How Long Do Dishwashers Last?

Dishwashers have an average life expectancy of about 10 to 12 years. That’s shorter than kitchen appliances such as refrigerators and stoves, because frequent exposure to water takes its toll on dishwasher parts. Here are some parts that are prone to damage:

• Pump parts and dishracks rust over time.

• Seals start leaking as detergent residue and mineral deposits build up on sealing surfaces.

• Spray arms eventually clog with debris and hard water deposits.

The good news is that you can help your dishwasher last longer by regularly cleaning and maintaining it. Well-maintained dishwashers can last more than 15 years.

Follow these maintenance and cleaning tips to minimize corrosion and wear in your dishwasher so it lasts longer.

Clean the Filters

Cleaning the filters helps keep the pump and spray arms working efficiently so the dishwasher lasts longer.

Clean filters at the bottom of the dishwasher tub regularly. Refer to the owner’s manual for guidance on cleaning filters.

Filters in many dishwashers can be removed and cleaned in your kitchen sink. Rinse off deposits and debris. Use a brush to clean stubborn detergent residue and mineral deposits from the filters if necessary.

Check the Spray Arms

Keeping spray arms in good working order helps the wash pump work efficiently so the dishwasher lasts longer.

Examine all dishwasher spray arms yearly. Use toothpicks or bamboo skewers to clean off deposits that build up in spray arm holes. Replace any cracked or damaged spray arms.

Use a Dishwasher Cleaner

Clean the dishwasher monthly using Glisten® Dishwasher Cleaner & Disinfectant or affresh® dishwasher cleaner to remove hard water deposits, rust, grease and other buildup caused by water, detergent and food residue.

Cleaning your dishwasher monthly with one of these cleaners helps prevent excessive corrosion, so your dishwasher runs more efficiently and lasts longer.

Clean the Door Seal

Hard water deposits and detergent residue build up on the dishwasher door seal over time. Deposits can dry out the gasket and keep it from sealing the gap between the door and the tub opening properly.

Clean the door seal yearly or when you see deposits on the gasket.

1. Prepare a 50/50 cleaning solution of vinegar and water.

2. Wipe down the door seal with a soft cloth moistened in the cleaning solution.

3. Wipe the gasket off with plain water to rinse off the cleaning solution.

4. Apply a thin coat of rinse aid to the door seal to help preserve the gasket.

Cleaning the door gasket regularly helps it seal better and last longer — preventing damage to door hinges, door springs, bottom panels, insulation, kitchen cabinets and flooring.

Touch Up the Dishracks

Immediately fixing rust spots helps dishracks last longer. You can find dishrack repair kids online that include vinyl touch-up paint and covers for tine tips.

Sand or file the rust spots and apply vinyl touch-up paint to the damaged areas.

For rusted tine tips, file off the rust and apply a small amount of vinyl touch-up paint to the tips, then slide a plastic cover over each one.

Schedule Annual Maintenance Checks

Schedule maintenance and cleaning by a service technician yearly to lengthen your dishwasher’s life expectancy. The service technician checks wiring, controls, water systems and the drain path to make sure the dishwasher performs optimally, so it lasts longer.

Get the most out of your dishwasher and help it last as long as your other kitchen appliances by following all of these cleaning and maintenance tips.

Buy a New Dishwasher

When your dishwasher finally does give out, find a new one on our Upgrade page.

We’ve consolidated all help, financing offers and savings into one location on our Upgrade page to make it easy for you to replace your dishwasher now. No hassles and no waiting. Get your new appliance today.