If dishes are wet at the end of a Whirlpool WDT970SAKZ cycle, Whirlpool's own article puts rinse aid first: the dishwasher is specifically designed to use it for drying, the dispenser holds 5 ounces (150 mL) that lasts 1 to 3 months, and an empty indicator looks clear. Then it lists the rinse aid level (try a higher setting for hard water or spots), whether Door Open Dry was selected, loading so water does not pool, whether the water is 120 F, and whether a heated or extended dry option was used. Plastic and nonstick items are hard to dry and may need a towel.
Differential
Likely causes of “Whirlpool dishwasher does not dry dishes”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Rinse aid is empty or the level is low
What separates it Water sits in droplets and dries as spots and the indicator looks clear
How to confirm Refill the dispenser and raise the level in the menu, one step at a time
- 2
A dry option was not selected
What separates it The heated dry indicator is off and dishes are wet
How to confirm Select Heated Dry or Extended Dry; the default Heat or Pro Dry suits smaller loads
- 3
Dishes loaded so that water pools
What separates it Cups and concave items hold water on top because the dishes are loaded so that water pools
How to confirm Angle items using the tines and place glasses between the tines, not over them
- 4
A heating element fault
What separates it The Sanitize light blinks rather than staying on because of a heating element fault
How to confirm Run the Sanitize cycle test; if the light blinks, book service
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether the dispenser indicator is clear or colored and the rinse aid level
- Which dry option was selected and whether the load was mostly plastic
- The result of the Sanitize light test
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedCheck the rinse aid
ReversibleLook at the indicator with the door fully open and level: if empty it appears clear. The dispenser holds 5 oz (150 mL), which normally lasts 1 to 3 months.
Adjust the level
ReversibleWhirlpool says try a higher setting if you have hard water or see rings or spots. Change it a little at a time and run a few cycles between changes.
Choose the right dry option
ReversibleMost models offer air dry, Heat or Pro Dry for smaller loads and Extended Dry, which adds 15 minutes for large loads. Some models offer Door Open Dry, which opens the door a few inches after washing to vent moist air.
Load for drying
ReversiblePlace glasses between the tines, angle flat or concave surfaces, and load plastics in the third-level rack if present. Plastic does not hold heat, so towel drying may be needed.
Test the heating element
ReversibleRun a Sanitize cycle. If the Sanitize light stays on steady the element is working; if it blinks, service is needed. Without Sanitize, run the 1-hour wash with Heat Dry, which should take about 1.5 hours, and check whether dishes are warm.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Rinse aid levels
- In the menu the Rinse Aid Level A0 to A6 dispenses 0 mL (off), then 1.3, 2.6, 3.9 and 5.2 mL at the higher levels. The arrow adjuster inside the dispenser is turned by hand or with a flat-blade screwdriver on the older dispenser style. Whirlpool says just enough rinse aid is more effective than too much.
- Parts for this problem on the WDT970SAKZ (RepairClinic, 2026-09-21)
- vent gasket, part number W11545539, at $7.91; detergent dispenser, part number W11412300, at $115.21; optical wash sensor, part number W11410464, at $25.90.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models WDT750SAKZ, WDT730HAMZ, WDT540HAMZ, WDP540HAMZ, WDTA50SAHZ, WDF520PADM.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the Sanitize light blinks, service is needed for the heating element
- !If items are warm but wet, the fix is rinse aid, loading and the dry option rather than service
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Whirlpool's own article on a dishwasher that will not fill, including the Start/Resume indicator and the 3 second door rule.
Whirlpool's own manual for this model, English pages 1 to 29: maintenance, loading, care, setting menu, error codes, installation and the check-operation cycle.
Whirlpool's own help articles for its dishwashers, each; the article for this page is named in the page's notes.
Whirlpool's own product-assistance and cleaning articles for its dishwashers.
Parts and list prices as shown on RepairClinic's parts search for this model number on 2026-09-21.
Exact questions
Common questions
How much rinse aid does the dispenser hold?+
5 oz (150 mL), typically 1 to 3 months.
What is Door Open Dry?+
An option that opens the door a few inches after washing to vent moisture, on models that have it.
What does Extended Dry add?+
15 minutes of drying time for large loads.
How do I test the element?+
Run Sanitize; a steady Sanitize light means it is fine and a blinking light means service.
Is water temperature important?+
Yes. The dishwasher needs a 120 F hot supply for best wash and dry performance.
Should I towel dry plastics?+
Yes if needed; porous nonstick surfaces and plastic collect droplets.