I have a Kenmore 665 dishwasher (older model from 1997), and recently it won’t dry dishes properly. Even after running the dry cycle multiple times, dishes come out hot but still very wet. If you’re experiencing this, here’s what’s actually going on and how to fix it.
Quick Answer
If dishes are hot but still wet, the issue is almost always lack of rinse aid or poor drying performance, not a filter problem. Older Kenmore models rely heavily on rinse aid and heat drying.
Step-by-Step: Fix Dishwasher Not Drying
Step 1: Start Using Rinse Aid (Most Important Fix)
This is the #1 reason in your case.
- Fill the rinse aid dispenser
- Set it to medium or high
👉 Rinse aid helps water slide off dishes instead of sticking, which is critical for drying.
Step 2: Understand Your Model’s Filter
For your Kenmore 665 model:
- There is no removable filter like modern dishwashers
- It uses a pump filter inside the sump
👉 This affects cleaning, not drying, so it’s not the cause of wet dishes.
Step 3: Check Heating Element
Even if dishes feel hot, confirm proper heating.
- Open dishwasher after cycle
- Check if heating element gets hot during dry
👉 If weak or failing, drying performance drops significantly.
Step 4: Use Heated Dry Option Properly
Older models depend on this feature.
- Always select Heated Dry
- Avoid energy-saving or air-dry modes
👉 Without heat, dishes will stay wet.
Step 5: Improve Loading Technique
Water pooling prevents drying.
- Avoid stacking items too close
- Angle cups and bowls downward
- Leave space for airflow
👉 Poor loading traps water.
Step 6: Open Door After Cycle (Simple Trick)
This improves drying instantly.
- Open door slightly after cycle ends
- Let steam escape
👉 This mimics modern “auto-open drying.”
Extra Tips and Best Practices
- Run hot water in sink before starting dishwasher
- Use proper detergent (not too much)
- Clean spray arms occasionally
- Upgrade rinse aid regularly
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not using rinse aid (main issue here)
- Running dry cycle repeatedly (won’t help without rinse aid)
- Assuming filter affects drying
- Overloading dishes
FAQ
Why are my dishes hot but still wet?
Because water isn’t evaporating properly - usually due to no rinse aid.
Does this model have a filter?
Yes, but it’s a pump filter inside, not user-cleanable and unrelated to drying.
Why did drying get worse over time?
Likely due to stopping rinse aid use or heating element weakening.
Conclusion
If your Kenmore 665 dishwasher isn’t drying dishes, the biggest fix is simple: start using rinse aid again. These older models depend heavily on it. Once you add rinse aid and optimize loading, you should see immediate improvement.
Useful References
- https://www.repairclinic.com/RepairHelp/Dishwasher-Repair-Help
- https://www.searspartsdirect.com/diy/symptom/dishwasher-repair/1234581/not-drying-dishes/dsh
- https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/how-to-load-a-dishwasher/
