Whether you’re in the market for one of the best dishwashers (opens in new tab) around or simply need to know how long your current appliance has left to clean your dishes, we’ve got you covered. Dishwashers are some of the most heavily used appliances in our homes and it’s fair to say they’ve come a long way from the very first machines which consisted of a wooden box and a wheel, which when you turned it, would rinse water over the dishes. Thankfully, there’s no longer the need for manual labor each time we need to do the dishes, but how long do dishwashers actually last?
How long do dishwashers last?
Dishwashers can last as long as 20 years, but for most brands, you can expect a lifespan of around 10 to 12 years. Aside from a faulty machine, your dishwasher’s lifespan can also be shortened if you don’t take the time to maintain your appliance and give it some TLC regularly.
Do more expensive dishwashers last longer
Not necessarily, no. A more expensive dishwasher can be priced highly merely because of the brand that makes it, or often because it’s packed full with more features than you’d get with a cheaper and more basic model. While an expensive dishwasher might give you more functions to play with, the price doesn’t dictate how long it lasts.
When should I replace my dishwasher?
If your dishes come out of the dishwasher and still aren’t clean, it’s easy to assume the machine is broken but often, it just needs a good clean. However, if the dishes don’t come out hot it’s a sign that the dishwasher isn’t heating. That alone can normally be fixed by a specialist, but when other issues start to pile up, it’s often more affordable to replace the appliance instead. Other signs that show your dishwasher hasn’t got long left include rusting, cracks, water leaks, the racks snapping, and faults with the door. It is important to remember, however, that if just one of these things occurs, it could be worth repairing the machine instead as this could be cheaper and it’s kinder to the environment. On the flip side, if you’ve got a huge list of issues and the dishwasher is well over 10 years old, technicians may struggle to find the appropriate replacement parts and with labor costs, it might not be worth it to get it repaired. If your dishwasher is on the way out, read our advice on how to dispose of a dishwasher (opens in new tab).
How to make your dishwasher last longer?
Clean it regularly Don’t wash really greasy items in your dishwasher Wait until the dishwasher is full to put it on Be careful with the door Avoid overfilling
Nobody wants to be constantly splashing out on new appliances, so it’s well worth reading up on how to make yours last as long as possible. One of the most common causes of dishwashers stopping working is when they haven’t been cleaned properly. Large pieces of food can get stuck in the filter, and the water jet arms can get clogged up over time - especially if you live somewhere with hard water. Cleaning your dishwasher once a month will help to get rid of food residue and prevent any bad odors. The filters on your dishwasher will need attention regularly so that the machine can still clean properly, but it’s always a good idea to consult the manufacturer’s manual that came with your appliance for specific instructions. For more handy tips, head to our feature covering how to clean a dishwasher (opens in new tab). You can use your dishwasher to clean a whole range of household items. In fact, we found 9 surprising things you can sanitize in your dishwasher (opens in new tab), however, don’t be tempted to place things that are really greasy in your dishwasher because the grease can damage the machine. Reduce wear and tear on your dishwasher by waiting until it’s full before you put the machine on. This will also be more economical than putting the dishwasher on all the time for smaller loads. While the dishwasher door might look like a fun place for children or pets to climb on, try to avoid this as much as possible as it can snap the door hinges which can be a costly repair job. Finally, be sure to avoid overfilling your dishwasher because this can cause it to overheat. Plus, you’ll likely end up with a few items not quite clean if the hot water can’t reach all sides of the bowls and plates.
