Dishwasher is one of the common equipment inside the kitchen, it can help you to clean the bowl, but no matter what kind of equipment, it has a lifespan, we have researched various brands of dishwashers, and we found that there are many reasons affecting the lifespan of the dishwasher, let’s talk about it in detail below.
Average dishwasher lifespan
The average lifespan of a dishwasher is 9 to 12 years, which is the result of most of the information we queried, in general household use, if usually maintained, most of the life expectancy of 10 years, depending on the length of the most important reasons, is the brand, the frequency of use. As Consumer Reports points out, based on a survey of more than 69,000 dishwashers, about 23% of dishwashers malfunction or degrade in performance within the first five years of use, which underscores the fact that longevity isn’t something that can be guaranteed without a lot of effort.
How Long Do Dishwashers Last?
Factors affecting the life of a dishwasher
The lifespan of your dishwasher depends on several key factors. Understanding these factors will help you make informed maintenance and replacement decisions.
1. Brand and build quality
Not all dishwashers are created equal. High-end brands like Bosch, Thermador, Whirlpool, and Miele typically utilize higher-quality materials, such as stainless steel interiors, durable motors, and advanced engineering, all of which contribute to the longevity of your dishwasher. Miele dishwashers, for example, are rigorously tested with 5,600 cycles, which equates to 20 years of use after 5 times a week. But such quality is only found in very few brands. So such data, as a reference can be enough.
2. Frequency of use
The frequency of dishwasher use also plays an important role. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average household uses the dishwasher about 5 times a week. If you use your dishwasher every day or multiple times, the wear and tear on parts such as the pump, motor and seals will accelerate, potentially shortening its lifespan to six to eight years. Conversely, less frequent use (e.g., once or twice a week) can extend its life to 12 to 16 years. Moderate use is critical – too infrequent use can also lead to parts seizing due to lack of use.
3. Maintenance practices
Regular maintenance is critical to maximizing the life of your dishwasher. Neglecting simple tasks such as cleaning filters or door seals can lead to clogs, leaks, or reduced performance. For example, food residue left on dishes can clog filters or damage pumps, while mineral deposits in hard water can affect efficiency. Manufacturers recommend cleaning filters monthly and every three to six months with vinegar or dishwasher cleaner.
4. Water quality
Hard water contains high levels of minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which can cause scale to build up in pipes, valves and pumps, reducing efficiency and leading to premature dishwasher damage. If your home has hard water, using a water softener or regularly descaling your dishwasher can significantly improve the situation. Some dishwashers have a built-in water softening system that requires regular replenishment of regeneration salt.
5. Utensil loading habits
The way your dishwasher is loaded is more important than you think. Overloaded or improperly stacked dishes can overload the dishwasher, clogging the spray arms, reducing cleaning results and forcing you to run the dishwasher extra. This extra wear and tear can shorten the life of your dishwasher. Always follow the manufacturer’s loading guidelines to ensure dishes are properly spaced and the dirtiest side is facing the spray arms.
Signs that your dishwasher may need replacing
Even if you usually take good care of your dishwasher, it will slowly deteriorate over time, and here are some of the characteristics that begin to deteriorate:
- Decreased cleaning effectiveness: If dishes frequently become dirty or residual despite troubleshooting (e.g., cleaning filters or using rinse aid), the pump or spray arm may be malfunctioning.
- Visible rust or cracks: Rust in the inner cylinder or cracks in the door or body are serious problems and usually lead to costly repairs. Replaceable parts (such as shelves) may be repairable, but damage to the inner cylinder can cause repairs to fail.
- Persistent Leakage: Persistent leakage, especially if there is no obvious cause (e.g., worn door seals), may signal a deeper problem with the pump or hose. If left untreated, the leak could cause water damage to your kitchen.
- Unusual noises: Loud thumping, scraping or humming noises during operation usually indicate a problem with a component, such as a faulty motor or pump.
- Dishes not drying properly: If dishes get cold or wet after drying, the heating element may be faulty. Replacing the heating element can be costly, so it’s often more cost-effective to buy a new dishwasher.
- Frequent repairs: If the cost of repairs is more than half the price of a new dishwasher (usually $250 to $2,000), replacement is usually a better option, especially if the dishwasher is more than 8 years old.
Tips to Extend Your Dishwasher’s Lifespan
You have more control over your dishwasher’s longevity than you might think. Here are practical, expert-backed tips to keep it running smoothly for as long as possible:
- Read the Manual: Your dishwasher’s instruction manual is a treasure trove of model-specific advice. It covers proper loading, recommended detergents, and maintenance schedules. If you’ve lost the manual, check sites like Manualsonline.com or Manualslib.com.
