The dishwasher works harder than any other appliance in the home. Most U.S. households use the dishwasher at least once a week, and many use it every night.
Considering the level of wear and tear, it’s a good idea to know how long your dishwasher will last so you can make an informed decision about whether to buy a new dishwasher or continue to repair your current one.
How Long Does a Dishwasher Last
The average lifespan of a dishwasher is nine to ten years. The lifespan of a dishwasher is affected by factors such as the quality of the dishwasher, the frequency of use, and the quality of the water in your home.
Owners can extend the life of their dishwashers by eliminating items that damage the machine, loading the machine properly, and cleaning, maintaining, and repairing the dishwasher regularly.
5 Factors That Affect the Lifespan of a Dishwasher
There are several factors (all of which are within the owner’s control) that affect the lifespan of a dishwasher.
- Dishwasher quality: Buy the best dishwasher possible on a budget. Choosing the best dishwasher can help improve noise levels, cleaning results, energy efficiency, and longer lifespan.
- Expert Installation: Install the dishwasher properly to prevent problems. You can hire a qualified equipment technician to install the dishwasher or you can install the dishwasher yourself with guidance and instructions.
- Frequency of use and longevity: The more you run your dishwasher, the faster it wears out. Reducing the number of runs of a dishwasher will extend its lifespan (up to a certain limit). At the same time, all devices age on their own, even if they are not running.
- Water quality: When the dishwasher uses higher quality water, the washing efficiency is higher and the life span is longer. The water should be soft and contain only a small amount of lime. Tap water is placed on a water hardness test strip to measure the softness of the water. Tests can usually be found in an introductory pack, or they can be purchased at most home centers. If your home’s water is hard, choose the best water softener within your budget. Install the water softener yourself or hire a technician or plumber to do the job.
- Cleaning, maintenance, and repair: Regular cleaning, maintenance, and repairs can be done by yourself, all of which will help make your dishwasher last longer.
How to Make Your Dishwasher Last Longer
Loading the right items into the dishwasher and placing them in the right way can extend the life of your dishwasher. Also keep your dishwasher clean, maintained, and repaired, and do so regularly.
Wash Only the Right Items
Dishwasher-wash dishes, cooking pots, and other kitchen items. Avoid washing unsuitable items, such as car parts, dirty sporting goods, and candle holder holders. Some non-kitchen items are dishwasher safe, such as some children’s toys, toothbrush holders, pet bowls, hairbrushes, and combs.
Load the Dishwasher Properly
Make sure you load the dishwasher the right way every time. Machines vary, but generally lightweight items are placed on the top shelf, heavier items are placed on the bottom shelf, and all items should be spaced well. Follow the way the rack teeth are organized, not go beyond them. Only place items in a pre-designated space to properly space items.
Tip:
While it is not advisable to overload the dishwasher, it is equally undesirable to underload. Running a short load adds more cycles to the machine’s finite number of cycles. Fill the dishwasher and run the dishwasher.
Clean the Dishwasher
Clean the dishwasher regularly. Place a cup of distilled white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe bowl. Free up the dishwasher. Place the bowl on the top rack of the dishwasher without spilling liquids. Run a full cycle. Clean the dishwasher once a month.
Maintain the Dishwasher
Maintain the dishwasher yourself to keep it in good condition.
- Keep an eye out for leaks at the bottom of the dishwasher and if the drain is working properly.
- Clean the dishwasher drain.
- Check the vents so they stay clear.
- If the dishwasher leaves dirty dishes, clean the spray arm with a thin, flexible wire (to remove mineral deposits or debris).
- Soak the dishwasher filter in warm, soapy water and scrub it with a toothbrush, remove it and clean it.
Repair the Dishwasher
Fix your dishwasher before a small problem turns into a big one that can damage your machine. There are many dishwasher repairs that you can do yourself.
With basic tools and ordering parts online, most homeowners should be able to fix floats, seal leaky doors, or fix drains. For dishwashers that are not heated, you can even remove and replace the heating elements yourself.
Signs That It’s Time to Replace the Dishwasher
- Rust appears: Rust on the dishwasher body or other integrated parts is a bad sign and usually means that the machine should be replaced. Rust on some detachable parts, such as racks and tines, is not a problem as these parts are easy to replace.
- Cracks: Cracks in the dishwasher, bathtub or door can’t be repaired successfully.
- Machines don’t save energy: Dishwashers that are older than ENERGY STAR consume your energy and money. If you’re selling your home, an outdated, inefficient dishwasher can also be a hindrance.
- Repair costs are higher than replacement: Dishwasher repairs are designed to keep the machine running for a long time, but at a minimal cost. When the cost of repairs reaches or exceeds the cost of replacement, the machine needs to be replaced.
- The dishwasher is 10 years old or more: Even if the dishwasher still cleans effectively after 10 years, you may want to consider replacing it to avoid the possibility of leaks. A dishwasher leak can have a devastating and costly impact, damaging kitchen floors, subfloors, cabinets, and the ceiling below.
Tip:
The life cycle of other household appliances is similar to that of a dishwasher. The refrigerator has a lifespan of 12 years, the washing machine has a life span of 11 years, and the room air conditioner has been around for nine years. If they were purchased around the same time, it may be time to replace them all. By buying a dishwasher as part of an appliance set, you may save money.
