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

Wondering whether or not it’s time to replace your dishwasher? Be on the lookout for these six telltale warning signs that you may want to say goodbye to your existing appliance and purchase a new one.

Below, we’re highlighting some common issues that indicate your dishwasher is not functioning as intended.

Your Dishwasher Is Noisy

Your dishwasher shouldn’t be making too much noise if it’s working properly, so loud sounds are one sign that something is going wrong.

“Persistent or unexplained noises during operation, such as grinding or loud banging, might suggest mechanical issues that are beyond simple repairs,” Ievgen Ponomarenko, an appliance repair department manager at Home Alliance, says.

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Your Dishwasher Is Not Cleaning Your Dishes As Well As It Once Did

If your dishwasher is not performing its function of cleaning your dishes, you may need to purchase a new one. If your dishes are coming out spotted with residue, it’s a good indication that the dishwasher’s performance is slipping, Crystal Olenbush, a real estate expert at Austin Real Estate, says.

Olenbrush often evaluates the condition of household appliances when listing properties and states that inconsistent results from load to load are not a good sign.

Your Dishwasher Exhibits Signs of Leaking

Dishwashers shouldn’t be causing leaks in the kitchen, and if you see puddles on the floor, it’s obvious that something is amiss. Stains by the dishwasher are another indicator of leaks, Olenbush says.

In addition to requiring cleanup, leaks can cause harm to your surrounding space, damaging cabinets and floors, Ponomarenko adds. Rust on the interior or exterior of the dishwasher also indicates water damage. And you should definitely view it as an immediate red flag—as Olenbush notes since rust can easily make its way onto your dishes.

Do note that while you don’t want water to be coming out and leaking all over your kitchen floor, an appropriate amount of water should be coming out of the dishwasher post-wash-cycle. If it is not, this is also a sign of problems, Bianco says.

Your Dishwasher Has Poor Odors Coming From It

Mold certainly doesn’t belong in the kitchen, but it may be present if you’re experiencing strong odors coming out of the dishwasher, Olenbush explains.

If your dishwasher continues to smell even after running a cleaning cycle or manually scrubbing it down, it may be an internal issue that may need to be replaced or fixed.

You’re Noticing Electrical or Mechanical Issues With the Dishwasher

If your dishwasher is not seamlessly starting or finishing its cycles, there is most likely some sort of electrical problem with your appliance, Olenbush says.

“If the control buttons stop working right or get finicky, that usually means it’s near the end,” she adds.

Your Dishwasher Is More Than 10 Years Old

Experts agree that when you’ve had a dishwasher for 10 years or longer, it most likely needs to be replaced—and doing so comes with a few key benefits.

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

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