7 Signs It's Time to Replace Your Dishwasher

When you can’t find a clean glass in the cupboard, you probably check the dishwasher. These miracles of modern science ensure you have clean plates and cutlery without having to get your hands wet.

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But what if you grab a glass fresh out of the washer and find it’s still dirty? That could be a sign it’s time to replace your dishwasher.

Dishwashers typically last for 10 years before they need replacing. However, around one-quarter of dishwashers either stop working well or break after five years. Even if it’s working properly, you may want to consider a new appliance if yours is a decade old. Older dishwashers aren’t as efficient, and they’re also more expensive to repair.

There are also clear symptoms of a dishwasher that's ready to be replaced. Below are the top seven signs you need a new dishwasher.

1. Dirty Dishes

If your dishwasher finishes a cycle and the dishes are still dirty, the appliance isn’t doing its job. There are many reasons dishes can still be dirty at the end of the cycle, from overloading to a failing motor. Always try troubleshooting the problem with the help of the user manual. It may be possible to fix the problem by swapping detergent, cleaning the dishwasher or adding rinse aid. If this doesn’t help, it’s possible you need to buy a new dishwasher.

2. Cold Dishes

Dishwashers use heat to effectively wash and sanitize your dishes. If the interior doesn’t heat fully, the detergent won’t dissolve properly, and your dishes won’t be clean. If you empty the dishwasher soon after the end of the cycle, your dishes should be very hot, as the interior can reach 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius). If the dishes are cold, the heating element is defective. While it can be replaced, it may be more cost-effective to get a new dishwasher.

3. Door Doesn’t Close

If the door doesn’t latch properly, you probably can’t wash your dishes. Most dishwashers don’t allow you to run a cycle if the door isn’t fully closed. If you do run the cycle with a faulty door, you may end up flooding your kitchen. Doors locks can be warped by hot temperatures or high water pressure inside the dishwasher. Locks can also fail due to electrical faults.

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4. Rusty Interior

Rust on the inside of your dishwasher is a sign that it’s starting to break down. It’s likely rust fragments are on dishes you think are clean. While some rust problems can be fixed, you may need to budget for a replacement appliance.

If you’re finding rust on the exterior, it’s less likely to be a big problem. A rusty outside is usually caused by a leak. A dishwasher technician may be able to fix that and allow you to keep using the appliance.

5. Strange Noises

Do you hear strange noises during the cycle? If it doesn’t happen regularly, it may be dishes moving around. However, if the noises continue, it’s more likely a failing motor or pump. Both of these are costly to fix, if they can be fixed at all, so it’s better to replace the dishwasher.

6. Too Much Water

Yes, your dishwasher uses water to clean the dishes, but that water isn’t supposed to be on your floor. This is a clear sign of a leak somewhere. It may be a simple fix, such as a worn or cracked door gasket, but it often indicates a larger problem.

You also shouldn’t find water pooling at the bottom of the appliance after a cycle. Again, this may just be a clogged drain that's easy to fix. But dishwashers that don’t drain properly are normally nearing the end of their life span.

7. Repair Costs

There’s a point when repairing a dishwasher isn’t as cost-effective as replacing it. If the cost of a repair is around half the cost of a new dishwasher, it’s probably better to buy a replacement. Similarly, if you need to call a repair technician regularly, you’ll save money in the long run by buying a new appliance. Keep in mind that old dishwashers tend to be more expensive to repair, as it’s harder to get dishwasher replacement parts.