How Long Do Dishwashers Last? What You Need to Know

Dishwashers work harder than just about any other appliance in the house. Most U.S. homes use the dishwasher at least once a week, and many homes run it every night. With that level of wear and tear in mind, it's good to know how long dishwashers last to make smart choices about whether to buy a new dishwasher or to continue to repair the current machine.

How Long Dishwashers Last

The average lifespan of dishwashers is nine to 10 years. How long a dishwasher lasts is affected by factors such as the dishwasher quality, frequency of use, and home water quality. 

Owners may be able to extend a dishwasher to the end of its lifespan by keeping out items that damage the machine, loading the machine correctly, and cleaning, maintaining, and repairing the dishwasher on a regular basis.

5 Factors That Influence Dishwasher Lifespan

Several factors—all within the owner's control—affect how long dishwashers last.

• Dishwasher quality: Buy the best dishwasher possible within the limits of your budget. Choosing the best dishwasher helps with improved noise levels, cleaning effectiveness, energy efficiency—and with lifespan. 
• Expert installation: Have the dishwasher installed correctly to prevent problems from developing down the line. Either hire a qualified appliance technician to install the dishwasher or install the dishwasher yourself with guidance and instructions.
• Frequency of use and age: The more the dishwasher is run, the sooner it will wear out. Running the dishwasher less often will extend its lifespan—to a limit. At the same time, all appliances will age out on their own, even if they are not being operated.
• Water quality: Dishwashers wash more effectively and last longer when they use better-quality water. The water should be soft, with only low amounts of lime. Run tap water over a water hardness test strip to measure water softness. Tests are often found in the introductory packet or they can be purchased at most home centers. If your home has hard water, choose the best water softener within your budget. Install the water softener by yourself or hire a technician or plumber to do the work.
• Cleaning, maintenance, and repair: Regular cleaning, maintenance, and repair can be done by yourself and all will help your dishwasher last longer.

How to Make Dishwashers Last Longer

Extend the lifespan of your dishwasher by loading the dishwasher with the correct items and placing them the right way. Also keep the dishwasher clean, maintained, and repaired and do so on a regular basis.

Wash Correct Items Only

Wash dishes, cooking pans, and other kitchen items in the dishwasher. Avoid washing inappropriate items like car parts, dirty sporting goods, and candlestick holders. A few non-kitchen items are safe for the dishwasher such as some kid's toys, toothbrush holders, pet bowls, and hair brushes and combs.

Load the Dishwasher Correctly

Be sure to load the dishwasher the right way every time. Machines vary, but generally lightweight items go on the top rack, heavier items on the bottom, and all items should be well-spaced. Follow the organization of the racks' tines rather than overriding them. Placing items only in pre-designated spaces will space out the items correctly.

Clean the Dishwasher

Clean the dishwasher on a regular basis. Add one cup of distilled white vinegar to a dishwasher-safe bowl. Empty the dishwasher. Place the bowl on the top rack of the dishwasher, without spilling the liquid. Run for a full cycle. Clean the dishwasher once a month.

Maintain the Dishwasher

Keep the dishwasher in good shape by maintaining the machine by yourself. 

• Keep an eye on the bottom of the dishwasher for leakage and proper drainage.
• Clear the dishwasher drain.
• Check the air vents so they remain free and open.
• Clean the spray arms with a thin, flexible wire (to clear mineral deposits or debris) if the dishwasher leaves dirty dishes.
• Remove and clean the dishwasher filter by soaking it in warm, soapy water and brushing with a toothbrush.

Repair the Dishwasher

Fix the dishwasher before minor issues turn into larger problems that can damage the machine. You can do many dishwasher repairs by yourself. 

With basic tools and by ordering parts online, most homeowners should be able to fix the float, seal a leaking door, or fix a drain. For dishwashers that don't heat up, you can even remove and replace the heating element by yourself.

Signs It's Time to Replace the Dishwasher

• Rust has appeared: Rust on the body of the dishwasher or other integrated parts is a bad sign and usually means that the machine should be replaced. Rust on some removable parts like racks and tines isn't an issue since the parts are easily replaced.
• Cracks have developed: Cracks in the body of the dishwasher, tub, or door cannot be successfully repaired.
• Machine is not energy efficient: Dishwashers that pre-date EnergyStar energy efficiency standards cost you energy and money. Dated, energy inefficient dishwashers can also be a hindrance if you are selling your home. 
• Repairs cost more than replacement: Dishwasher repairs are meant to keep the machine running for the long term, but only at a minimal cost. When the cost of repairs reaches or exceeds the cost of replacement, the machine needs to be replaced.
• Dishwasher is 10 years old or more: Even if the dishwasher is still washing efficiently at the end of 10 years, you may want to consider replacing it to avoid the possibility of leaks. Dishwasher leaks can have devastating and expensive effects, damaging the kitchen floor, subfloor, cabinets, and the ceiling below.
  

Repair vs. Replace the Dishwasher

When a dishwasher develops problems or stops cleaning as well as it once did, it now becomes a question of whether to repair or replace the dishwasher.

Can you do maintenance and repairs yourself?

If you can repair the dishwasher by yourself and don't mind doing so, then it is likely less expensive to repair the dishwasher than to replace it. From a financial standpoint, it makes more sense to keep repairing the dishwasher, as long as it still adequately cleans the dishes.

What is the annual cost of professional repairs vs. replacement?

New dishwashers start at around $400 to $500 for standard name-brand 24-inch built-in models with limited features. The cost of new dishwashers peaks out at around $1,700 to $2,300 for high-end name-brand models with features like custom front panels, ultra-quiet operation, and hidden controls.

Calculate the average cost of a new dishwasher—around $700 to $800—against your annual repair costs. If you're paying $200 to $400 per visit to repair your dishwasher, it's probably time to replace it.

Do you intend to sell the home and when?

Knowing that dishwashers last about 10 years, how does that factor into your plans for staying in the house or selling it? 

If you plan to stay in the home for five to 10 years, it's to your advantage to replace the machine. If you will be selling the home sooner than that, you may want to keep on maintaining and repairing the machine. 

Your real estate agent can advise you about resale advantages. The question is whether it's best to sell an aged-out dishwasher along with the house or to install a new dishwasher only for the benefit of the buyer but which may encourage the sale.