Dishwasher door not closing

Common reasons your dishwasher door not closing

The most common reasons your dishwasher door is not closing are a broken door spring, damaged door hinge or a broken door latch assembly.

  • 38%

    38% of the time it's the
    Door Spring

  • 24%

    24% of the time it's the
    Door Hinge

  • 13%

    13% of the time it's the
    Door Latch Assembly

  • 25%

    25% of the time it's the
    Something else

Schedule your dishwasher repair now!

We can help! Our service technicians have repaired over 19.7M dishwashers. We can fix yours no matter where you bought it.

Call (646) 440-2692 or schedule online now.
Chat

Common dishwasher repair parts you may need

Replacing one of these dishwasher parts may fix your problem.

Door Spring Replacement

If a door spring is broken, it may jam against the door hinge, stopping the dishwasher from closing properly. You can usually see a broken door spring without turning off the dishwasher's power or pulling it out of the cabinet. However, pulling the dishwasher out of the cabinet is a job best handled by a professional. If you suspect that a broken door spring is the reason your dishwasher door won't close, it's a good idea to have a Sears Home Services Repair Expert solve the problem.

Door Hinge Replacement

When the dishwasher door isn't closing and you notice a bent door hinge, it's probably best to have a Sears Home Services Repair Expert come to your home and repair the dishwasher. A bent door hinge can cause the door to jam against the base of the dishwasher, preventing it from shutting properly. The technician will need to pull the dishwasher slightly out of the cabinet and replace the bent door hinge. Usually, both door hinges are replaced together to ensure the door continues to work smoothly.

Door Latch Assembly Replacement

If you notice that the door of your dishwasher isn't closing properly, inspect the door latch assembly for any signs of damage. At the top of the dishwasher opening, there's a strike that fits into a slotted catch within the door latch assembly. Spring-loaded clips inside this catch hold the door shut during the dishwashing cycle. If the door latch assembly is broken, the strike won't be able to enter the catch, preventing the door from closing properly and the cycle from starting. Arrange for a Sears Home Services Repair Expert to repair your dishwasher if a broken door latch is causing the door to not shut properly.

What to expect when you experience a dishwasher door not closing issue

Tips for fixing a door not closing problem

Fixing most issues with doors not closing typically requires replacing either the door spring, door hinge, or door latch assembly. However, since there are many potential causes, conducting a thorough diagnosis is crucial for resolving the problem. Getting an accurate diagnosis is important for understanding the cost of the repair.

Sears Home Services recommends these steps for a dishwasher door that is not closing

If the dishwasher door isn't closing, there could be several reasons why. To avoid replacing parts that aren't necessary, we suggest having a Sears Home Services professional conduct diagnostic tests to find out what's causing the problem. Our technicians have experience diagnosing all types of dishwasher failures.

What to expect with a dishwasher door not closing diagnosis

Figuring out issues with modern appliances can be hard without the right knowledge and training. If you don't use the right diagnostic techniques, trying to fix your dishwasher problem might mean just guessing and swapping out parts. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have gotten very advanced, with lots of electronic parts that are tricky to test. Doing repairs yourself on the latest appliance models is getting harder and harder.

When the dishwasher door won’t latch, water can leak or the cycle won’t even begin. Misaligned hinges or worn seals typically cause this. Rather than forcing it shut, schedule dishwasher fix near me.

What our customers say about us

With more than 1.3 Million 5 Star Reviews, you don't have to take our word for it

Thorough

James called to give an estimated arrival time. He was professional and personable. He had 2 professional ideas of the problem and found 1 was correct, but he didn't stop there. He did a thorough check of the appliance. 1 small part was needed. He ordered the part to my house. Fortunately, he was able to schedule for the next week, just before Thanksgiving. As before, he called ahead, arrived and quickly fixed the problem. My appliance is working perfectly.


Kirsten A, Oxford, PA

Service Call

Luke was great. Polite and knowledgeable even though the dishwasher was older than he!


James G, Hillsboro, MO

Daniel

Daniel went above and beyond to fix my dish washer. Very pleasant to deal with.


Paul F, Hghlnds Ranch, CO

Frequently Asked Questions

Why isn't the door of my dishwasher closing properly?
A misaligned door latch, a broken spring, or an obstructed door seal could prevent the dishwasher door from closing.
How can I fix a dishwasher door that won't close?
Inspect the door latch for damage, check for any blockages, and replace the spring or door seal if necessary.
Could a faulty door latch cause my dishwasher door not to close?
Yes, if the door latch is broken or misaligned, the door may not close securely.
What should I do if the door of my dishwasher isn't closing?
Align the door latch, remove any debris blocking the door seal, and replace the spring or seal if damaged.

Repair Dishwasher Resources

A middle-aged man ensures his dishwasher runs smoothly by loading it correctly, as part of regular appliance care to prevent drainage issues.
7 min readApr. 15

Learn how to drain a GE dishwasher with our step-by-step guide. Keep your dishwasher running smoothly with our expert tips.

Banner image for blog article "Why Won't my Dishwasher Turn On?"
6 min readApr. 07

Find out why your dishwasher won’t turn on and get expert tips from Sears Home Services to fix the problem.

Photo of an open Kenmore dishwasher in white modern kitchen
5 min readMar. 04

If you've ever encountered a dishwasher with standing water, you understand the frustration of a drainage issue.

Simple Steps to Replace a Blocked Dishwasher Spray Arm
6 min readMar. 04

If the dishes in your dishwasher are no longer getting clean, it could be the spray arm is clogged.

Glossary Terms

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.

Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It contrasts with soft water, which has lower concentrations of these minerals.

An astragal is a molding or strip that covers or seals the gap between the edges of a pair of doors or windows. Its primary functions are to provide a weather seal, improve security, and improve the aesthetic appearance of door and window assemblies.