The average lifespan of a dishwasher is approximately 8-10 years. However, the longevity of your appliance can vary based on multiple factors such as usage, brand, and maintenance.
Issues like leaks, poor drainage, unclean dishes, foul odors and overall appliance operation, though infrequent, can be the most common problems with a dishwasher that isn't operating properly. In some cases, you can resolve these issues with a little elbow grease and the help of your product manual.
Put 1/2 cup white vinegar in a cup on the top rack every time you run your dishwasher. It eliminates water spots and keeps the appliance and the pipes clean. If the dishwasher is smelly, put a cup of vinegar in the bottom and run a cycle without dishes or soap.
Pour one cup of white vinegar into a dishwasher-safe mug. The mug should be about 2/3 full of vinegar. Place the mug upright on the top rack of your dishwasher and then close the door of the appliance. Run the dishwasher on the normal cycle with hot water for extra sterilization.
Cohoon recommends a powdered mixture of washing soda, borax, salt, and citric acid powder. "Washing soda will obviously wash things up, while borax helps erase residue and remove baked-on stains and grime," she says.
Overall, with good care practices, and in average home settings, the appliance can serve a dishwasher life expectancy of 10-15 years.
Experts say to check if dishes don't come out clean, glasses are cloudy, or the door doesn't latch.
Bosch, ASKO, GE, Maytag, Whirlpool, and KitchenAid stand out as reputable choices known for their commitment to quality and performance. With a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, these brands consistently deliver reliable dishwashers equipped with advanced features and durable construction.
On the other hand, you can get an idea of how long a new dishwasher will last by checking its manual. Bosch, KitchenAid, Whirlpool, and Samsung can last up to ten years. Frigidaire, Kenmore, and Electrolux can operate for more than ten years. Miele can work for up to 20 years.
If your dishwasher is within the five-year limit, it's definitely worth fixing. But if your dishwasher is closer to ten years, finding replacement parts might be too expensive, so you'd be better off replacing your machine.
Your dishwasher should be just fine if you leave it unused for a while. However, leaving your dishwasher totally unused for more than a year may cause it to become faulty. As such, it's best to use your dishwasher a few times throughout the year to keep it nice and healthy.
It's for this reason that we highly recommend descaling your dishwasher at least once a year with our tested and approved dishwasher descaler.
Average Life Span of a Dishwasher
While the average is a decade, a few standout brands create dishwashers known for exceptional durability, even reaching up to 20 years of use.
The life expectancy of a dishwasher is about 10 years, according to manufacturers surveyed by Consumer Reports. However, issues with the appliances tend to develop within the first five years.
It's Over 10 Years Old
Additionally, dishwashers get used regularly, usually daily, and will inevitably wear out and not do as good of a job after ten years or so. Not only will a new dishwasher function more efficiently, but it will also have a lot more features and cycles to choose from for each individual cycle.
Signs like spotty or dirty dishes after a cycle, food particles remaining on plates, cloudy appearance on glassware, or concerns about energy efficiency and safety, such as an outdated dishwasher without Energy Star certification or visible damage like cracks or a broken latch, indicate it's time for an upgrade.
Dishwashers usually last between 10 to 15 years. These appliances are very easy to repair, as it's often only a matter of one or two parts being out of place. The easiest way to tell if your dishwasher needs a repair is if your dishes aren't getting clean or if you hear any unusual sounds while running a cycle.
According to the United States Department of Energy, refrigerators last approximately 12 years. At that point, it's likely time to replace it. Of course, if your refrigerator is not energy-efficient, you may want to consider replacing it before it stops working.
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.
The acidity in vinegar effectively breaks down grease, food residue, and mineral deposits inside the dishwasher. It also acts as a disinfectant, helping to kill bacteria and mildew. While vinegar is a great dishwasher cleaner, it's important to use it with caution.
No, you should only use dishwasher detergent in your dishwasher as it is designed specifically for your dishwasher to clean dishes without the use of suds or bubbles. Read on to learn what to do if you accidentally use dish soap in your dishwasher.
Squeeze in two to three drops of regular dish soap, the kind you'd use to hand-wash your dishes normally. Next, pour in baking soda until the compartment is full. Then run your dishwasher on the normal cycle. Don't be tempted to use a compartment full of dish soap.