Average Lifespan of a Dishwasher
Dishwashers typically last between 7 and 12 years, with an average lifespan of 9.5 years. Several factors impact how long a dishwasher will last, including the brand, model, maintenance, and frequency of use.
The average life of a dishwasher is about 10 years. With extreme exposure to high-pressure water, acidic foods, and harsh cleaners, dishwashers can wear down even faster.
Most dishwashers last around 10 years with proper maintenance, but some high-quality models can last longer.
Factors That Influence Dishwasher Longevity
Many factors influence how long a dishwasher lasts. When you move into a new house, you might know how old the dishwasher is but not if it was well-maintained.
Frequency of Usage
More than a quarter of U.S. households use a dishwasher four or more times per week, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Those who use their appliance less frequently will likely need fewer repairs and get more years out of their dishwasher.
The average household runs 5 dishwasher cycles per week. As a rule of thumb, if you run more than 5 dishwasher cycles a week, your dishwasher will likely need to be replaced in approximately 7 years. If you run fewer than 5 dishwasher cycles a week, there’s a good chance that your dishwasher will last closer to 12 years.
Quality
If you purchased a high-quality dishwasher from a trusted manufacturer, it may last longer than some of the older models.
According to Consumer Reports, the most reliable dishwasher brands are Bosch, Thermador, and Whirlpool. The criteria was based on which dishwashers are most likely to break during the first five years of use, so these three top brands are the least likely to do so.
Maintenance
Keeping up with regular maintenance can make your dishwasher last longer and work better. Invest time and energy into cleaning it regularly to prevent buildups or blockages.
Not so. It’s easy for food residue and mineral deposits to build up. Give your dishwasher a thorough cleaning every three to six months to get the most out of your machine. “Run a full cycle using the highest temperature setting, and place a cup of white vinegar inside a dishwasher-safe cup,” recommends Alessandro Gazzo of Emily’s Maids. “Vinegar is capable of cleaning and disinfecting a dishwasher with ease”.
Repairs
The professionals you choose to repair your dishwasher make a difference. If you hire a dishwasher repair expert who is trained and experienced and uses OEM parts, your dishwasher will continue to run efficiently and last longer.
Tips to Extend Your Dishwasher’s Lifespan
Following a few simple strategies in caring for your dishwasher can make your appliance last longer and spare you the hassle of frequent repairs.
- Scrape the plate—but don’t rinse it. Most dishwashers don’t require a prerinse, but be sure to scrape off bones, toothpicks, and other solid items before loading your dishes. These hard bits can clog the drain hose, tear the filter, or damage the pump.
- Give the filter a hand. The remaining stuck-on food has to go somewhere, and unless your dishwasher has an old-school food grinder, you’ll have to clean the filter manually. Adam Hofmann, a senior engineer at Midea’s America Research Center, says to do this every month or so, and more often if necessary.
- Use a powder detergent instead of gel. Gels may contain chlorine bleach, which can cause erosion over time in your machine.
- Use the hot water setting. This will clean your dishes effectively, kill bacteria and prevent gunk build-up.
- Load your dishwasher correctly. Increase efficiency by facing the dirtiest side of your dishes inwards and not overloading the appliance.
- Clean your dishwasher well. You should clean your appliance at least once a month. Each time you clean remember to: Clear the drains of gunk – use a wet sponge to remove any fallen food scraps that may be in the filter.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Dishwasher
Even with the best care, no appliance lasts forever. If your dishwasher consistently leaves dishes dirty, makes unusual noises, or frequently breaks down, it may be time for a replacement. Consider the cost of repairs versus the price of a new unit. If repairs exceed 50% of the replacement cost, buying a new dishwasher makes more financial sense when the dishwasher is older than 7 years.
The most obvious sign is a decrease in cleaning performance. Dishes may emerge from the cycle still coated in leftover food residues, even after running the dishwasher multiple times. Issues like a failing rinse aid dispenser can result in spotty drying results. Physical damage from extended use also shows it’s near the end. Watch out for telltale signs like rust marks on the interior tub, cracks in materials, or broken racks. Water leaks from different areas are a warning the unit needs replacing. Excessive noise also suggests internal problems. Loud banging or grinding during cycles means components are struggling.
FAQs
How can I tell if my dishwasher is nearing the end of its lifespan?
Look for signs like consistently dirty dishes, unusual noises (e.g., banging or grinding), leaks, rust on the interior, or frequent breakdowns. If repair costs exceed 50% of a new unit’s price and the dishwasher is over 7 years old, replacement is often more cost-effective.
Does the brand of the dishwasher affect its lifespan?
Yes, brand quality matters. High-end brands like Bosch, Thermador, and Whirlpool are often more reliable, with some models lasting up to 15–20 years. Lower-quality models may only last 7–8 years, especially with heavy use.
How often should I clean my dishwasher to extend its life?
Clean the filter every month and run a cleaning cycle with vinegar or a dishwasher cleaner every 3–6 months. Regularly wipe down door seals and check spray arms for clogs to prevent buildup and maintain efficiency.
Is it worth repairing an old dishwasher?
If the dishwasher is over 10 years old and repair costs are high (e.g., over $300 or 50% of a new unit’s cost), replacing it is usually better. Newer models are more energy-efficient, potentially saving on utility bills.
Can hard water shorten my dishwasher’s lifespan?
Yes, hard water can cause mineral buildup, clogging pipes and reducing efficiency. Use a water softener or run monthly cleaning cycles with vinegar to minimize damage from hard water.