Dishwashers are essential kitchen appliances that you use daily, which is why it's important to know what to expect in terms of their average lifespan and when to consider a replacement. So, how long do dishwashers last? Keep reading to get all of your questions answered.

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How Long Do Dishwashers Last?
Factors That Influence a Dishwasher's Lifespan
How to Increase the Average Lifespan of a Dishwasher
How to Tell When It's Time to Replace a Dishwasher

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How Long Do Dishwashers Last?

The typical lifespan of a dishwasher is approximately 10–15 years. Please note that this is an estimate that may vary depending on the factors we go over in the next section.

Factors That Influence a Dishwasher's Lifespan

Now that we've answered "How long do dishwashers last?" let's discuss how certain factors can affect their 10–15 year lifespan. Keep reading to determine which factors impact a dishwasher's efficiency and lifespan over time.

Brand

A dishwasher's brand can play a role in its lifespan due to the overall design and technology used for a specific model. If you plan to research dishwasher lifespan by brand, we recommend reviewing industry reports and customer reviews. This way, you can compare and contrast different models to help decide on the best dishwasher for long-term use and quality performance. Check out our Dishwasher Buying Guide: Dishwasher Types & Sizes and our guide on What to Look for in a Dishwasher to learn more about innovative design features and configurations for your dishwasher.

Usage

If you run your dishwasher everyday, it naturally undergoes more wear and tear than a dishwasher that's used every few days. This can impact how long it can last without needing repairs or a replacement.

Load Size

Overloading your dishwasher can actually put more strain on the dishwasher over time. If a dishwasher is too full, the dishwasher can't distribute or drain water as easily, causing clogged drains and leftover food residue. This can also lead to a higher chance of mold and mildew buildup, which can cause dishwasher components to rust or break over time.

Water Quality

The quality of your water can also impact the average life of a dishwasher. If you live in an area that's known for hard water (water with a bunch of minerals), your dishwasher could be more susceptible to clogging or rusting due to a buildup of mineral residue.

Maintenance & Cleaning Practices

The way you take care of your dishwasher also influences its life expectancy and performance over time. The next section goes over cleaning and maintenance tips in detail – from suggested weekly cleaning rituals to monthly checkups.

How to Increase the Average Lifespan of a Dishwasher

Increase your dishwasher's life expectancy by following these best practices for operating and maintaining a dishwasher.

Review the Owner's Manual

Each dishwasher model has an owner's manual, which outlines the best practices for how to use the appliance to maintain high-quality performance. We highly recommend reading over the owner's manual or researching your dishwasher model to make sure you're familiar with the appliance.

Remove Food Residue Prior to Loading Dishes

Scrape off as much of the remaining food scraps and grease off your plates, utensils, or cups before putting dishes in the dishwasher. Small bits of lettuce, meat, and other leftovers can clog up your dishwasher over time and expose dishwasher components to harmful grease and bacteria.

Focus on Smaller Loads

If you have to cram a cup or plate into the dishwasher, it's probably too full. You want plates, cups, pots, and utensils to be evenly spaced out on dishwasher racks to ensure water can rinse and drain properly. This can actually help you save on energy costs because the dishwasher doesn't have to work as hard to get dishes clean.

Tip!

Check out our guide on Dishwasher Sizes: How to Find the Best Dishwasher Size for Your Kitchen to discover which dishwasher size is compatible with your average load capacity.

Prioritize Hot Water Settings

If your dishwasher has a hot water setting, use it to your advantage! The hotter the water, the more the interior of your dishwasher gets sanitized as it washes your dishes. The heat makes it easy to remove tough food residue and also eliminates odor-causing bacteria (which can help reduce instances of mold and mildew).

Limit Hard Water Exposure

Hard water is water with a lot of minerals and is more common in some geographical areas than others. The excess minerals can cause a buildup of residue inside the dishwasher and cause important components to become clogged or rusted over time, so it's important to either fit your dishwasher with a hard water filter, or add a water softener with each use.

Tip!

How can you tell if you have hard water? Typically you might notice a white or cloudy film on dishes or the interior of your dishwasher after completing a load of dishes. You can also test your water with hard water test strips and do research on your area to determine if you need to take preventative action.

Perform Routine Maintenance & Upkeep

Here are some tips for dishwasher maintenance to help you maintain the quality of your appliance over time:

• After Each Use: Leave your dishwasher open for a bit after unloading it to give it time to air out. This will prevent instances of mold or mildew, which can clog or rust components in your dishwasher over time and create unpleasant odors.
• Every 1–2 Weeks: Inspect the inside of your dishwasher and clean up any food residue and detergent to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. You can also use this time to wipe down any areas that have visible moisture or water puddles.
• Every Month: Clean your dishwasher's filter to remove residue and food scraps. Run an empty cycle with a water/vinegar mixture or with a specialty dishwasher cleaner.
• Every 3 Months: Check the dishwasher's spray nozzles and unclog any debris or residue.
• Every 2 Years: Inspect and replace the dishwasher's hoses every couple years to prevent water leaks and promote efficiency. You may need to hire a professional for this task.

How to Tell When It's Time to Replace a Dishwasher

Here's a list of common situations that could signal it's time to replace your dishwasher, so you can make the best decision for your kitchen.

• If It's Close to the 10-Year Mark: If you've had your dishwasher for close to 10 years or more, it might be time to consider a replacement. This way, you don't have to worry about extensive repairs or your old dishwasher breaking down when you need it the most.
• If It's an Older Model: If you have an older dishwasher model that's no longer manufactured or is hard to get parts for, it's probably best to replace it with a newer model.
• If It Experiences Leakage or Drainage Issues: If your dishwasher constantly leaks or has trouble draining water, this could be a sign of cracked or rusted parts or damaged hoses and pump mechanisms. While interior parts can be changed out, you may need to replace the entire dishwasher if there's damage to the structure of the dishwasher itself (which causes leakage).
• If Dishes Consistently Come Out Dirty: You may need a new dishwasher if you've changed the filters, tried new dish detergents, unclogged the spray nozzles, and reduced your load sizes, and your dishwasher still doesn't get your dishes squeaky clean. This could point to issues with temperature controls (not being able to get hot enough to remove food residue) or issues related to filling and rinsing mechanisms.
• If It's Super Noisy When Running: Your dishwasher may be signaling that it's in need of a replacement if it starts to make excessive noise while it runs. It might be a spray nozzle or blade that needs to be replaced, but if your dishwasher is older, it might just be its time to go.
• If You Can See Rusted Parts: If your dishwasher has rusted interior walls and components, it could lead to water leakage issues and signal that it's time to say goodbye to your dishwasher. Enlist a professional to assess the damage and to determine if it's repairable.
• If Repairs Equal or Exceed the Cost to Replace It: If it costs more to repair a dishwasher than it would to replace it, you might as well treat yourself to a newer, innovative model. Get a quote from a professional about how much repairs cost and compare it to the price of a new dishwasher model to weigh your options. Consider upgrading to an energy-efficient dishwasher designed to deliver quality performance while helping you save on utility costs. Look for dishwashers with an ENERGY STAR certification for the best results.

Tip!

Now that we've answered, "how long do dishwashers last?", take a moment to brush up on the average life expectancy for these other essential home appliances:
How Long Does a Washing Machine Last?
How Long Do Refrigerators Last?

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