Top 21+ Ways You’re Shortening the Life of Your Dishwasher

Not cleaning or overcleaning dishes before loading them, Abusing the door, Using too much detergent, Running small loads, Forgetting to replace the hose, Using hard water, Avoiding regular inspections, Putting sharp objects in the racks, Leaving broken glass in the bottom, Overloading it, Using the delay cycle, Forgetting to empty the food trap, Running through candle holders without removing melted wax, Putting in items that are too dirty, Skipping surge protectors, Not using a dishwasher cleaning product, Using cheap dishwasher products, Forgetting to lock the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher, Neglecting to clean the dishwasher screen, Running the wrong cycle type, Loading it incorrectly

Hands wash a white plate under running water in a stainless steel sink.

Not cleaning or overcleaning dishes before loading them

Don’t fall for ads which show dishwashers cleaning practically full meals off of dinner plates. Doug Rogers, past president of Mr. Appliance, says food particles remaining on plates can gum up the moving parts of the appliance and get cut in the crevices. Rinsing can help prevent this and keep your machine running smoother for longer. However, cleaning your plates entirely is one way you’re loading your dishwasher incorrectly. Leaving some residue on them is necessary in order for the detergent to work properly, says Shirley Hood, an appliance expert and sales representative with Abt Electronics.

Not cleaning or overcleaning dishes before loading them, Abusing the door, Using too much detergent, Running small loads, Forgetting to replace the hose, Using hard water, Avoiding regular inspections, Putting sharp objects in the racks, Leaving broken glass in the bottom, Overloading it, Using the delay cycle, Forgetting to empty the food trap, Running through candle holders without removing melted wax, Putting in items that are too dirty, Skipping surge protectors, Not using a dishwasher cleaning product, Using cheap dishwasher products, Forgetting to lock the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher, Neglecting to clean the dishwasher screen, Running the wrong cycle type, Loading it incorrectly

Dog observes an open dishwasher filled with plates and cutlery, standing on a wooden floor.

Abusing the door

Don’t let your pets or children sit on the door to the dishwasher. It may sound obvious, but it’s something Hood, with over 20 years experience, sees often, along with damage from people tripping over the doors of their dishwashers. Plus, it’s so fun to play with the door at the end of the cycle and watch the steam come billowing out!

Not cleaning or overcleaning dishes before loading them, Abusing the door, Using too much detergent, Running small loads, Forgetting to replace the hose, Using hard water, Avoiding regular inspections, Putting sharp objects in the racks, Leaving broken glass in the bottom, Overloading it, Using the delay cycle, Forgetting to empty the food trap, Running through candle holders without removing melted wax, Putting in items that are too dirty, Skipping surge protectors, Not using a dishwasher cleaning product, Using cheap dishwasher products, Forgetting to lock the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher, Neglecting to clean the dishwasher screen, Running the wrong cycle type, Loading it incorrectly

Colorful detergent pods lie scattered on a textured gray surface.

Using too much detergent

Hood says overloading on detergent—one of the most common dishwashing mistakes—can cause residue buildup in the wash and rain pumps. Use pre-measured detergent packs like these to make sure you’re not overdoing it.

Not cleaning or overcleaning dishes before loading them, Abusing the door, Using too much detergent, Running small loads, Forgetting to replace the hose, Using hard water, Avoiding regular inspections, Putting sharp objects in the racks, Leaving broken glass in the bottom, Overloading it, Using the delay cycle, Forgetting to empty the food trap, Running through candle holders without removing melted wax, Putting in items that are too dirty, Skipping surge protectors, Not using a dishwasher cleaning product, Using cheap dishwasher products, Forgetting to lock the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher, Neglecting to clean the dishwasher screen, Running the wrong cycle type, Loading it incorrectly

A hand closes a dishwasher rack containing two white mugs and assorted cutlery in a kitchen setting.

Running small loads

Always be sure your dishwasher is full, Rogers recommends. Not only will it save you on water and electric, but it’ll mean fewer uses and a longer life for the appliance. A rare instance in which it might be better to hand wash instead!

