The drying time for a full load of dishes after being washed and put away by hand can vary based on several factors, including the following:
Dish Material: The material of the dishes plays a role in how quickly they dry. For example, glass and ceramics tend to air dry faster than plastics.
Temperature and Humidity: The ambient temperature and humidity in your kitchen or the area where you're drying the dishes can influence the drying time. Lower humidity and higher temperatures generally promote faster drying.
Drying Method: If you're air drying the dishes, it may take a few hours to several hours for them to dry completely. However, if you're using a dish towel to dry the dishes by hand, it will be much quicker.
Dish Placement: Proper dish placement, such as spacing them out to allow air circulation, can affect drying time.
Dish Size and Shape: Larger or oddly shaped dishes may take longer to dry, especially if they have crevices where water can accumulate.
Pre-Drying: If you pre-dry the dishes with a dish towel before putting them away, it will significantly reduce the drying time.
Considering these factors, it's common for a full load of dishes to air dry in 1 to 3 hours after being washed and put away by hand. However, some dishes may still have residual water droplets in crevices or corners, especially if they have a more intricate design or if the air circulation in your kitchen is limited.
If you need the dishes to be completely dry in a shorter amount of time, you can use a dish towel to pat them dry before putting them away. Additionally, using a dish rack that allows proper air circulation can help speed up the drying process.