Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We apologize for the concerns that you are experiencing with your Dishwasher. Rinse aid is the single most effective tool for drying. As a surfactant, it makes water sheet off dishes instead of forming droplets, which prevents spots and dramatically improves drying. A full dispenser (approx. 5 oz/150 mL) lasts 1-3 months. Check the indicator for level.
Note: Plastic items and nonstick surfaces resist drying due to low heat retention and may require towel drying.2. Adjust Rinse Aid Level
If spots or rings persist, especially in hard water areas, increase the dispense setting using the arrow adjuster inside the dispenser. Adjust incrementally—higher numbers mean more rinse aid. Too much can cause streaking.3. Select Door Open Dry (Select Models)
This advanced feature automatically opens the door at the cycle's end to vent hot, moist air, significantly accelerating drying. Press the dedicated "Door Open Dry" button to enable it.4. Load Dishes Correctly
Prevent water pooling to allow for effective drainage:
Angle Surfaces: Angle plates, bowls, and cups to ensure water runs off.
Upper Rack: Position glasses between tines, not over them, to prevent catch points.
Plastic Items: Load plastics on the third rack or upper rack. Never place them on the lower rack due to intense heat.
5. Check Water Temperature
Ensure your hot water supply delivers a minimum of 120°F (49°C) to the dishwasher. Sufficiently hot water activates detergent and ensures dishes heat up enough for quick drying.6. Select a Heated/Dry Cycle
Always select an appropriate drying option:
Air Dry: Lowest energy, relies on ambient air.
Heat/Pro Dry (Default): Standard option, usually sufficient for smaller loads.
Extended Dry: Recommended for full or challenging loads; extends drying time (e.g., by 15 minutes) for better results.
7. Heating Element Diagnostics
If all other steps fail, test the heating element:
With Sanitize Option: Run a cycle with Sanitize. If the LED stays steady and dishes are warm, the element works. If it blinks, service is needed.
Without Sanitize: Run a "1-hour" wash with "Heat Dry" selected (approx. 1.5 hours total). If dishes are not warm immediately after, the element likely has an issue, and service should be scheduled.
The Bottom Line: Optimal drying performance in energy-efficient modern dishwashers relies heavily on proper loading techniques and the consistent, correct use of Rinse Aid.
If you need additional assistance, please reach out to us directly via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/KitchenAid or Direct Message on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/kitchenaidusa/. When responding, please include your contact information, Range model/serial number, and reference Case # 870184
We look forward to speaking with you.
Christy T