- Scrape, Don’t Rinse: Most modern dishwashers don’t require pre-rinsing, but you should scrape off large food scraps, bones, or toothpicks to prevent clogs in the filter or damage to the pump.
- Clean the Filter Regularly: Unless your dishwasher has a self-cleaning filter, clean the manual filter every month or after heavy loads. Use a soft brush to remove food particles and rinse it thoroughly.
- Use the Right Detergent: Stick to dishwasher-specific powder or tablet detergents. Liquid dish soap or gel detergents with chlorine bleach can erode components over time. Avoid overfilling the soap dispenser.
- Run Hot Water Cycles: Hot water (130–140°F) dissolves grease and prevents buildup better than cold water, reducing strain on the machine.
- Clean Door Seals and Spray Arms: Wipe door seals with a soapy cloth or vinegar-soaked towel to remove debris and mold. Check spray arms for blockages every few months and clear them gently to maintain water flow.
- Use Vinegar or Dishwasher Cleaner: Run an empty cycle with a cup of white vinegar or a commercial cleaner like Affresh every three to six months to remove limescale and grease.
- Avoid Overloading: Follow the manufacturer’s loading guidelines to prevent strain on the motor and ensure proper cleaning. Overloading can also block spray arms, reducing efficiency.
- Schedule Professional Maintenance: For older units or if you notice issues, a professional technician can catch problems early. An extended warranty can also cover regular servicing.
- Balance Usage: Run your dishwasher regularly but not excessively. Occasional use keeps parts lubricated, while overuse accelerates wear. Aim for a full load every other day rather than multiple partial loads.
When to Repair or Replace
Deciding whether or not to replace your dishwasher with a new one depends on the age of your dishwasher, and the maintenance. If your dishwasher is experiencing problems and needs to be repaired, and the cost of repairing it is more than 50%, you don’t need to repair it, just replace it with a new one. For the age, if the dishwasher has been used for more than 8 years, it can be replaced with a new one.
However, if the dishwasher is relatively new (less than 5 years old) and the problem is minor (e.g., a $50 door seal replacement), repairs can significantly extend its life. Always check to see if your dishwasher is under warranty, as a warranty can cover the cost of repairs. Consult a trusted technician to assess whether the repair is worth it and avoid using inferior parts that could cause further problems.
Choosing a New Dishwasher for Longevity
If replacement is on the horizon, prioritize durability when shopping. Look for:
- Reputable Brands: Bosch, Thermador, Whirlpool, and Miele consistently rank high for reliability. Miele’s 20-year claim is a standout, though it comes at a premium price.
- Stainless Steel Interiors: These are more durable than plastic and resist corrosion.
- Energy Efficiency: EnergyStar-certified models use less water and power, reducing strain on components.
- Warranty: Opt for models with at least a 5-year warranty, as short warranties (e.g., 1 year) often reflect lower confidence in durability.
- Features for Longevity: Look for soil sensors, self-cleaning filters, and efficient jets that reduce wear on the motor and pump.
Final Summary
Dishwashers usually last between 9 and 12 years, which is a relatively accurate number of years, but if they are well maintained then you may be able to use them for longer and vice versa. It largely depends on the brand, maintenance, frequency of use, etc. To make your dishwasher last longer, it is recommended that you maintain and clean it once a month.You can view:How to Clean a Dishwasher
FAQ
How do I know if my dishwasher is going bad?
To test what is wrong with your dishwasher, first, check that the power is on and the door is securely closed. Then run a cycle and observe whether the dishwasher is filling, draining, washing, and drying correctly. If any of these steps don’t occur, you may have a problem.
Do more expensive dishwashers last longer?
Generally, more expensive dishwashers tend to last longer due to higher quality components and better build quality. Brands like Bosch and KitchenAid, which are often pricier, are known for their durability and longevity. However, price alone doesn’t guarantee longevity.
Is it worth fixing a 3 year old dishwasher?
With dishwashers, the data typically leans toward replacement. They lose their value faster than you might realize, and professional repairs can be surprisingly expensive. The median repair cost is around $142, based on our surveys of more than 125,000 CR members.
At what age should a dishwasher be replaced?
On average, a well-maintained dishwasher can last between 10 to 15 years. What is the best brand of dishwasher to buy? There are many high-quality dishwasher brands on the market to fit different needs and preferences.
