How Long Do Dishwashers Last?: 2025 Lifespan Guide
A dishwasher is one of those appliances you may not think about much—until it stops working. When that happens, you might find yourself wondering: How long should a dishwasher last?
Knowing the answer can help you decide whether to repair or replace your appliance. Let’s explore the typical lifespan of a dishwasher, factors that can influence it, and practical ways to ensure your machine stays in great shape for as long as possible.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Dishwashers generally last 9 to 15 years, with factors like build quality, brand, usage frequency, and water quality playing a significant role in determining their longevity.
- Regular maintenance, such as cleaning filters, descaling with vinegar, replacing worn parts, and scheduling annual professional check-ups, can significantly extend the lifespan of your dishwasher and maintain its efficiency.
- When repair costs exceed 50% of the replacement cost and the machine is older than 7 years, replacing it becomes a more practical and cost-effective option.
Factors That Affect Dishwasher Longevity
Usage Habits
A dishwasher that runs multiple times a day experiences more strain than one used a few times a week. Similarly, overloading the machine or improperly loading dishes can lead to premature wear on parts like the racks and spray arms.
Water Quality
Hard water can wreak havoc on your dishwasher. Mineral buildup inside the machine and on its components reduces efficiency and causes internal damage. Using a water softener or regularly descaling the dishwasher can minimize these issues.
Maintenance Practices
Neglecting maintenance is a surefire way to shorten your dishwasher’s lifespan. Failing to clean filters, address minor issues promptly, or replace worn parts can lead to breakdowns that might otherwise be avoidable.
Original Build Quality
A budget-friendly dishwasher might save money upfront but could cost more in repairs and replacements over time. Investing in a well-built machine from a trusted brand often pays off with fewer headaches and longer-lasting performance.
How to Extend Your Dishwasher’s Lifespan
Want to get the most mileage out of your dishwasher? Follow these proactive tips.
Clean the Filter Regularly
The filter catches food particles and debris to prevent clogging your dishwasher’s drainage system. If you don’t clean it, the buildup can lead to blockages or poor cleaning performance. Check the filter once a month and wash it under warm, soapy water.
Run Vinegar Cycles for Descaling
Hard water deposits can form on internal components, making the dishwasher work harder and reducing its efficiency. Every three months, run a cycle with a cup of white vinegar on the top rack to dissolve mineral buildup.
Inspect and Replace Worn Parts
Check for signs of wear on the racks, seals, and spray arms. If you notice cracks, rust, or loose parts, address these issues promptly. Replacing a worn gasket, for instance, prevents leaks and protects internal electronics.
Avoid Overloading
Cramming dishes into the machine might seem convenient, but it blocks spray arms and limits water circulation. Dishes won’t get cleaned properly, and parts like the motor and spray arms endure unnecessary strain.
Use High-Quality Detergents
Cheap or incompatible detergents can leave residue behind, damaging seals and components over time. Opt for a reputable brand that matches your dishwasher’s recommendations.
Schedule Annual Maintenance
Annual dishwasher maintenance and cleaning by a professional technician can identify potential issues before they escalate. Technicians can clean hard-to-reach parts, inspect the motor, and ensure everything runs smoothly.
Here’s a video that shows how a Sears Home Services technician performs maintenance and cleaning service on a dishwasher:
Schedule your professional dishwasher maintenance service now.
When Is It Time to Replace Your Dishwasher?
Even with the best care, no appliance lasts forever. If your dishwasher consistently leaves dishes dirty, makes unusual noises, or frequently breaks down, it may be time for a replacement.
Consider the cost of repairs versus the price of a new unit. If repairs exceed 50% of the replacement cost, buying a new dishwasher makes more financial sense when the dishwasher is older than 7 years.
By taking proactive measures, you can extend the life of your dishwasher and ensure it delivers sparkling clean dishes for years to come. A little attention to maintenance goes a long way in keeping this household workhorse running smoothly.
Investing in routine care not only saves you money on repairs but also helps you avoid the hassle of unexpected breakdowns. Keep your dishwasher in top condition, and it will reward you with reliable performance for its entire lifespan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical lifespan of a dishwasher?
The average lifespan typically ranges between 9 to 16 years, depending on usage, maintenance, and the quality of the appliance.
Can a dishwasher be repaired if it breaks down?
Yes, many dishwashers can be repaired, especially if they are still within their expected lifespan. Professional technicians can diagnose issues and recommend necessary repairs.
Is it worth investing in a high-end dishwasher for longevity?
High-end dishwashers often come with advanced features and improved durability, which can contribute to a longer lifespan and better performance. Over time, investing in a top of the line dishwasher with longer life expectancy can pay off.
Is it worth it to fix a dishwasher?
If the dishwasher if less than 7 years old, repairing a dishwasher will likely be more economical than replacing it if the cost of the repair is less than $300. As the dishwasher nears the end of it average life expectancy, you’ll likely be better off replacing the dishwasher rather than repairing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Schedule your dishwasher maintenance now!
Regular dishwasher maintenance can help prevent costly breakdowns, reduce energy costs and extend the life of your appliance.
Schedule your dishwasher maintenance now!
Maintain Dishwasher Resources
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Glossary Terms
A dishwasher gasket is a flexible seal that prevents water from leaking out of the dishwasher door during operation. It's crucial for maintaining the appliance's efficiency and preventing water damage.
A dishwasher impeller is a rotating component within the dishwasher's pump that circulates water throughout the unit during a wash cycle, ensuring efficient cleaning by spraying water at high pressure.
A dishwasher sump is located at the bottom of the dishwasher, serving as a collection point for water during the wash cycle. It houses the main pump and filter, facilitating the recirculation and drainage of water, essential for the cleaning process.
A dishwasher turbidity sensor is an advanced feature that measures the level of food particles and debris in the water, allowing the dishwasher to adjust the wash cycle length and water usage for optimal cleaning efficiency.
Common Repair Dishwasher Symptoms
The most common reasons your Bosch dishwasher has no heat are a defective electronic control board, clogged water valve or a broken detergent dispenser.
The most common reasons your Electrolux dishwasher is not heating are a defective electronic control board, faulty pump and motor assembly or a damaged user interface control.
The most common reasons your Kenmore dishwasher is not washing are a faulty pump and motor assembly, defective electronic control board or a clogged spray arm.
The most common reasons your Kenmore Elite dishwasher is not washing are a faulty pump and motor assembly, defective electronic control board or a clogged spray arm.
The most common reasons your Bosch dishwasher display is not working are a defective electronic control board, damaged user interface control or a damaged power supply board.
The most common reasons your Electrolux dishwasher display is not working are a defective electronic control board, damaged user interface control or a damaged power supply board.