How Long Do KitchenAid Dishwashers Last? (9 Care Tips)

A dishwasher’s service life varies with use, installation, water conditions, maintenance and repair history.

So, how long does a Kitchenaid dishwasher last?

Life Expectancy of Kitchenaid Dishwashers

There is no guaranteed lifespan for an individual KitchenAid dishwasher.

Without a reliable model-specific service-life study, a seven-to-ten-year estimate should not be presented as a proven KitchenAid average. Good care can reduce avoidable problems but cannot promise a particular lifespan.

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

9 Care Tips for 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.

Running a comfortably full load can avoid unnecessary cycles, but there is no universal four- or five-cycle weekly limit. Use the dishwasher as needed without overloading it.

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

Avoid unnecessary cycles, but wash dishes when your household needs them.

Choose an appropriate cycle for the load rather than following a fixed weekly quota.

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

For a prolonged period without use, follow the storage instructions in the manual.

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

Choose a cycle suitable for the dishes and soil level.

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.

Routine pre-rinsing is generally unnecessary; scrape off large food scraps and load items so water can reach their surfaces.

5. Inspect and Clean the Spray Arms

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.

Use the cleaning method and tools specified in the manual; avoid sharp tools that could damage the spray openings.

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.

Check whether your model has a manually cleaned or self-cleaning filter, and follow its specified care schedule.

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.

For a removable filter, rinse and clean it as directed in the manual, then reinstall and lock it correctly.

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.

Use a cleaner suitable for the finish; unsuitable or abrasive products can damage it.

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

Clean the accessible door gasket and edges as the manual directs. Do not remove the door panel or disturb internal insulation.

Residue around the gasket can interfere with proper sealing.

Clean only the accessible gasket and door edges, not the internal insulation.

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.

Use a dishwasher-approved cleaner or descaler according to your model’s care instructions and the product label.

If your manual permits a vinegar rinse, follow its exact method and keep it separate from other cleaning chemicals.

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.

If the manual permits leaving the door ajar, do so only where it will not create a trip hazard or allow children or pets inside.

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

Use the dishwasher-cleaning product and cycle recommended by KitchenAid for your model. Do not pour household bleach into a stainless-steel dishwasher as a general mold treatment, and never mix bleach with vinegar, acids, ammonia or other cleaners.