How Long Do Dishwashers Last?

Dishwashers are a modern convenience that can be found in most kitchens across the nation, and like other common household appliances they have a relatively predictable lifespan. Learn what to expect from your dishwasher and some helpful tips on how to maximize your investment, with expert advice from Mr. Appliance®.

How Long Should a Dishwasher Last?

There are a number of variables that can influence the lifespan of your appliances, including your dishwasher, which can be expected to last between seven and twelve years and is most typically replaced around the nine-year mark. Factors to consider include:

• Frequency of use – In the average home the dishwasher is cycled five times per week. Based on this average, those who use their appliance less than five times are likely to have fewer repairs and replace their dishwasher less frequently than those who run it six or more times.
• Quality – Your dishwasher is an investment that can help you save time and energy while adding value to your home. By choosing high-quality appliances from trusted manufacturers you are more likely to be satisfied with your purchase and experience increased efficiency, less noise, and more features.
• Maintenance – Periodic maintenance, including cleaning, can help your dishwasher last longer than one which has been neglected.
• Price – While a high price tag is no guarantee, a dishwasher that costs a bit more may save you money in the long run through energy savings and fewer repairs.

Tips to Extend the Lifespan of Your Dishwasher

How long do dishwashers last? While there is no definitive answer, you can help yours to last longer with these tips:

Keep it Clean

Your dishwasher has a number of parts that can become grimy and may reduce the cleaning power and efficiency of the appliance. Invest 10 minutes of your time every few months to clean the food trap located at the base of the dishwasher's interior and the dishwasher filter. Routinely wipe down the door seals using a mild soap, warm water, and a soft cloth. If you notice any foul odours when loading or unloading the appliance, use these tips to clean a smelly dishwasher to help eliminate them.

Use Hot Water

Your dishwasher and detergent are both more effective at higher temperatures, and hot water is needed to kill germs, odours, and bacteria.

Pre-Rinse

Pre-rinsing to remove large food chunks is important. Food scraps and debris can become trapped in the filter and reduce the cleaning power of the dishwasher, and in the case of larger items such as bones, they may cause damage to moving parts or a clog.

Don't Overfill

Adequate space is needed in between dishes to ensure each item is clean and to avoid unnecessary strain on your dishwasher. If you are unsure how to load it correctly, refer to the owner's manual to help maximize the cleaning power of each cycle.

Air-Dry Your Dishes

If you are not in a hurry, air-dry your dishes rather than using the heat cycle which uses more energy and places additional strain on the appliance.

Be Selective

Your dishwasher can be used to clean more than just dishes, but before placing other items inside make sure they will not cause any harm to the unit

If the troubleshooting tips above still don’t fix and issue with your dishwasher, Mr. Appliance can help, with professional repair and maintenance services to ensure peak performance and efficiency. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for appliance repair, maintenance, or call us to learn more.