At a Glance
What is the Life Expectancy of a Dishwasher?
Tips to Increase the Lifespan of Your Dishwasher
Top-rated Dishwashers from Trusted Brands
How Long Do Dishwashers Last?
Dishwashers typically last 10 to 15 years, with an average lifespan of 12 years. Proper maintenance, brand quality, and frequency of use all impact longevity.
With regular care, a dishwasher can reach 16 years or more.
At Texas Appliance, we’ll help you understand how to extend your dishwasher’s life and decide when it’s time for an upgrade.
Transform Your Dishwashing Experience
Looking for an upgrade? Explore the latest dishwasher models at Texas Appliance, where you'll find the perfect fit for your kitchen. Shop at Texas Appliance today and elevate your dishwashing experience with the best in quality and innovation!
Shop DishwashersHow Long Do Dishwashers Last? (Brand & Usage Breakdown)
Most dishwashers last between 10 and 15 years, but their lifespan depends on maintenance, frequency of use, and brand quality. With proper care, some dishwashers can even reach 16 years or more.
Factors That Affect Dishwasher Lifespan
✅ Maintenance: Regular cleaning, descaling, and filter checks help prevent clogs and extend lifespan.
✅ Usage Frequency:
- Daily use: Can shorten lifespan to 6–8 years due to wear and tear.
- Moderate use (3–4 times per week): Lasts 10–12 years with proper care.
- Occasional use (1–2 times per week): Can reach 15+ years if well maintained.
✅ Brand Matters: Some dishwashers are built to last longer. Here’s how top brands compare:
| Brand | Average Lifespan |
|---|---|
| Miele | 15–20 years |
| Bosch | 10–15 years |
| KitchenAid | 9–14 years |
| Whirlpool | 10–12 years |
| Samsung | 9–12 years |
| Frigidaire | 10–13 years |
Expert Tip: If your dishwasher is over 10 years old or showing signs of wear (leaks, cold dishes, or strange noises), it may be time for a repair or upgrade. Consult Texas Appliance for expert advice on the best replacement models.
Dishwasher Lifespan at a Glance
- Average lifespan: 10–15 years (up to 16 with proper care).
- Signs of aging include leaks, cold dishes, and increased noise.
- Frequent use and poor maintenance can reduce lifespan to 6–8 years.
- Regular maintenance like cleaning filters and descaling can help extend life.
- Consult a professional if your dishwasher is over 10 years old or showing signs of wear.
Signs Your Dishwasher is Aging
As dishwashers age, they can start to show signs of no longer being at their peak. Some signs of decreased performance tell you when your machine is getting closer to the end of its life. Although some issues can be repaired, if your dishwasher is aging and showing reduced performance, it may be time for a replacement. Some signs of aging in your dishwasher include:
- Visible signs of rust: Seeing signs of rust on the inside or outside of your machine indicates that one or more parts of your dishwasher are eroding, and it may be coming to the end of its lifespan.
- Continued standing water: If standing water remains a problem even after you think you fixed it, the inner workings of your machine such as its valves may be to blame.
- Your dishes coming out cold: When your dishes are still cold at the end of your dishwasher cycle, there might be a problem with the heating elements in your machine. Replacing the heat in your dishwasher can be a costly repair and, in many cases, a replacement is a more cost-effective option.
- Ongoing water leaking problems: Water leakage without an obvious source can indicate a major problem with your dishwasher. Continued small leaks can lead to further kitchen flooding. It is good practice to replace your dishwasher before any water issues get out of control.
- Unusual sounds- Dishwashers, like cars, can start to make struggling noises as they reach the end of their life. These extra noises can be your warning sign to start shopping around for a replacement before your current machine completely dies.
- Food remaining on dishes despite troubleshooting: If you have unsuccessfully tried troubleshooting your dishwasher for issues surrounding food left behind, the issue may be deeper inside your machine and a replacement may be in order.
→ Learn More: 5 Most Reliable Stainless Steel Dishwashers
Tips to Increase the Lifespan of Your Dishwasher
Your daily habits and small efforts into regular maintenance can make a big difference to your dishwasher lifespan. To maximize your dishwasher life expectancy and keep your dishes coming out sparkling, follow a few simple tips:
- Clean Filters Regularly: Remove and clean filters monthly to prevent blockages.
