Things You’ll Need
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Rinse drying agent
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Dishwasher owner's manual
Properly loading the dishwasher helps all dishes dry evenly. Image Credit: Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
Though the dishwasher is most useful as a tool for cleaning dirty dishes, the appliance can also be used for drying wet, hand-washed dishes and warming plates. Most Kenmore dishwasher models feature a drying option for regular washing cycles and some utilize a heated drying option. One way to use the drying cycle is to warm plates, serving dishes and flatware prior to serving special meals. Heating serving dishes helps keep food at warm while you transfer items from the kitchen to the table. Each Kenmore model differs slightly, so it is important to consult the owner's manual for your model.
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Step 1
Open the dishwasher door. Place drying agent solution into the dispenser located inside the door. Using a rinse, drying agent helps the dishes dry quickly.
Step 2
Place dishes in the dishwasher according to the manufacturer's instructions. Separate the flatware in the flatware basket. Keep the flatware pieces separated, adding five to seven pieces to each basket. Add plates to the bottom rack. Keep the smallest plates at the center of the rack, moving toward larger plates and serving dishes along the perimeter of the rack. Only place one dish per slot. Add glasses and bowls to the top rack.
Step 3
Locate the heated-dry option on the front panel of the dishwasher. Flip the switch or press the button to turn on heated dry. Most Kenmore dishwasher models allow you to save energy by disabling the heated dry. When only drying or warming dishes in the dishwasher, it is important for this setting to be enabled.
Step 4
Close the dishwasher door. Analyze the settings on the front of your dishwasher. If your model features a dial at the front, carefully turn the dial to the drying setting. One some Kenmore models this may be called the "plate warming" setting. Do not allow the dial to sit on the start or rinse areas, as this can cause the dishwasher to fill with water. For dishwashers with a push-button area skip to the next step. Allow the drying cycle to completely finish before removing the dishes.
Step 5
Locate the drying or plate warming button on the front button of your dishwasher. Press the button. Allow the drying cycle to completely finish before removing the dishes.
Tip
Add dishes to the dishwasher and set it to the drying cycle about 15 minutes before your meal should start. Keep an eye on the dishwasher and pull out the plates just after the drying cycle ends. Set the table quickly with the warm plates. You may wish to use a pot holder when setting the table to avoid burning your hands with a hot plate.
