How Long Do Kitchenaid Dishwashers Last? [9 Ways to Last Longer]

The life expectancy of most dishwashers is between seven and twelve years, depending on how well you take care of them.

So, how long does a Kitchenaid dishwasher last?

Life Expectancy of Kitchenaid Dishwashers

Kitchenaid dishwashers are kitchen appliances that are built to last. They endure a fair amount of wear and tear without presenting many problems.

On average, most Kitchenaid dishwashers work fine for seven to ten years. However, they can hold up for nearly twelve years when properly cared for.

This brings us to the question of how to take care of Kitchenaid dishwashers to make them last longer. Let’s find out.

9 Things that Will Help You Extend the Life Expectancy of A Kitchenaid Dishwasher

Dishwashers are expensive but useful kitchen appliances that reduce the effort of washing dishes every day.

While they free up valuable time, they also need maintenance and good care to last longer.

Proper usage will help extend the life of a Kitchenaid dishwasher. Here are some practical ways to prolong its use.

1. Wait until You Have a Full Load to Run the Dishwasher

The more you use your Kitchenaid dishwasher, the more wear and tear it undergoes.

To reduce the wear and tear of this appliance, wait until you have a full load to run the dishwasher.

Avoid running it with partial loads and restrict dishwashing to four or five times a week. This should be possible if you wait until the dishwasher is full before you run the appliance.

Additionally, most energy-efficient modern dishwashers are optimized for full-load settings. So, waiting until you have a full load will also reduce your utility bills.

2. Wash Regularly

We just mentioned that you should limit the frequency of using your dishwasher. So, this point may seem to contradict the previous one. Let’s clear up the confusion.

You should try to restrict the number of times you use your dishwasher each week. However, it’s not a good idea to go too long between washes.

Running your Kitchenaid dishwasher regularly will keep it in good working condition.

Debris will not settle at the base of the appliance, and the pipelines are less likely to clog up. This will keep it operating smoothly.

3. Do Repairs and Maintenance on Time

Every electrical appliance is prone to present issues as it grows old. Your Kitchenaid dishwasher may also be affected by power outages and fluctuations as it becomes old.

The problem is that what appears to be a small issue may blow out of control if left unattended. So, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the maintenance and care of your dishwasher.

Make sure that it’s installed as per the manufacturer’s recommendations and used as intended.

If any technical issues appear, promptly call a professional to correct them, and your appliance will remain functional for much longer.

Any concerns like longer running cycles, standing water, or dishes not being cleaned properly require urgent attention.

Also, perform regular maintenance and cleaning of the appliance as recommended to keep it in top condition.

4. Clear the Dishes Before Loading Them in The Dishwasher

Your Kitchenaid dishwasher can tackle even the thickest and grimiest stains and soil on dish surfaces.

However, clearing the dishes of stuck food and tough stains will make them last longer.

Scrape food bits off the plates and dishes before loading the dishwasher. This will save your Kitchenaid the trouble of tackling these stuck food bits.

It will also help your filter remain clean for longer without food clogging up the pipes and vents.

You don’t have to pre-rinse dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. However, doing so will reduce the burden on the dishwasher.

5. Regularly Inspect and Clean the Spinning Hoses

The spinning arms are an integral component of the dishwasher. These arms move around, spraying water on all surfaces.

So it’s critical that they function properly and don’t have any obstructions. To ensure the smooth functioning of the dishwasher, inspect the spray arms regularly.

Clean any build-up as soon as you spot it. This will ensure that the water flow isn’t restricted and the dishwasher operates with maximum efficiency.

You can use a tiny cleaning device like a wire cleaner to remove debris that obstructs the flow of water.

However, be gentle while cleaning the holes. Don’t push them out of shape as it will alter the flow rate and affect the overall operation of the device.

6. Tend to The Filter Regularly

Any remaining food waste and debris sink into the filter unit.

So, the filter of the dishwasher tends to get clogged with all this build-up over time.

A clogged filter will slow down the dishwasher and increase the runtime.

You can avoid this problem by regularly cleaning the filter.

Inspect it every few months to remove any waste that has built up.

Going too long between cleaning cycles can also make the leftover food become slimy and stink the filter.

It will be more difficult to clean the filter when it reaches this stage. The filter will also be unclean.

Remove the filter unit and clean it with soapy water to get rid of any gunk.

Then return it to its original position, and the dishwasher will run as efficiently as it should.

7. Keep the Appliance Clean

Regular cleaning of the exterior will keep your Kitchenaid dishwasher looking good.

More importantly, it will prevent the metal surface from developing rust.

Rust can cause significant damage and reduce the lifespan and aesthetic appeal of the device.

Similarly, you should also clean the insulation layer inside the door. This area will easily build up dust and dirt.

When it gets too dirty, the door will not seal properly. This can make the dishwasher malfunction.

To avoid this problem, clean the insulation layer regularly.

Use a damp cloth to gently dislodge any food particles or dust, and then dry this area with a dry cloth.

You should also clean the detergent tray, baskets, and the inside surface of the door to always keep your dishwasher in top condition.

8. Remove Any Limescale Deposits

If you live in an area with hard water, minerals will build up faster in your dishwasher’s water system.

This will reduce the operational efficiency and the life expectancy of your device.

The good news is that you can prevent it from creating problems by addressing it in advance.

The best way is to use a water softener at the inlet to prevent any hard water minerals from entering the system at all.

However, this can be expensive and involve changes to the plumbing.

In that case, you can use descaling tablets inside your dishwasher to remove any build-up.

You can also occasionally run white vinegar through the detergent system to tackle any limescale that forms inside the compartments.

9. Let the Dishwasher Dry Completely Between Cycles

Dishwashers are built to be in contact with water regularly.

Nonetheless, they are prone to mold and mildew if they remain damp for too long.

Mold and mildew are more likely to appear in the colder months or if you keep your dishwasher in a humid environment.

Once mold or mildew appears inside the dishwasher, it’s difficult to eradicate.

It will also produce foul odors and make the dishwasher smell.

You can prevent this issue by installing the dishwasher in a space with good air circulation.

This will help the device dry completely.

Also, leave the door slightly open after a cycle to allow complete evaporation of water.

Furthermore, you can wipe the inside surfaces after each cycle to get rid of excess moisture.

Experts also recommend running one cycle of bleach through the dishwasher to eliminate any mold or mildew and prevent it from re-appearing.