Once you get a high-quality dishwasher, you can’t make sense of living without one. They make cleaning up after eating so much easier, and they’re a lifesaver for those with big families.
However, dishwashers have limited life. So, can a dishwasher last 20 years? The answer is more nuanced than you’d expect.
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Can a Dishwasher Last 20 Years?
A dishwasher can last 20 years if you buy it from a brand specializing in making long-lasting appliances. A Miele dishwasher has a life expectancy of 20 years. However, dishwashers from brands such as Whirlpool, Bosch, and Samsung only work for ten years. Electrolux, Beko, LG, and Kenmore dishwashers last for a little over ten years.
Every brand uses different quality components in their dishwashers, so it’s unreasonable to expect them to last the same period. Most manufacturers offer dishwashers with a life expectancy of ten years.
How to Increase the Life Span of a Dishwasher
Some things you can do to increase the life span of a dishwasher include:
- Wait for the dishwasher to be full before running it. Try not to run the dishwasher every night. Not only will you save on detergent and rinse agents, but by using the dishwasher judiciously, you will also prolong its life.
- When purchasing a dishwasher, buy a good quality one, even if it’s overpriced. Low-quality appliances require repairs over time and often need replacement sooner than expected. Good dishwashers are expensive, but not all expensive dishwashers are good. Doing your due diligence and opting for the best-quality option is the right way to go.
- Read the user’s manual and follow the maintenance instructions. Some manufacturers recommend that users run a cycle with a washer cleaning solution to remove the build-up in the dishwasher.
- Scrape dishes before you load them, and always keep the filter clean to prevent food particles from getting clogged.
- Invest in an extended warranty, especially if it offers regular maintenance visits.
Signs Indicating the Dishwasher Needs Replacement
Although dishwashers look quite rugged, they are carefully assembled pieces of machinery. If a dishwasher is damaged due to age or any other reason, you will see some signs. Some signs to look out for include:
Dirty Dishes: Check whether the soap dispenser has been opened if the dishes don’t come out squeaky clean. Also, check whether the spray arm isn’t functioning correctly. If it’s neither of these issues, the dishwasher may need replacement.
Abnormal Noises: Faulty pumps and motors often make strange sounds when malfunctioning. Motors and pumps can be easily repaired, but the unit may need replacing if the abnormal noises continue after repairs.
Leakage: If you notice puddles of water on the floor after running your dishwasher, the door gasket may be damaged. However, water can also leak from cracks in the dishwasher. You will need to replace the dishwasher if this is the case.
Draining Problems: If there’s water on the dishwasher’s floor after a cycle is complete, the unit may have reached the end of its life. Repairs cost a lot at the end stages of a dishwasher’s life, and it’s best to replace it with a new model.
Conclusion
You cannot expect a dishwasher to serve you for 20 years unless you buy one built to last that long. The typical dishwasher has a life expectancy of ten years, given its maintained properly. Rusty interior, broken door latches, and other abnormalities indicate that a dishwasher needs replacement.
