7 Ways You’re Shortening The Life Of Your Dishwasher

Our trusty dishwashers have become an integral part of life in most households, so much so that one might scarcely realize how much it’s relied upon until it’s on its last leg. A typical dishwasher lasts anywhere from 8 to 14 years, so how do you ensure you’re on the far end of that spectrum? Glenn Lewis, Waco, Texas-based president of Mr. Appliance, a Neighborly company, says there are certain pitfalls to avoid if you’re looking to set your dishwasher up for a long and happy life.

Opening the Door When It’s Running

Here’s something many of us are guilty of: Opening the dishwasher after it starts running to add that random fork in the sink. You know, the one that somehow managed to go unnoticed until 5 minutes into the wash cycle? “Many people don’t realize that opening the door to put that last forgotten item in is bad for your dishwasher,” says Lewis. “It can damage the door switches and other electrical components.” Instead, just go ahead and wash it by hand or simply rinse the item and let it wait for the next dishwasher round.

Being Too Forceful

When closing your dishwasher door, you shouldn’t have to put muscle behind it. If you do, there’s likely something blocking the racks or door that should be adjusted. While you can probably jam it back into place with a little force, that can also do damage to the hinges and machinery. Taking the time to figure out where the block is happening and remedying it in a gentle manner is always the best way to go.

Getting Creative

That’s right—getting crafty when it comes to what belongs in your dishwasher is a surefire way to decrease the life of your dishwasher. Lewis says food, clothing, auto parts, and more do not belong in the dishwasher, even if your neighbor swears by the dishwasher for cleaning everything and anything under the sun. Small parts and fragments of material clog up your dishwasher, wreaking havoc in their wake.

Ignoring Sounds

One way to ensure your dishwasher remains in top shape is by not ignoring issues that might arise. Case in point: those strange sounds emanating from your dishwasher with each cycle run. Diagnosing and remedying the issue immediately is essential for maintaining a healthy dishwasher. “Catching a problem while still small is usually easier, and if not fixed, it will lead to bigger problems,” Lewis explains.

Overloading the Machine

It’s tempting to just pile all those plates, pots, pans, and glasses into the dishwasher, packing it to the brim, but that’s yet another way to shorten the life of your kitchen’s greatest asset. When you overload the dishwasher, it forces the machine to work harder while also not doing as efficient a job. More than likely you’ll probably open our dishwasher once the cycle is complete only to find your dishes aren’t fully clean. It’s a lose-lose.

Neglecting Your Cleaning Schedule

“It's important to regularly clean the dishwasher's interior and filter, run a monthly cleaning cycle with vinegar or a dishwasher cleaner, and ensure dishes are loaded properly for optimal performance,” says Lewis. These minor tasks can help keep your dishwasher healthy and running for the long haul. When you neglect regular cleaning of your dishwasher, it allows gunk to build up around the drain and sprayers which will inhibit the machine from working properly. Keep your machine in top shape with regular cleaning that won’t allow harmful residue to build up.

Skipping Regular Maintenance

It can be hard to commit to investing in maintenance, especially if your appliance seems like it’s in proper working order, but Lewis says this annual process is one more way you can do your best for your dishwasher. “Professional maintenance typically involves checking the hoses, inspecting the spray arms, float switch, water temperature, seals, door hinges, detergent dispenser, and heating element, and ensuring the motor and pump are in good condition,” explains Lewis. He also says your pro will check for water leaks, too.