Introduction
If you own an LG dishwasher, you have likely noticed a setting labeled Extra Dry on the control panel. Many users wonder exactly what this option does, when to use it, and whether it impacts energy consumption. This guide answers the question What Is Extra Dry on Lg Dishwasher? in plain language, explains the technology behind the feature, and provides practical advice for getting the best results from every wash cycle.
- What Is Extra Dry?
- How Extra Dry Works
- Benefits of Using Extra Dry
- When to Use Extra Dry
- Step‑by‑Step: Activating Extra Dry
- Extra Dry vs. Standard Dry vs. Heat Dry
- Tips for Best Results with Extra Dry
- Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting
- Energy Consumption and Efficiency
- Compatibility with Different LG Models
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
What Is Extra Dry?
Extra Dry is a dedicated drying enhancement found on most modern LG dishwashers. When selected, the appliance extends the final drying phase, increases the temperature of the rinse water, and often activates a supplemental fan or heated air circulation to remove residual moisture from dishes, glassware, and plastics. The result is noticeably drier items straight out of the machine, reducing the need for hand‑drying or a second pass with a towel.
Unlike the default Auto or Normal dry settings, which rely primarily on the heat retained from the final rinse, Extra Dry adds active drying power. This makes it especially valuable for households that frequently wash plastic containers, baby bottles, or items with complex shapes that trap water.
How Extra Dry Works
LG’s Extra Dry cycle combines three mechanisms to achieve superior dryness:
- Higher Rinse Temperature – The final rinse water is heated to a higher temperature (typically around 70 °C / 158 °F) than in standard cycles. Hotter water evaporates more quickly from surfaces.
- Extended Fan Operation – Many LG models feature a built‑in condensation fan that runs longer during the drying phase. The fan pulls moist air out of the tub and replaces it with drier ambient air, accelerating evaporation.
- Heat‑Boost Element – On select models, a supplemental heating element activates during the last 10‑15 minutes of the cycle, providing a gentle blast of warm air across the load.
These actions work together without dramatically increasing total cycle time; most Extra Dry cycles add only 10‑20 minutes compared with the standard dry option.
Benefits of Using Extra Dry
Choosing Extra Dry delivers several tangible advantages:
- Spot‑Free Glassware – Higher rinse heat and forced air reduce water spots and streaks on glasses and crystal.
- Dry Plastics – Plastic containers, lids, and baby bottles often remain damp after a normal cycle; Extra Dry eliminates most residual moisture.
- Reduced Hand‑Drying – Less time spent towel‑drying means faster kitchen cleanup.
- Improved Hygiene – Drier surfaces discourage bacterial growth, an important factor for households with infants or immunocompromised members.
- Better Energy Use for Certain Loads – While Extra Dry consumes a bit more electricity per cycle, it can eliminate the need for a second “dry‑only” run, saving energy overall.
When to Use Extra Dry
Extra Dry is not required for every load. Use it in the following situations:
- Loads heavy with plastic items (food storage containers, reusable cups, baby bottles).
- Glassware and stemware that must be spot‑free for entertaining.
- Cookware with deep cavities or intricate designs that trap water.
- When you plan to unload the dishwasher immediately and want items ready to put away.
- During humid seasons when ambient moisture slows natural evaporation.
For everyday mixed loads of ceramics, stainless steel, and lightly soiled items, the standard Auto or Normal dry setting is usually sufficient and more energy‑efficient. (See Also:How To Open Dishwasher)
Step‑by‑Step: Activating Extra Dry
Activating the Extra Dry option is straightforward on virtually all LG dishwashers. Follow these steps:
- Load the Dishwasher – Arrange dishes according to the manufacturer’s loading guidelines, ensuring that spray arms can rotate freely.
- Select a Wash Cycle – Choose the desired cycle (e.g., Normal, Heavy, Auto). Extra Dry is compatible with most cycles except Quick Wash on some models.
- Press the Extra Dry Button – Locate the button labeled Extra Dry (often represented by a sun icon with a water droplet). Press it once; an indicator light will illuminate.
- Confirm Selection – The display will show “Extra Dry” or a similar confirmation. If you change your mind, press the button again to deactivate.
- Start the Cycle – Press Start or close the door (on models with auto‑start). The dishwasher will run the selected cycle with the enhanced drying phase.
- Unload Promptly – For best results, unload the dishwasher shortly after the cycle ends while residual heat still aids evaporation.
Refer to your specific model’s user manual for any variations in button layout or cycle compatibility.
Extra Dry vs. Standard Dry vs. Heat Dry
| Feature | Standard Dry (Auto/Normal) | Heat Dry | Extra Dry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Drying Method | Residual heat from final rinse | Dedicated heating element during dry phase | Higher rinse temp + extended fan + optional heat boost |
| Typical Cycle Time Increase | Baseline | +15‑30 min | +10‑20 min |
| Energy Consumption | Lowest | Higher (continuous heating) | Moderate (short heat boost + fan) |
| Effectiveness on Plastics | Often leaves moisture | Good, but can warp delicate plastics | Excellent – dries most plastics without warping |
| Spot Reduction on Glass | Moderate | Good | Best – near‑spotless results |
| Recommended Use | Everyday mixed loads | Heavy loads, sanitizing needs | Plastic‑heavy loads, glassware, humid climates |
Tips for Best Results with Extra Dry
- Load Plastics on the Top Rack – The top rack receives the most airflow from the fan, improving drying of lightweight items.
