If your dishwasher is looking a little worse for wear or rattling like a tin can, you may be wondering how long you should keep it before it’s time for a new one. With a little TLC – and as long as you follow all maintenance instructions – you can potentially extend the life of your trusty dishwasher. But how long should your dishwasher be lasting, and how much can you extend its lifespan? Find out with Canstar Blue.
Dishwasher life expectancy
The life expectancy of most dishwashers is about 10 years, however, many machines start developing minor issues around the five-year mark. That’s why it’s important to ensure your dishwasher runs smoothly for its entire lifespan by keeping it in great condition.
Is it better to repair or replace my dishwasher?
This will depend on what the problem is and associated costs. If your dishwasher is still under warranty, fixing it can be the most cost-effective option. If there’s an easy fix like swapping the door seal, you can easily (and economically) add a few years to the lifespan of your machine.
Unfortunately, more often than not, repairs to a big-ticket appliance like a dishwasher can end up costing you more than simply upgrading to a newer model.
Your first point of contact should be your manufacturer, who should be able to give you some advice on repair costs versus benefits. It could also be a good idea to consult different retailers for a second opinion. However, if it looks like you’ll end up spending more on service, specialist parts and installation than your dishwasher is worth, it may be time for a new one. The good news is that there are plenty of new, high-quality models that are cost-effective, energy and water efficient, meaning you might even be able to save more down the line thanks to the increased efficiency of a new model.
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How to extend the lifespan of your dishwasher
There are a number of basic steps that you can take to maximise the life of your kitchen appliance, including:
- Use a powder detergent instead of gel: gels often contain chlorine bleach, which can cause erosion over time in your machine.
- Use the hot water setting: this will clean your dishes effectively, kill bacteria and prevent gunk build-up.
- Pre-rinse dishes: this will avoid clogging the sprayers and filters of your machine.
- Load your dishwasher correctly: increase efficiency by facing the dirtiest side of your dishes inwards and not overloading the appliance.
- Follow appliance instructions: read the machine’s manual for helpful maintenance and usage directions.
- Clean your dishwasher well: you should clean your appliance at least once a month. Each time you clean remember to:
- Clear the drains of gunk – use a wet sponge to remove any fallen food scraps that may be in the filter.
- Wash the internal filter – thoroughly wash and use a plastic brush to lightly scrub off any gunk.
- Run a wash cycle with vinegar or baking soda – this should neutralise any leftover bacteria and sterilise your machine (commercially available cleaning products may also be used).
Dishwasher brand warranties
Most popular dishwasher brands including Miele, Fisher & Paykel, Bosch, LG, Westinghouse and Dishlex all come with a two-year manufacturer’s warranty. Remember to read all the terms and conditions to ensure that you’re across any specifics.
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What type of dishwasher should I buy?
Dishwashers come in all shapes and sizes which can make it hard to drill down on what you need for your home and family, in terms of capacity and special features. Other important factors to keep front of mind are durability, reliability and value for money.
Luckily, we’ve reviewed and rated some popular models to help you decide. So, compare the different brands on our website to make sure you’re getting the best dishwasher for you.
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