Not cleaning or overcleaning dishes before loading them, Abusing the door, Using too much detergent, Running small loads, Forgetting to replace the hose, Using hard water, Avoiding regular inspections, Putting sharp objects in the racks, Leaving broken glass in the bottom, Overloading it, Using the delay cycle, Forgetting to empty the food trap, Running through candle holders without removing melted wax, Putting in items that are too dirty, Skipping surge protectors, Not using a dishwasher cleaning product, Using cheap dishwasher products, Forgetting to lock the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher, Neglecting to clean the dishwasher screen, Running the wrong cycle type, Loading it incorrectly

Hands connect flexible gray hose to water outlet; wearing protective gloves; white wall background.

Forgetting to replace the hose

Change inlet/outlet hoses every five years to avoid calcium buildup, Mark McCleary, vice president of marketing for Beko and Bloomberg told Consumer Reports. You can change the hoses on your own or call a technician if you’re uncertain. A hose like this should work if you decide to take the DIY avenue—but make sure it’s the right size first! Have you ever wondered why plastic containers don’t dry in the dishwasher? So have we!

Not cleaning or overcleaning dishes before loading them, Abusing the door, Using too much detergent, Running small loads, Forgetting to replace the hose, Using hard water, Avoiding regular inspections, Putting sharp objects in the racks, Leaving broken glass in the bottom, Overloading it, Using the delay cycle, Forgetting to empty the food trap, Running through candle holders without removing melted wax, Putting in items that are too dirty, Skipping surge protectors, Not using a dishwasher cleaning product, Using cheap dishwasher products, Forgetting to lock the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher, Neglecting to clean the dishwasher screen, Running the wrong cycle type, Loading it incorrectly

Red bottle pouring powder into dishwasher detergent compartment, surrounded by open dishwasher door and dish rack with plates.

Using hard water

The quality of your water may not be on your side depending on where you live, but hard water causes dishes to break and builds up mineral layers on the inside of your dishwasher and its pipes, according to Smith. Luckily, she says, there’s a number of ways to soften water whether it’s detergent with water softeners, water filters, water softening units, or conditioners. “They have the same goal, namely, to improve the overall appliance efficiency, avoid damaged components, and extend the dishwasher lifecycle,” Smith says.

Not cleaning or overcleaning dishes before loading them, Abusing the door, Using too much detergent, Running small loads, Forgetting to replace the hose, Using hard water, Avoiding regular inspections, Putting sharp objects in the racks, Leaving broken glass in the bottom, Overloading it, Using the delay cycle, Forgetting to empty the food trap, Running through candle holders without removing melted wax, Putting in items that are too dirty, Skipping surge protectors, Not using a dishwasher cleaning product, Using cheap dishwasher products, Forgetting to lock the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher, Neglecting to clean the dishwasher screen, Running the wrong cycle type, Loading it incorrectly

Hands test dishwasher components with multimeter probes beside open detergent compartment in kitchen setting.

Avoiding regular inspections

If there’s something wrong with your dishwasher, don’t hesitate to call a professional, advises Stephany Smith, part of the handyman crew at My Handyman Services. “It’s important for an experienced repairman to check for loose, damaged valves, tub or door troubles that may further result in drips, leaks and even worse, in substantial water damages,” Smith says. “Professional help will keep the mechanics operate efficiently and save you from major repairs and replacement costs in the long run.” Here are some surprising items you can put in the dishwasher.

Not cleaning or overcleaning dishes before loading them, Abusing the door, Using too much detergent, Running small loads, Forgetting to replace the hose, Using hard water, Avoiding regular inspections, Putting sharp objects in the racks, Leaving broken glass in the bottom, Overloading it, Using the delay cycle, Forgetting to empty the food trap, Running through candle holders without removing melted wax, Putting in items that are too dirty, Skipping surge protectors, Not using a dishwasher cleaning product, Using cheap dishwasher products, Forgetting to lock the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher, Neglecting to clean the dishwasher screen, Running the wrong cycle type, Loading it incorrectly

Cutlery and plates are neatly arranged inside a dishwasher rack, which is metallic with a plastic handle.

