9 Smart Ways to Increase the Lifespan of Your Dishwasher

Once you've lived with the convenience of a dishwasher, it's hard to imagine going back to life without one. But this kitchen appliance isn't built to last forever: The average dishwasher lifespan is around 10 years, according to data from Consumer Reports. Replacing a dishwasher isn't cheap, so maintenance matters when it comes to prolonging its life. Here are some effective ways to keep your dishwasher running smoothly and get the most out of your investment.

1. Load it the Right Way (Seriously)

Turns out there is a right way—and a wrong way—to load a dishwasher. Misloading your dishes can damage spray arms, block detergent flow or overwork the motor, leading to costly repairs or even a replacement.

• The top rack is the place for cups, glasses, small bowls and microwave-safe plastics that could get damaged on the lower rack. Bulkier items like plates, cutting boards and large bowls belong on the bottom rack.
• Cutlery, like forks and spoons, can be placed into the basket with the business side up (handles down), and knives should go handles up so you don't cut yourself when unloading.
• Angle items like colanders and mixing bowls downward, with the dirty sides turned toward the center of the dishwasher. This positioning gives the spray jets the best shot at rinsing everything clean.
• Avoid the temptation to “nest" larger dishes on top of smaller ones. Nesting blocks dishes from getting properly cleaned. The same goes for cutlery—mix up forks, spoons and knives in the basket so that the spoon and fork heads don't get stuck together.

2. Don't Overload—or Underload

Resist the urge to cram as many items as possible into your next load of dishes. Overloading uses more energy and water and leads to a less efficient—and less effective—cleaning. You end up using more water and energy in the long run to redo the dishes that your overloaded appliance couldn't handle. You also run the risk of breaking fragile dishes and glasses if items are too close together. Overloading can be hard on your dishwasher over time, leading to repairs or replacement.

Underloading a dishwasher can also hurt your machine's performance. A too-light load can throw off the appliance's spin cycle, leading to a noisy and vibrating load of dishes. Plus, it's a waste of water. Aim for a middle ground and run each load with a dishwasher that's full, but not overflowing.

3. Scrape, Don't Rinse

Myth: You have to rinse your dishes before they go into the dishwasher.

Reality: Today's dishwashers don't require any pre-washing of dirty wares. So skip the rinse—it wastes water and can actually make it harder for your dishwasher to do its job. Modern dishwashers have sensors to detect the soil level of each load, and pre-rinsing hinders this process.

The one exception is big chunks of food. It's always a good idea to scrape those off the plate and into the trash before loading your dishes.

4. Use the Right Detergent (and the Right Amount)

Choosing the “best" dish detergent comes down mostly to personal preference. Options include gel, powder and pods:

• Gel and powder detergents can be measured out for each load according to the size and soil level.
• Single-use pods offer convenience and make it easy to prevent adding too much detergent to your load. (A pre-measured pod may be overkill when you're running a smaller load, though.)

Avoid too much of a good thing: Excess detergent can lead to oversudsing (when soap suds spill out the sides of your dishwasher) and leakage. It can also increase the wear and tear on your dishwasher hoses and seals over time.

And what about rinse aids? These products promise to eliminate water spots and speed up drying time. You can experiment with your own dishwasher to see if rinse aid makes a difference. It may be most helpful for people with hard water, as it helps prevent unsightly spotting and mineral deposits on dishes.

5. Clean the Filter Regularly

If your dishwasher is emitting an unpleasant odor or your dishes aren't coming out as sparkling clean as they once did, a dirty filter could be to blame.

A clogged filter can stress the pump and reduce your machine's cleaning power. Fortunately, cleaning the filter is an easy task to tackle on your own. Aim to do it once every couple of months.

Most dishwasher filters are easy to find at the bottom of the machine beneath the propeller, but check your owner's manual for specific instructions to avoid damaging your unit. Once you remove the filter, rinse it in hot water and scrub with a gentle brush to remove any caked-on debris.

6. Run a Cleaning Cycle Monthly

A monthly dishwasher cleaning cycle can help mitigate the grease, limescale and mold that build up over time. Here's how to do it:

• Run a long, hot cycle with a cup of white vinegar on the bottom rack.
• Run a second cycle with baking soda sprinkled into the bottom of the dishwasher.
• Turn off the heated dry setting when you run each cleaning cycle.
• When in doubt, check with your dishwasher manufacturer for their recommended cleaning method for your specific unit.

However you clean your dishwasher, never combine vinegar with bleach. When these two chemicals come together, they create a hazardous gas that can cause serious health issues.

7. Check and Clean the Spray Arm

Your dishwasher's spray arm—the propeller-like part at the bottom of the machine—benefits from a regular cleaning every few months. Cleaning the arm can remove stuck-on food deposits and grease that block the spray nozzles.

To clean the spray arm, carefully remove it from your dishwasher according to the manufacturer's instructions. Use a small brush or toothpick to gently remove gunk from the tiny holes in the arm. For extra dirty jobs, first soak the arm in a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and water to help soften debris before going in with a toothpick.

8. Inspect Seals and Gaskets

The gasket around the perimeter of your dishwasher plays an important role in sealing off the dishwasher and preventing leaks. If your unit is leaking, inspect the gasket to make sure it's properly seated. Refer to the owner's manual if you aren't sure where to locate it. You may be able to readjust the gasket on your own if it has simply come out of place. If you notice cracks or tears in the gasket, you may need to purchase a replacement gasket.

9. Fix Small Issues Before They Become Big Repairs

As soon as you notice a strange noise, unpleasant smell or drainage issue, take action to find the root of the problem. If one of the tips above doesn't solve the issue, call in the pros for a dishwasher repair. Addressing concerns before they get worse can prolong the life of your dishwasher and put off an expensive replacement.

Keep Your Dishwasher Humming for Years to Come

A little bit of maintenance goes a long way in extending the life of your dishwasher—and it can save you money, water and hassle along the way.

When you're ready to replace your dishwasher, consider using the Synchrony HOME Credit Card to make your purchase. Search the network of Synchrony HOME retail partners to find local retailers that may have special offers for cardholders.*

READ MORE: The Essential Guide to Choosing the Right Dishwasher for Your Kitchen

*Subject to credit approval. Minimum monthly payments required. Promotional financing offers available at the time of purchase may vary by location. See store for details.