LG Dishwasher Not Drying? Rinse Aid Level, Extra Dry & More
Updated September 29, 2026. Checked against LG’s US Help Library and an LG dishwasher owner’s manual; no hands-on test is claimed. Button combinations differ between LG models, so confirm them in your manual.
In this guide
Why LG loads can come out wet
Many modern dishwashers, including many LG models, dry partly by condensation: moisture condenses on the cooler tub walls and runs away. That works well on glass and ceramic but poorly on plastic, and it depends heavily on rinse aid. That’s why rinse aid and the dry options matter more than many owners expect.
| What you see | Start with |
|---|---|
| Everything damp, spots on glasses | Rinse aid and rinse aid level |
| You use tablets or pods and never fill the dispenser | Rinse aid |
| Normal cycle without extra options | Extra Dry |
| Only plastics wet | Loading. Usually normal. |
| Food residue or film on dishes as well | Filter |
1. Refill the rinse aid
LG’s manual lists an empty rinse aid dispenser, and tablets without built-in rinse aid, as causes of poor drying. Fill the dispenser on the inside of the door up to its max line and wipe any spills. Keep it filled even if you use all-in-one tablets.
2. Raise the rinse aid level
LG’s rinse aid instructions give this sequence for many models:
- Press Power and Dual Zone together to see the current setting.
- Press Delay Start to change it. Each press moves one step from L0 (off) to L4. The default is L2.
- Press Start to save.
Go up one step at a time and check a few loads before going higher. Too much rinse aid can leave a film or cause foam. Other LG models use a different button combination; your manual has the exact one.
3. Select Extra Dry
LG’s manual: “Select this option for better drying results. This option adds extra drying time.” It lists cycles run without Extra Dry as a cause of wet loads. Use it with a full cycle rather than a quick one. Where your model has Hi-Temp, it raises the final rinse temperature, which also helps dishes shed water.
4. Use Auto Open Dry (if your model has it)
On models with Auto Open Dry, the manual says it “enhances the drying performance by opening the door automatically during the drying stage.” Some steam at the door is normal. If your model doesn’t have it, open the door a few inches yourself when the cycle ends.
5. Clean the filter
A dirty filter mainly affects wash quality, but a film of residue on dishes also stops water sheeting off. From LG’s manual:
- Remove the lower rack. Turn the bottom spray arm so the wider gap faces the front.
- Turn the inner filter counter-clockwise and lift out the inner filter together with the stainless steel filter.
- Clean the filters with a soft brush under running water.
- Refit them, turning the inner filter clockwise until it clicks.
6. Load for drying
- Angle cups and bowls so water can’t pool on their bases.
- Don’t nest items or overload the racks.
- Put plastics on the top rack and expect some dampness. That’s normal.
- Unload the bottom rack first so water from the top rack doesn’t drip onto dry dishes.
When to call LG service
If dishes are still wet and cool after a full cycle with Extra Dry, a filled dispenser, a raised rinse aid level and good loading, contact LG support or a technician. Don’t test the heater or remove door panels yourself. Have the model and serial number from the label on the side of the door or tub opening, and note what you’ve tried. LG manuals and support: lg.com/us/support.
Frequently asked questions
What rinse aid level should I use on an LG?
On the models covered by LG’s instructions, the range is L0 to L4 with a default of L2. If loads stay wet, go up one step at a time. Other models have a different range, so check your manual.
Do I need rinse aid if I use pods?
LG’s manual lists tablets without rinse aid as a cause of poor drying. Keeping the dispenser filled is the reliable approach.
Why is steam coming out at the end?
On models with Auto Open Dry, the door opens during drying to let moist air out. That’s by design, and some steam at the door is normal.
Other brands: GE not drying · Frigidaire not drying · LG not draining