Putting sharp objects in the racks

Leave the knives in the silverware rack. Sharp edges will scrape off the plastic covering the metal of the racks, Rogers says. Without that plastic protection, the metal of the racks will begin to rust and break down the machine. As for other utensils, should they be loaded up or down?

Not cleaning or overcleaning dishes before loading them, Abusing the door, Using too much detergent, Running small loads, Forgetting to replace the hose, Using hard water, Avoiding regular inspections, Putting sharp objects in the racks, Leaving broken glass in the bottom, Overloading it, Using the delay cycle, Forgetting to empty the food trap, Running through candle holders without removing melted wax, Putting in items that are too dirty, Skipping surge protectors, Not using a dishwasher cleaning product, Using cheap dishwasher products, Forgetting to lock the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher, Neglecting to clean the dishwasher screen, Running the wrong cycle type, Loading it incorrectly

Broken glass shards lie scattered across a dark, textured surface.

Leaving broken glass in the bottom

It happens: things break in the dishwasher. But Hood says people often don’t realize there’s glass in the appliance. “Depending on the size, glass chards can get past the dishwasher filter and make its way into the drain pump where it can cause real damage,” she says. Next, check out these other things that are not dishwasher safe and can cause potential damage to your dishwasher.

Not cleaning or overcleaning dishes before loading them, Abusing the door, Using too much detergent, Running small loads, Forgetting to replace the hose, Using hard water, Avoiding regular inspections, Putting sharp objects in the racks, Leaving broken glass in the bottom, Overloading it, Using the delay cycle, Forgetting to empty the food trap, Running through candle holders without removing melted wax, Putting in items that are too dirty, Skipping surge protectors, Not using a dishwasher cleaning product, Using cheap dishwasher products, Forgetting to lock the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher, Neglecting to clean the dishwasher screen, Running the wrong cycle type, Loading it incorrectly

Dishwasher holding clean plates, glasses, and silverware, is open in a tiled kitchen space.

Overloading it

“If there are too many dishes loaded in the washer, the chances of overheating go up greatly,” says Mark Stoltzenburg, an HVAC/R-MAR program director/instructor at the Midwest Technical Institute. “Many of the components inside have a safety device to protect them from overheating, but by overloading the dishwasher those devices have a harder job, and component failure is more likely.”

Not cleaning or overcleaning dishes before loading them, Abusing the door, Using too much detergent, Running small loads, Forgetting to replace the hose, Using hard water, Avoiding regular inspections, Putting sharp objects in the racks, Leaving broken glass in the bottom, Overloading it, Using the delay cycle, Forgetting to empty the food trap, Running through candle holders without removing melted wax, Putting in items that are too dirty, Skipping surge protectors, Not using a dishwasher cleaning product, Using cheap dishwasher products, Forgetting to lock the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher, Neglecting to clean the dishwasher screen, Running the wrong cycle type, Loading it incorrectly

Control panel with buttons labeled Program, Delay, 1/2, Power, Start/Pause, arranged in a white, minimalist appliance interface.

Using the delay cycle

“Even if the delay start option is invented to deliver comfort and convenience, in a mechanical point of view, your appliance works harder to warm the water to the required temperature for dish-washing,” Smith says. “A harder and longer operation always impacts service life and reliability.”

Not cleaning or overcleaning dishes before loading them, Abusing the door, Using too much detergent, Running small loads, Forgetting to replace the hose, Using hard water, Avoiding regular inspections, Putting sharp objects in the racks, Leaving broken glass in the bottom, Overloading it, Using the delay cycle, Forgetting to empty the food trap, Running through candle holders without removing melted wax, Putting in items that are too dirty, Skipping surge protectors, Not using a dishwasher cleaning product, Using cheap dishwasher products, Forgetting to lock the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher, Neglecting to clean the dishwasher screen, Running the wrong cycle type, Loading it incorrectly

Hand removes the filter from a dishwasher's metal interior, surrounded by spray arms and a clean, stainless environment.

