6 Warning Signs to Look Out For Before Buying a New Dishwasher

Are you wondering if it’s time to replace your dishwasher? Look out for these six warning signs that you may want to say goodbye to your existing device and buy a new one.

Below, we’ll highlight some common problems that indicate your dishwasher isn’t performing as expected.

Your dishwasher is noisy

Your dishwasher shouldn’t make too much noise if it’s running properly, so loud noises are a sign that something is wrong.

“Persistent or unexplained noises during operation, such as grinding or loud banging, can suggest problems,” says Ievgen Ponomarenko, director of appliance repair at Home Alliance. Mechanical problems cannot be simply fixed.”

Want more cleaning and organizing tips? Sign up for our free daily newsletter for the latest hacks, expert advice, and more!

Your dishwasher isn’t cleaning your dishes as well as it used to.

If your dishwasher isn’t doing its job of cleaning your dishes, you may need to buy a new one. If your dishes are caked with gunk, that’s a good sign that your dishwasher’s efficiency is declining, says Crystal Olenbush, a real estate expert at Austin Real Estate.

Olenbrush often evaluates the condition of appliances when listing a property and states that inconsistent results from lot to lot is not a good sign.

Your dishwasher shows signs of leaking

Dishwashers shouldn’t be leaking in the kitchen, and if you see puddles on the floor, something’s clearly wrong. Dishwasher stains are another sign of a leak, says Olenbush.

In addition to needing to be cleaned up, leaks can cause damage to your surrounding space, damaging cabinets and floors, Ponomarenko adds. Rust inside or outside the dishwasher also indicates water damage. And you should definitely treat it as an immediate red flag—as Olenbush notes, since rust can easily get onto your dishes.

Please note that while you don’t want water running and leaking all over the kitchen floor, an appropriate amount of water will drain from the dishwasher after the wash cycle. If not, this is also a sign of a problem, Bianco says.

Your dishwasher has an unpleasant odor coming from it

Olenbush explains that mold certainly doesn’t appear in the kitchen, but it can appear if you smell a strong odor coming from your dishwasher.

If your dishwasher continues to smell even after running a cleaning cycle or scrubbing it by hand, it could be an internal problem that needs to be replaced or fixed.

You notice electrical or mechanical problems with your dishwasher.

Olenbush says if your dishwasher won’t start or finish the wash cycle smoothly, there’s a good chance your appliance has an electrical problem.

“If the controls stop working properly or become difficult to operate, it usually means things are about to end,” she added.

Your dishwasher is over 10 years old

Experts agree that once you’ve had your dishwasher for 10 years or longer, it likely needs to be replaced—and doing so offers several key benefits.

“Newer models are significantly more energy efficient and can save you money on your electric bill,” says Ponomarenko.

To ensure your dishwasher lasts as long as possible, Bianco recommends cleaning it every eight to 10 months.