A widely circulated kitchen hack involving placing a towel in your dishwasher door to improve drying has become so common that many households practice it automatically. However, recent guidance from appliance experts at the Good Housekeeping Home Care & Cleaning Lab reveals this method may do more harm than good, and modern dishwashers no longer need this workaround.
Why This Kitchen Hack No Longer Works
The towel-in-the-door approach emerged years ago when dishwashers had significant limitations in drying performance. Older models lacked the advanced condensation drying technology and airflow systems found in today’s machines. “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,” explains Noah Pinsonnault, a Home Care & Cleaning Reviews analyst. “Newer dishwashers are designed to handle this on their own.”
Modern appliances now feature improved condensation drying, better internal ventilation, and many even include an automatic door pop-open feature that activates at the end of the cycle. These innovations mean that adding a towel provides no drying benefit and simply represents an outdated practice that persists through habit.
Real Problems This Hack Can Cause
Beyond being unnecessary, placing a towel in your dishwasher door can actually create several issues. The primary concern involves the door gasket, the rubber seal that keeps water inside the machine during operation. When a towel is inserted into the door frame, it can interfere with the seal closing completely and properly, which causes extra strain on the gasket material over time. This repeated stress may eventually lead to deterioration and potential water leaks that damage your kitchen floor or cabinets.
Additionally, the towel traps hot steam that would otherwise escape naturally from the machine. This trapped moisture creates a minor burn risk if you’re not careful when removing the towel right after the cycle completes. The steam buildup can also contribute to mold and mildew development inside the door frame, potentially affecting your machine’s longevity and cleanliness.
How to Actually Improve Dishwasher Drying Performance
If your dishes are coming out damp or spotted, the solution lies in adjusting your loading technique, using the right additives, and selecting proper cycle settings rather than relying on external aids. Start by adding rinse aid to your dishwasher, even if your detergent already claims to include it. This chemical helps water sheet off dishes instead of clinging in small droplets, which is what creates that wet, spotted appearance. Rinse aid makes a noticeable difference in final drying results.
Most modern dishwashers include specialized drying cycles labeled as “extra dry” or “dry boost,” and selecting these options significantly improves moisture removal. Take time to review your machine’s settings and choose the appropriate drying cycle for your load. You might also want to explore other maintenance practices, such as tips for eliminating dishwasher odors and keeping your machine fresh, which can help ensure your appliance runs at peak efficiency.
Optimize Your Loading Strategy
How you arrange items inside your dishwasher matters considerably. Angle cups and bowls so water naturally runs off rather than pooling inside them. Secure lightweight items such as plastic containers or small plates so they don’t flip over during the wash cycle and trap water. When loading glassware, use your machine’s designated racks or holders if available, as these help position glasses at angles that promote better drainage.
Proper loading prevents water from sitting on dish surfaces, which is often the real culprit behind that damp finish people struggle with. By combining better loading habits with rinse aid and appropriate cycle selection, you’ll achieve noticeably drier results without any risk to your appliance. Consider pairing these practices with effective kitchen storage solutions to organize your dishware and make loading more efficient.
What This Means for Your Kitchen
Abandoning this outdated habit protects your dishwasher investment while eliminating unnecessary wear on expensive components. Rather than relying on workarounds designed for decade-old appliances, modern machines respond better to proper loading, appropriate product selection, and cycle adjustments. Taking time to implement these evidence-based approaches yields better results and helps ensure your dishwasher remains in good working order for years to come, saving you money on repairs or premature replacement.
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