or hard-water buildup can clog the vent or restrict the steam release path, reducing drying performance even when settings are correct.
Heating element has failed If the heater does not energize during the drying phase, the dishwasher cannot generate the heat needed to evaporate moisture, and dishes stay wet despite correct settings.

How to Diagnose and Fix

Confirm the model number and check the display for any stored error codes or lights indicating the cycle was interrupted.
Press Start to see if the dishwasher resumes a paused cycle, which suggests a door-opening event stopped the run before drying completed.
Open the rinse-aid dispenser cap and fill the reservoir with liquid rinse aid, then adjust the dispense level in the settings menu to match your load size.
Access the control panel and turn on Heated Dry, and enable Auto door open if your model supports that feature.
Inspect the dish loading pattern to confirm items are not nested, overlapping, or blocking spray arms, the detergent dispenser door, or the vent area.
Verify the dishwasher is connected to a hot water supply line and run the kitchen faucet until hot water flows before starting a test cycle.
Locate the drying vent (often near the top or side of the tub) and check for blockage from food particles or mineral deposits, then clean as needed.
If drying is still poor and all settings are correct, test the heating element for continuity and proper resistance with a multimeter before ordering a replacement.

Parts You Might Need

Part	Notes
Rinse aid (liquid)	Amazon \| Samsung-recommended or any dishwasher rinse aid sold in liquid form.
Heating element	Amazon \| Match the part number to your specific model, as heater assemblies vary by tub design.
Vent assembly or fan	Amazon \| Order only after confirming mechanical blockage or fan failure on models with active drying systems.

If your appliance also shows a code on the display, these match this problem:

When to Call a Pro

If filling rinse aid, enabling Heated Dry and Auto door open, correcting the loading pattern, and cleaning the vent do not restore normal drying, the heating element or vent fan may have failed and require electrical testing. Heater replacement involves disconnecting power, removing lower panels or the sump assembly, and testing continuity before installing the new part. A qualified appliance technician has the meters and experience to test the circuit safely, match the correct heater to your model, and verify that the control board is sending power to the element during the drying phase.