- Use Rinse Aid – Rinse aid reduces surface tension, allowing water to sheet off dishes and evaporate faster.
- Avoid Overcrowding – Leave space between items so hot air can circulate freely.
- Select the Right Cycle – Pair Extra Dry with a cycle that includes a high‑temperature final rinse (e.g., Normal or Heavy) for maximum effect.
- Open the Door Slightly After Cycle – If you cannot unload immediately, cracking the door a few centimeters lets residual steam escape.
- Clean the Filter Regularly – A clogged filter restricts water flow and reduces rinse temperature, undermining Extra Dry performance.
Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting
Even with a powerful feature like Extra Dry, users sometimes encounter issues. Here are the most frequent mistakes and how to fix them:
- Mistake: Using Extra Dry on Quick Wash – Quick cycles often lack a high‑temp rinse, so Extra Dry cannot perform optimally. Solution: Choose a full‑length cycle when you need extra drying.
- Mistake: Skipping Rinse Aid – Without rinse aid, water clings to surfaces, leading to spots and dampness. Solution: Keep the rinse‑aid dispenser filled and set to the appropriate dosage.
- Mistake: Overloading the Bottom Rack – Large pots block the fan’s airflow. Solution: Place bulky items on the sides or use the adjustable rack to create gaps.
- Mistake: Ignoring Filter Maintenance – A dirty filter reduces water pressure and rinse temperature. Solution: Clean the filter monthly or after heavy use.
- Mistake: Expecting Instant Dry on All Plastics – Very thick or insulated plastics may still retain some moisture. Solution: Allow a few extra minutes of air drying or towel‑dry those specific items.
Energy Consumption and Efficiency
Extra Dry does increase electricity usage modestly because of the higher rinse temperature and fan operation. On average, the feature adds roughly 0.1‑0.2 kWh per cycle, translating to a few dollars per year for a typical household. However, the energy penalty is often offset by eliminating a separate “dry‑only” run or by reducing the need for hand‑drying with a heated towel rail. If energy savings are a top priority, reserve Extra Dry for loads that truly benefit—plastic‑heavy or glass‑heavy loads—and use the standard dry setting for routine mixed loads.
Compatibility with Different LG Models
Most LG dishwashers released since 2018 include an Extra Dry option, but the exact implementation varies:
- QuadWash™ Models – Feature a dedicated fan and heat‑boost element; Extra Dry runs the fan for the full extended period.
- TrueSteam® Models – Combine steam cleaning with Extra Dry; the steam phase pre‑heats the tub, making the final dry even more effective.
- Budget Series (e.g., LDF series) – May offer a simplified Extra Dry that only raises rinse temperature without a fan boost.
- SmartThinQ® Enabled Models – Allow you to activate Extra Dry remotely via the LG ThinQ app and receive cycle‑completion notifications.
Check your model’s specification sheet or the control panel legend to confirm the exact capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Extra Dry on LG Dishwasher?
Extra Dry is an enhanced drying setting that raises the final rinse temperature, runs the condensation fan longer, and may activate a supplemental heat element to leave dishes, glassware, and plastics significantly drier than the standard dry cycle. (See Also:How To Install Drain Hose For Dishwasher)
Does Extra Dry Use More Electricity?
Yes, it consumes a small amount of additional electricity—typically 0.1‑0.2 kWh per cycle—due to higher rinse heat and fan operation. The increase is modest compared with running a separate dry‑only cycle.
Can I Use Extra Dry on Every Cycle?
Extra Dry is compatible with most full‑length cycles (Normal, Heavy, Auto, Sanitize). It is usually disabled on Quick Wash or Express cycles because those cycles lack a high‑temperature final rinse.
Will Extra Dry Damage Delicate Items?
Extra Dry is safe for most dishwasher‑safe items. However, extremely heat‑sensitive plastics (e.g., certain thin containers) may warp if exposed to the heat‑boost element. Place such items on the top rack and monitor the first few uses.
Do I Need Rinse Aid with Extra Dry?
Rinse aid is highly recommended. It lowers water surface tension, allowing the higher‑temperature rinse and forced air to remove moisture more efficiently, resulting in spot‑free glassware and drier plastics.
How Long Does Extra Dry Add to the Cycle?
Typically 10‑20 minutes, depending on the model and selected wash cycle. The extra time is spent in the extended drying phase. (See Also:Which Dishwasher Dries The Best)
Can I Turn Off Extra Dry Mid‑Cycle?
On most models, you cannot change drying options after the cycle has started. If you need to cancel, you must stop the cycle entirely and restart with the desired settings.
Conclusion
Understanding What Is Extra Dry on Lg Dishwasher? empowers you to match the drying performance to each load’s needs. By leveraging a hotter final rinse, a longer fan run, and an optional heat boost, Extra Dry delivers spot‑free glassware, thoroughly dried plastics, and less post‑wash labor. Use it selectively—especially for plastic‑heavy or glass‑heavy loads—and pair it with rinse aid and proper loading habits for the best results. With mindful use, the modest energy increase is outweighed by the convenience and hygiene benefits, making Extra Dry a valuable tool in any modern kitchen.