For wet dishes after a GE Profile PDT785 cycle, GE's troubleshooting table lists five fixes: make sure inlet water is at least 120 F, select Boost Dry or the Boost option, select a higher cycle such as Steam-Sani, Presoak-Sani or Sanitize, check the rinse agent dispenser is not empty, and allow additional drying time by leaving the door closed after the Clean light appears so the fan runs an additional 90 minutes. Opening the door cancels the fan extension. A slight odor the first time Dry Boost is used comes from heating new parts and fades quickly.
Differential
Likely causes of “GE dishwasher does not dry dishes”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Low inlet water temperature
What separates it Dishes are warm but wet and the Sanitized light does not come on
How to confirm Make sure water is at least 120 F and raise the water heater to between 120 and 150 F
- 2
The rinse agent dispenser is empty
What separates it Water beads and dries as spots because the rinse agent dispenser is empty
How to confirm Refill the dispenser; the 3.5 oz cup lasts about a month
- 3
Dry Boost is off
What separates it The dishes air dry only because Dry Boost is off
How to confirm Turn Dry Boost on; on models with a hidden heater, use the high setting for difficult items
- 4
The door was opened during the fan extension
What separates it Dishes are damp after the Clean light came on
How to confirm Leave the door closed after the Clean light appears so the fan runs an extra 90 minutes
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether Dry Boost was on and the cycle used
- Whether the rinse agent dial and dispenser are set and full
- The temperature of the entering water
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedCheck the water temperature
ReversibleEntering water should be at least 120 F and not more than 150 F. Turn on the hot faucet nearest the dishwasher, let it run until the temperature stops rising, then start the dishwasher and turn off the faucet.
Fill the rinse agent
ReversibleFill the dispenser with a high quality rinse agent. GE says the use of rinse aid can further enhance the dishwasher's drying performance.
Turn Dry Boost on
ReversibleDry Boost turns on the option for faster drying and may add up to 64 minutes to the cycle; Dry Boost Off shuts the drying option and dishes air dry, and opening the door speeds it.
Use a higher cycle
ReversibleSelect a higher cycle such as Steam-Sani, Presoak-Sani or Sanitize, which raises the final rinse temperature.
Leave the door closed after Clean
ReversibleLeave the door closed after the Clean light appears to allow the fan to run an additional 90 minutes. Opening the door cancels the extension.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Drying options
- Dry Boost Off shuts off the drying option so dishes air dry naturally and energy is saved; Dry Boost Normal turns on faster drying; on models with the hidden heater a High setting adds more drying time. Rinse agent is set with a dial that turns clockwise to reduce water drops and hard water spots and counterclockwise to reduce foaming.
- Parts for this problem on the PDT785 (RepairClinic, 2026-09-21)
- door vent seal, part number WD08X10092, at $30.09; detergent dispenser assembly, part number WD12X32799, at $45.70; turbidity (soil) sensor, part number WD21X22830, at $31.94.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models PDT755, GDP665, GDT670, GDT650, GDF650, GDF510.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If dishes stay wet with Dry Boost, rinse agent and hot water, contact GE Appliances service
- !If plastics alone stay wet, that is normal and needs no repair
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
GE Appliances' own support articles for dishwashers; the article for this page is named in the page's notes.
GE's own page for the Profile PDT785 with its installation guide and specifications.
Parts and list prices as shown on RepairClinic's parts search for this model number on 2026-09-21.
Exact questions
Common questions
How can I dry dishes better?+
Use Dry Boost, a rinse agent, hot water and a higher cycle, and leave the door closed after the Clean light.
What is the 90 minute fan?+
After the Clean light comes on the fan runs an additional 90 minutes if you leave the door closed.
Does opening the door stop it?+
Yes, opening the door stops it, since the extension is cancelled.
What does Dry Boost add?+
Up to 64 minutes to the cycle time.
Why is there an odor with Dry Boost?+
Heating new parts the first time; it disappears in a short time.
Can I put plastic in the lower rack?+
Some models have a hidden heater so dishwasher-safe plastic can go in the lower rack; otherwise keep it in the upper rack.
What is 1-Hour Wash flash drying?+
With Dry Boost, when the Clean light comes on, open the door, pull the racks out and dishes flash dry in about five minutes.