We’re all constantly being handed little “kitchen hacks” that promise to make life easier—some of them stick, some of them feel borderline life-changing, and some of them turn out not to be what they’re cracked up to be.
One I’ve personally held onto for years is putting a towel in the dishwasher door once the cycle is complete to help absorb excess moisture and eliminate any water from collecting on the items inside. I can't remember where I first heard the advice, but I started doing it when I was low on rinse aid and was trying to avoid wrangling damp dishes. Then, it became one of those autopilot habits I never really questioned.
But according to experts in the Good Housekeeping Home Care & Cleaning Lab, this is one of those "hacks" you're better off without. “The towel in the dishwasher door idea mostly comes from older machines that did not dry as well and needed a little help letting steam out,” says Noah Pinsonnault, Home Care & Cleaning Reviews analyst. “Newer dishwashers are designed to handle this on their own,” often using improved condensation drying, better airflow, or even an automatic door pop-open at the end of the cycle (a feature my own dishwasher has).
So in reality, the towel isn’t improving drying, it’s just a leftover workaround from a time when dishwashers may have needed one. Even more, doing this can cause some issues with your machine. According to Pinsonnault, the towel can get in the way of the dishwasher door sealing properly, which can put extra wear on the gasket over time and potentially cause leaks. "It can also trap hot steam, creating a minor burn risk," he adds.
If dishes are coming out wet, it's usually more about how the dishwasher is loaded, whether rinse aid is being used, or the cycle settings. A few small tweaks can make a noticeable difference. Adding rinse aid (even if your detergent already includes some) helps water sheet off dishes instead of clinging in droplets, which is what causes that damp, spotty finish. It also helps to opt for your machine’s “extra dry” or “dry boost” setting when available. When it comes to loading, angle cups and bowls so water can run off, secure lightweight items so they don’t flip and collect water, and use designated racks or holders for glassware when possible.
Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.