- Run Vinegar Cycles: Every few months, run an empty cycle with vinegar to remove mineral buildup.
- Avoid Overloading: Overloading stresses the machine and reduces cleaning efficiency.
- Use Dishwasher-Safe Items Only: Avoid placing non-compatible items in the machine.
- Check for Leaks: Address small leaks immediately to prevent major issues.
- Descale for Hard Water: If you have hard water, descale your machine regularly to avoid damage.
For additional tips, consult our experts at Texas Appliance, who can recommend the best practices and products for maintaining your dishwasher.
Replacement Considerations
There are times when a dishwasher is still currently working, but it is still worth considering a replacement. In addition to keeping your dishwashing at peak performance for a busy lifestyle, investing in a modern machine can avoid some of the losses that older machines experience over time.
When Should You Replace Your Dishwasher?
- Frequent Repairs: If repair costs exceed 50% of the price of a new dishwasher, replacement is often more cost-effective.
- Age Over 10 Years: Dishwashers older than 10 years may lose efficiency and require frequent maintenance.
- Poor Performance: Dishes coming out dirty, cold, or wet are signs your dishwasher is nearing the end of its life.
- Energy Inefficiency: Newer Energy Star-certified models can save significantly on utility bills.
Expert Tip: Upgrading your dishwasher before a total breakdown avoids unexpected costs and ensures consistent performance. Visit Texas Appliance to find energy-efficient models that suit your needs.
Reduced Effectiveness Over Time
Some older dishwashers may go through the motions of working, but slowly lose their effectiveness over time. We do not always notice this slow reduction in performance daily, but once we update to a new machine, we see a huge elevation in the heat, cleanliness, and shine of our dishes when they come out of the dishwasher.
This slow decline of an older machine can result in more repeat washing cycles, higher costs for energy use, and unpredictable repair costs. By replacing a dishwasher before your current machine breaks, you see no interruption in fast, efficient dishwashing and stay ahead of the game.
Energy Usage
Reducing the energy our appliances use has advantages for both the environment and our household bills. Newer dishwasher models are significantly more energy-efficient than older machines. New technology for improved heating, water usage, and cleaning makes dishwashers more energy-efficient than hand-washing dishes. A new, fully functioning dishwasher helps to maximize efficiency and cut down on energy and water usage.
Top-rated Dishwashers from Trusted Brands
As the average lifespan of dishwashers is around 10 years, Choosing the right dishwasher for your home and lifestyle is vital for a smooth running kitchen. Below, we highlight some of the best top rated, feature packed dishwashers to consider when selecting the next dishwasher for your home.
Frigidaire 24" Stainless Steel Front Control Built-In Dishwasher
Shop Frigidaire 24" Built-In Dishwasher
Featuring MaxDry™ technology, this extremely quiet dishwasher by Frigidaire has a powerful drying feature to reduce the need for towel drying and save you even more time. Three powerful spray arms ensure your dishes are clean while this EnergyStar® certified model saves energy usage and keeps costs down.
★ Frigidaire Model FDPC4314AS Customer Review ★
A recent customer, “Dpt27” shared their experience with this built-in dishwasher:
“My new Frigidaire, stainless steel, dishwasher is everything I hoped for in quality and looks.”
→ Learn More: An Honest GE Profile PDT715SYNFS Dishwasher Review
Midea 24" Anti-Fingerprint Stainless Steel Built-In Dishwasher
Shop Midea 24" Built-In Dishwasher
Complete with sanitizing cycle options, this powerful Midea dishwasher can eliminate 99.99% of bacteria from your dishes. Fingerprint-resistant and minimalist in style, this elegant machine stays shiny as it fits perfectly into your kitchen design. Wi-Fi compatible with smart features, you can control your dishwasher from the comfort of your couch.
★ Midea Model MDT24P4AST Customer Review ★
Recent customer “CHB” was delighted with their dishwasher purchase and shared their thoughts:
“We love everything about it! It cleans great, it is super quiet, and the extended dry capability is amazing. Highly recommend.”
