It’s one of those questions that pops into your head right after you hear a strange new noise coming from your kitchen appliance: How Long Should A Dishwasher Last? You rely on this workhorse day in and day out, but like all machines, it won’t run forever. The good news is that you have more control over its lifespan than you might think.
The truth is, there isn’t a single, magic number. The longevity of your dishwasher depends on a cocktail of factors, including the brand you bought, how often you use it, the hardness of your water, and—most importantly—how well you treat it. Let’s dive into what you can realistically expect from your machine and how you can get the most mileage out of it.
The Short Answer: What’s the Average Dishwasher Lifespan?
On average, you can expect a modern dishwasher to last between 9 to 13 years. Most manufacturers design their appliances to fall within this range. However, I’ve seen budget models give up the ghost in as little as 5-7 years, while premium, well-maintained machines can hum along happily for 15 years or more.
Think of it like a car. A high-end vehicle with regular oil changes and careful driving will outlast a budget car that’s driven hard and rarely serviced. The same principle applies to your dishwasher. The initial purchase price often reflects the quality of the components inside, from the motor to the wash arms and racks.
What Factors Influence How Long a Dishwasher Lasts?
So, what separates a dishwasher that dies an early death from one that becomes a long-serving member of the family? It boils down to a few key variables.
Brand and Build Quality
Let’s be blunt: not all dishwashers are created equal. Brands like Miele and Bosch have built their reputations on engineering and durability, often using stainless steel tubs and higher-quality pumps and motors. While they command a higher price upfront, they are often a better long-term investment. Mid-range brands like KitchenAid and some GE Profile models also offer a great balance of features and reliability. Budget-friendly brands might use more plastic components, which can degrade and crack over time.
Frequency of Use
This one’s pretty straightforward. A dishwasher in the home of a family of five that runs daily will experience more wear and tear than the same model in a single person’s apartment that’s used twice a week. Each cycle puts stress on the motor, pump, heating element, and seals. More use simply accelerates the aging process.
Water Hardness
This is the silent killer of many water-based appliances. Hard water is rich in minerals like calcium and magnesium. Over time, these minerals form a crusty buildup known as limescale inside your dishwasher.
Limescale can clog the spray arms, damage the heating element, and leave a chalky film on your dishes. If you live in a hard water area, taking preventative measures is not just a suggestion—it’s essential for extending your dishwasher’s life.
Your Maintenance Routine (Or Lack Thereof)
This is the single biggest factor you can control. A little bit of regular care goes a long way. Simply cleaning the filter and occasionally running a cleaning cycle can prevent the most common issues that lead to premature failure. We’ll cover exactly how to do this in a bit.
Signs Your Dishwasher is Nearing the End of its Life
Your dishwasher will usually give you some warning signs before it completely fails. If you notice any of these, it might be time to start thinking about a repair or replacement.
- Your Dishes Aren’t Clean: If you’re seeing food particles or a gritty film on your “clean” dishes, it could mean the spray arms are clogged or the pump is failing.
- It’s Making Strange Noises: Grinding, clunking, or high-pitched whining sounds are not normal. They often point to a problem with the motor or the wash pump.
- You See Puddles: Water on the floor is a major red flag. It could be a simple fix like a bad door seal, or a more serious issue like a cracked tub or a failing pump.
- Rust Appears: Rust spots on the racks or, more seriously, inside the tub are a sign of corrosion. A rusted-out tub is usually not worth repairing.
- The Door Won’t Latch Properly: A broken latch is more than an inconvenience; it can prevent the dishwasher from starting its cycle.
|
Our Picks for the Best Dishwasher in 2025
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
|
||
| Num | Product | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | AIRMSEN Portable Countertop Dishwashers, 5 Washing Programs Mini Dishwashers with 5 L Built-in Water Tank and Double-layered Glass Door, No Hookup Needed for Home, Apartments & RVs |
|
| 2 | BLITZHOME Portable Dishwasher Countertop, WIFI Smart Dishwasher, Compact Dishwashers with 5L Built-in Water Tank, 6 Programs, 360° Dual Spray, High-Temp& Air-Dry Function, Fruit Cleaning |
|
| 3 | EUHOMY Countertop Dishwasher Portable with 6 Programs, 5L Built-in Water Tank for Apartments, 167℉ High-Temp, No Hookup Needed, Mini Dishwasher with Baby Care, Air Dry/Quick/ECO/Fruit/Normal, White |
|
| 4 | COMFEE\' Portable Dishwasher Countertop with 5L Built-in Water Tank, No Hookup Needed, 6 Programs, 360° Dual Spray, 192℉ High-Temp& Air-Dry Function, Mini Dishwasher for RVs, White |
|
| 5 | AIRMSEN Countertop Dishwasher Complete 2-Level Rack, Portable Dishwashers with 5L Built-in Water Tank, 3-Spray Arms & 12H Delay Start, No Hookup Needed, A01, White |
|
| 6 | NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwashers, Compact Dishwashers with 5L Built-in Water Tank & Inlet Hose, 5 Washing Programs, Baby Care, Air-Dry Function and LED Light for Small Apartments |
|
| 7 | AIRMSEN Portable Countertop Dishwashers, 5 Washing Programs Mini Dishwashers with 5 L Built-in Water Tank and Double-layered Glass Door, No Hookup Needed for Home, Apartments & RVs |
|
| 8 | AIRMSEN Countertop Dishwasher - 8 Programs and 3 Useful Functions, Integrated Water Softener, Delayed Start, Child Lock, No Hookup Needed, Portable Mini Size for Home, Apartments & RVs |
|
| 9 | EUHOMY Countertop Dishwasher Portable with 6 Programs, 5L Built-in Water Tank for Apartments & RV, 167℉ High-Temp, No Hookup Needed, Mini Dishwasher with Baby Care, Air Dry/Quick/ECO/Fruit/Normal Mode |
|
| 10 | COMFEE\' Portable Mini Dishwasher Countertop with 5L Built-in Water Tank for Apartments& RVs, No Hookup Needed, 6 Programs, 360° Dual Spray, 162℉ High-Temp& Air-Dry Function |
|
How to Make Your Dishwasher Last Longer: Our Top Tips
Ready to become a dishwasher maintenance pro? It’s easier than you think. Following these steps can add years to your appliance’s life and improve its energy efficiency.
