I switched my dishwasher to the air dry setting instead of heated dry for 14 days this March. This is what happened

A potential concern with using air dry is the possibility of mold or odors developing due to residual moisture. However, over the two-week period, I did not experience any noticeable odors from the dishwasher.

To mitigate any mold risk, I ensured to leave the dishwasher door slightly ajar after a cycle to allow for additional air circulation. This simple step seemed effective in keeping the interior fresh and dry.

Loads consisting primarily of glass, metal, and ceramic items fared the best with the air dry setting. These materials retain heat longer, aiding in the drying process. Plastic items, on the other hand, often came out wetter.

For heavily soiled loads or those containing a large number of plastic items, I found it beneficial to use a rinse aid and spread out the items to improve air circulation, which helped in achieving better drying results.