Bosch Benchmark 24" Custom Panel Built-In Dishwasher
Shop Bosch 24" Built-In Dishwasher
For the ultimate in minimalist design and top-quality craftsmanship, this Bosch dishwasher blends perfectly into your kitchen and lifestyle as it hides behind a perfectly matched custom cabinet. Renowned for their quality and longevity, Bosch created this tech-filled dishwasher with smart sensing technology, water softening for spot-free dishes, and a versatile third rack for maximizing space. To answer the question, how long do dishwashers last? With a quality Bosch model, it tends to be much longer.
★ Model SHV9PCM3N Customer Review ★
Delighted customer “RiverMom” shared her experience with this sleek Bosch model:
“We replaced our 20 y/o KitchenAid and all I expected was "at least as good" but this machine beats it by a mile. We use the 60-minute cycle most often and I've been loading pots and pans that I used to do by hand. They sparkle. The third rack for silverware is brilliant - thought I'd miss the baskets but don't. Best of all, the drying technology means we can load plastic or acrylic anywhere it fits without worrying about heating elements. It's super quiet and the 'timer' floor light is handier than I'd expected. Upgrading for a better sliding mechanism for the middle rack was also worth it. 150% happy with it.”
→ Learn More: What You Need to Know About Panel Ready Dishwashers
In Conclusion: How Long do Dishwashers Last?
The lifespan of a dishwasher largely depends on how well it's maintained. Proper care and usage significantly impact its longevity. If you recently moved into a home with an existing machine, it can be difficult to know how long the machine may have left at the height of its performance.
To maximize the lifespan of your dishwasher and benefit from your investment, good daily habits and active maintenance can make all the difference to the life of your machine. If your dishwasher appears to be in its last stages of life, replacing it before it breaks can help you avoid some costly leaks, large home repair bills, and dishwashing interruptions.
Texas Appliance can help you select the very best dishwasher for your home, identify your needs, and work within your budget. Whether you are in the market for something completely new or wish to match your other appliances with a quality Bosch, Frigidaire, or GE dishwasher, we stock over 40 leading brands to ensure the perfect match for you.
Our appliance experts at our locally owned and operated stores can help you identify the best deal for your new dishwasher while ensuring it has all of the features you need for your kitchen.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the lifespan of dishwashers.
What’s the average lifespan of a dishwasher?
Dishwashers last 10–15 years on average. Proper maintenance, such as cleaning filters and running vinegar cycles, can extend their life.
How often should you replace your dishwasher?
If your dishwasher is over 10 years old and shows signs like leaks, cold dishes, or frequent repairs, it may be time to replace it.
Is it worth repairing a 10-year-old dishwasher?
For dishwashers over 10 years old, major repairs (e.g., motor replacement) are often not cost-effective. Consider replacing with a newer, energy-efficient model.
How do I extend the life of my dishwasher?
- Clean filters regularly.
- Run descaling cycles.
- Use dishwasher-safe items only.
- Avoid overloading.
Why Trust Texas Appliance?
With roots back to the 1950s, Texas Appliance is an established, locally owned and operated, residential major appliance retailer serving both residential and builders’ needs. Our 4 locations allow us to offer a full spectrum of appliances to meet your every need. With over 40 major quality brands, Texas Appliance has one of the largest displays of built-in and freestanding appliances in the state of Texas.
We will be the best appliance dealer in our markets by exceeding our customers' expectations in every way. We will treat our customers, vendors, and fellow employees with respect, honesty, integrity, and appreciation. The difference between a "Good" company and a "Great" company lies in its' employees' determination.
Shop Dishwashers at Texas Appliance
Stop by Texas Appliance’s Fort Worth Store and Outlet locations to see what a difference buying local with an experienced staff can make. Or shop for Dishwashers online! Our friendly experts are always happy to help you find the perfect Dishwasher — whether you call us at 817-299-2800, use our online chat feature, or visit us in person.
→ Learn More:10 Best Black Dishwashers for a Modern Kitchen Makeover