How Long Do Dishwashers Last?

The Lifespan of a Typical Dishwasher

Dishwashers hold a place of honor as the unsung heroes of our kitchens. These diligent appliances make our lives easier, conserving time and energy that we can spend on more enjoyable activities. But like all good things, a dishwasher won't last forever—but can you make it last a little longer? Understanding how long dishwashers typically last and how to maintain them can save you money and trouble down the line.

On average, a dishwasher lasts between 9 to 12 years. The lifespan of your dishwasher depends on various factors, including the brand, model, how often you use it, and maintenance. While some may hum along for over a decade, others might call it quits sooner, especially without proper care.
Frequent water exposure contributes to wear and tear in the following dishwasher parts:

• 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 Secrets to a Long-Lasting Dishwasher

Fortunately, you can help your dishwasher last longer by regularly cleaning and maintaining it. Well-maintained dishwashers can last more than 15 years. Keeping your dishwasher in good condition not only prolongs its life but also ensures it cleans your dishes effectively and efficiently. Here are some maintenance tips to help you maximize your dishwasher's lifespan.

Clean the Filters

The pump filter traps food particles and prevents them from recirculating onto your dishes. Over time, this filter can become clogged, affecting the appliance's performance and longevity. 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, using a brush to clean stubborn detergent residue and mineral deposits from the filters if necessary.

Check the Spray Arms

The spray arms in your dishwasher distribute water during cycles, ensuring your dishes come out clean. However, they can become clogged with mineral deposits from hard water. 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, and replace the spray arm if you see cracks or damage.

Use a Dishwasher Cleaner

Even if you're diligent about scraping plates and rinsing dishes, soap scum, grease, and food debris can build up in your dishwasher over time. Clean the dishwasher monthly using a specialized cleaner such as affresh&reg to remove hard water deposits, rust, grease and other buildup caused by water, detergent and food residue.

Cleaning your dishwasher monthly 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

Rust can form on dishracks, especially if the protective coating wears off and exposes the metal underneath. Immediately fixing rust spots helps dishracks last longer. You can find dishrack repair kits 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.

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