How long do dishwashers last? Plus essential tips to prolong your appliance's lifespan

Mumsnet users will vouch that the best dishwashers can save significant time (and water) compared to washing up by hand, taking the pressure off manic family mealtimes and making after-dinner clear-ups simple and stress-free. They also agree that once you’ve added one to your kitchen, the thought of hours at the sink if it breaks or dies holds little appeal. 

It’s important to remember that dishwashers need looking after to keep them running at their best. From regular cleaning to loading them carefully and using high-quality dishwasher tablets, maintaining your dishwasher can not only keep your dishes clean—it can also help prolong your appliance’s life.

So, how long do dishwashers last and what should you do to keep them working well for as long as possible? We tapped into Mumsnet users' real-life experiences and the views of industry experts to find out…

In the market for a new appliance? We also have guides to the best integrated dishwashers and the best budget dishwashers.

What’s the average lifespan of a dishwasher?

Whether you opt for a compact slimline dishwasher or a full-sized appliance, the best dishwashers can keep your dishes sparkling clean for as long as ten years, so long as you maintain them and load them carefully. 

Aleksandar Kolarov from Fantastic Services says: “Usually dishwashers last around 10 to 13 years, but this can vary based on their usage, maintenance, and the quality of the appliance. Frequent use, especially heavy use, can contribute to a shorter lifespan, with dishwashers used in large households or commercial settings tending to wear out sooner." 

As well as the brand of dishwasher you choose, the model and its specifications are also important. Aleksandar goes on to add: “Higher-quality dishwashers tend to have longer lifespans, so investing in a durable, energy-efficient model can actually be more cost-effective in the long run.”

While the right dishwasher for your household will come down to personal choice, here’s our round-up of the best dishwashers you can buy today, based on tried-and-tested feedback from Mumsnet users.

Read next: The best kettles and toasters for your kitchen

Does using a dishwasher frequently affect its lifespan?

Like any household appliance, the more you use your dishwasher, the more potential there is for things to go wrong. As a general rule, you can expect the lifespan of your dishwasher to reduce if you use it more than five cycles per week.

What’s the dishwasher lifespan of different brands? 

While the exact lifespan of your dishwasher will vary depending on the make and model, level of usage and how your dishwasher is maintained, here is the estimated lifespan of leading dishwasher brands according to independent appliance retailer RDO. 

• Miele - At the top of the lifespan charts, Miele appliances may not come cheap, but can make a wise investment. Built to last, all Miele dishwashers are tested for the equivalent of 20 years of usage, ensuring they can wash for 10,000 hours. This is equivalent to five washes a week for 20 years—working out excellent value for money in the long term.

• Bosch - A top pick amongst Mumsnet users, you can expect your Bosch dishwasher to last between 10-12 years (with the brand claiming up to 16 years for some of their premium appliances).

• Siemens - You can expect Siemens dishwashers to last between 10 to 12 years.

• AEG - These dishwashers will last approximately 10 years. 

• Hotpoint - Another Mumsnet favourite, you can expect around six to seven years out of a Hotpoint machine. 

• Beko - The most pocket-friendly choice, Beko’s budget dishwashers come highly rated by Mumsnet users for their affordable price tag and efficient performance. While their average lifespan is much less than some (approximately seven years), they can cost as little as a third of the price of some leading brands. 

What Mumsnet users say

“Our Miele was put in in 1990 and is still going strong. Large family too so gets plenty of use” - Mumsnet user itsjustasecrethandshake

“My Miele (RIP, much missed) did 20 years of solid service.” - Mumsnet user Needapadlockonmyfridge

“Mine’s a Bosch and about 10 years old. Still going strong!” - Mumsnet user Smitherss 

“Beko cheap one going strong here. I would buy another Beko and replace it when it eventually dies.” - Mumsnet user Cwtches123

Read next: The best American fridge freezer, tried and tested

Can I expand the lifespan of a dishwasher?

Like any household appliance, it’s important to take good care of your dishwasher. Here are our top tips to prolong its lifespan:

1. Clean your dishwasher regularly

Your dishwasher may be a pro at cleaning your dishes, but a dirty dishwasher will not only prevent your plates from coming out clean, but it can also risk damage to crucial elements. This is particularly important if you live in a hard water area, as minerals in the water can cause a build-up of grime and limescale on the interior. If the thought of cleaning your appliance fills you with dread—fear not—you can check out our guide on how to clean your dishwasher, which includes information on everything from a monthly deep clean to regular cleaning of the filter to choosing the best dishwasher cleaner to do the job.

2. Use the best dishwasher tablets

Choosing the best dishwasher tablets doesn’t automatically mean selecting the most expensive ones, but ones that contain rinse aid and salt can be beneficial if your appliances are prone to limescale. You should also avoid using harsh or abrasive detergents or cleaners as this can cause damage to more sensitive internal areas like the door seals. 

3. Scrape your dishes before loading

As tempting as it may be to clear up quickly once dinner is done, it's important to scrape any remaining food into the kitchen bin before loading the racks. Forgetting to do this can result in food falling into the dishwasher’s delicate drainage system, clogs, and even unsavoury smells as the water stays stagnant inside. It's worth noting, however, that you don’t need to rinse your plates completely—this not only wastes water but can actually negatively impact your dishwasher's cleaning performance.

4. Load your dishwasher correctly

Believe it or not (and despite what your other half may tell you) there IS a right way to load your dishwasher. To ensure peak performance and prevent damage to the spray arms, racks and baskets, it’s important to avoid overfilling and ensure the contents are stacked correctly. For more on this, see our guide to how to load a dishwasher.

When should I replace my dishwasher?

Many common dishwasher faults can be repaired, especially if your dishwasher is under warranty. However, if your dishwasher is older and no longer working at its best, here are some signs that it might be time for a replacement.

• Your dishwasher no longer drains - While food debris blockages can cause minor pools of water in the base, more substantial water after a cycle can indicate a bigger problem. If thorough cleaning doesn’t have an impact, it could be a sign your dishwasher is on the way out.

• Your dishwasher no longer heats up - A dishwasher needs to heat the water to clean your dishes, so if the heating elements pack in, your dishes are unlikely to come out sparkling. At best, they’ll still contain remnants of dried-on food even once the cycle is complete. While some heating elements can be repaired (depending on the brand), this can be expensive, so it may work out more cost-effective to replace your appliance. 

• Your dishwasher starts to leak - Pressurised water inside your dishwasher is great, but all over your kitchen floor? Not so much. If you notice any visible cracks in the walls or door or the unit itself starts to warp from water damage, it may be time to say goodbye to your appliance. 

• Your dishwasher is noisy - While not all dishwashers have whisper-quiet running volumes, your dishwasher suddenly becoming incredibly noisy can be a sign of mechanical faults. Hearing the sound of water spray or the odd clunking sound from your dishes is normal, but load whirring, banging or grinding sounds may be more tricky to fix.  

About the author

Lucy Cotterill is a mum of two and a Content Writer at Mumsnet, specialising in parenting and home product reviews and round-ups. Having written reviews on her own blog Real Mum Reviews since 2012, Lucy loves to research and explore the pros and cons of products, scrutinising consumer feedback and expert guidance to help people make confident purchases.  

After buying her first-ever slimline dishwasher in 2022, Lucy knows only too well the benefits that a clean and high-performing dishwasher can bring when juggling family life. In addition to Lucy’s range of Mumsnet round-ups on dishwashers—including the best tabletop dishwashers, the quietest dishwashers, and the most energy-efficient dishwashers, she also written guides to help keep them running at their best, including showcasing the best dishwasher salt for hard water areas.