- Clean the Filter Regularly: This is the most important task. Most modern dishwashers have a removable filter at the bottom of the tub. It catches large food particles. If it gets clogged, water can’t circulate properly, leading to poor cleaning and strain on the pump. Check it weekly and rinse it under the tap at least once a month.
- Inspect and Clean the Spray Arms: The holes in the spray arms can get clogged with food debris or mineral deposits. Use a toothpick or a small piece of wire to gently clear any blockages so water can spray freely.
- Run a Dedicated Cleaning Cycle: Once a month, run an empty cycle on the hottest setting. For an extra deep clean, place a cup of white vinegar on the top rack or use a commercially available dishwasher cleaner to dissolve grease and limescale.
- Load It Properly: Don’t just throw things in! Proper loading ensures water and detergent reach every surface. Avoid blocking the spray arms and don’t let dishes nest together. Check out our full guide on how to load a dishwasher for pro-level tips.
- Use the Right Detergent: Use a high-quality detergent designed for automatic dishwashers. Using too much can leave residue, while using too little won’t get your dishes clean. If you have hard water, consider using a rinse aid to prevent spotting and mineral buildup.
- Don’t Overload It: Cramming too many dishes into one load is counterproductive. It blocks water circulation, leads to dirty dishes, and forces the motor to work harder than it needs to.
Expert Take: We spoke with James Peterson, a certified appliance technician with over 15 years of experience. “The number one killer of dishwashers I see is neglect,” he says. “People forget that it’s a machine that needs cleaning itself. A 10-minute filter check once a month can prevent a $500 repair bill down the road. It’s that simple.”
The Big Question: Repair or Replace?
When your dishwasher does break down, you’re faced with a tough choice. A good rule of thumb is the 50% Rule. If your dishwasher is more than halfway through its expected lifespan (say, 7 years old) and the cost of the repair is more than 50% of the price of a new, comparable model, it’s usually more cost-effective to replace it.
Here’s a simple table to help you decide:
| Age of Dishwasher | Cost of Repair vs. New Machine | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 years | Less than 50% | Repair |
| 4-7 years | Less than 50% | Consider Repair |
| 4-7 years | More than 50% | Replace |
| 8+ years | Any significant cost | Replace |
A new dishwasher will not only be more reliable but will also be significantly more energy and water-efficient than a model from a decade ago, saving you money on your utility bills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a dishwasher last 20 years?
It is highly unlikely for a modern dishwasher to last 20 years without significant repairs. While some premium models from a few decades ago were built to last, today’s appliances are generally designed for a lifespan closer to 10-13 years.
Which dishwasher brands last the longest?
Brands like Miele, Bosch, and KitchenAid consistently receive high marks for reliability and longevity from consumer testing agencies and repair technicians. They tend to use higher-quality materials, such as stainless steel tubs and more robust motors.
Is it worth repairing a 10-year-old dishwasher?
Generally, it is not worth investing in a major repair for a 10-year-old dishwasher. At that age, even if you fix one component, another is likely to fail soon. The money is often better spent on a new, more efficient model with a fresh warranty.
How often should I clean my dishwasher?
You should rinse the filter at least once a month (more if you use it heavily) and run a dedicated cleaning cycle with a cleaner or vinegar every 1-2 months to remove limescale and grease buildup.
Does using a dishwasher save water compared to hand washing?
Yes, absolutely. A modern, Energy Star certified dishwasher uses as little as 3-4 gallons of water per cycle. In contrast, efficient hand washing can use up to 8 gallons, and leaving the tap running can waste over 20 gallons for the same number of dishes.
Conclusion
So, how long should a dishwasher last? While the industry average sits around 9 to 13 years, the real answer is in your hands. By choosing a reputable brand and, more importantly, committing to a simple routine of dishwasher maintenance, you can push your appliance toward the longer end of that spectrum. Remember to clean that filter, don’t overload it, and address small issues before they become big ones. Your dishwasher is one of the hardest working helpers in your home—treat it well, and it will serve you faithfully for years to come.