Forgetting to empty the food trap

Extra food particles that don’t come off dishes from an initial rinse gets collected in your dishwasher’s food trap. To avoid clogging, Family Handyman recommends lifting up the arm at the bottom of your dishwasher to empty the food trap about once a week. It might be making your dishwasher moldy.

Not cleaning or overcleaning dishes before loading them, Abusing the door, Using too much detergent, Running small loads, Forgetting to replace the hose, Using hard water, Avoiding regular inspections, Putting sharp objects in the racks, Leaving broken glass in the bottom, Overloading it, Using the delay cycle, Forgetting to empty the food trap, Running through candle holders without removing melted wax, Putting in items that are too dirty, Skipping surge protectors, Not using a dishwasher cleaning product, Using cheap dishwasher products, Forgetting to lock the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher, Neglecting to clean the dishwasher screen, Running the wrong cycle type, Loading it incorrectly

A white candle holder supports a lit candle, placed on a dark wooden surface, with another blurred candle holder in the background.

Running through candle holders without removing melted wax

Hood says people often throw candle holders and glass votives in the dishwasher without removing the melted wax first. The wax can cause residue buildup, which if not removed, can clog the wash and drain pump over time.

Not cleaning or overcleaning dishes before loading them, Abusing the door, Using too much detergent, Running small loads, Forgetting to replace the hose, Using hard water, Avoiding regular inspections, Putting sharp objects in the racks, Leaving broken glass in the bottom, Overloading it, Using the delay cycle, Forgetting to empty the food trap, Running through candle holders without removing melted wax, Putting in items that are too dirty, Skipping surge protectors, Not using a dishwasher cleaning product, Using cheap dishwasher products, Forgetting to lock the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher, Neglecting to clean the dishwasher screen, Running the wrong cycle type, Loading it incorrectly

Plates and utensils rest in a dishwasher rack, covered with food residue, awaiting cleaning.

Putting in items that are too dirty

Items marred by dirt, sand, machine grease, and metal shavings should all be kept out of the dishwasher. “The system is robust, but if too much dirt gets into the dishwasher these fine particles might get into the rack tracks and inner workings of the system,” says Christopher Carlson, a senior analyst in dishwasher engineering and technology for Whirlpool Corporation. “Best to rinse off those picnic dishes from the beach before loading them.” Try out some of these things you never knew your dishwasher could do.

Not cleaning or overcleaning dishes before loading them, Abusing the door, Using too much detergent, Running small loads, Forgetting to replace the hose, Using hard water, Avoiding regular inspections, Putting sharp objects in the racks, Leaving broken glass in the bottom, Overloading it, Using the delay cycle, Forgetting to empty the food trap, Running through candle holders without removing melted wax, Putting in items that are too dirty, Skipping surge protectors, Not using a dishwasher cleaning product, Using cheap dishwasher products, Forgetting to lock the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher, Neglecting to clean the dishwasher screen, Running the wrong cycle type, Loading it incorrectly

Hand inserts black plug into power strip with multiple connected cables, placed on a table in an indoor setting.

Skipping surge protectors

It may seem extreme, but installing surge protectors can prevent future dishwasher breakdowns by diverting extreme voltage in the case of a power surge or spike brought on by a thunderstorm or lightning strike, Smith says. The bonus: these protectors will protect all your big appliances from electrical shock during a storm.

Not cleaning or overcleaning dishes before loading them, Abusing the door, Using too much detergent, Running small loads, Forgetting to replace the hose, Using hard water, Avoiding regular inspections, Putting sharp objects in the racks, Leaving broken glass in the bottom, Overloading it, Using the delay cycle, Forgetting to empty the food trap, Running through candle holders without removing melted wax, Putting in items that are too dirty, Skipping surge protectors, Not using a dishwasher cleaning product, Using cheap dishwasher products, Forgetting to lock the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher, Neglecting to clean the dishwasher screen, Running the wrong cycle type, Loading it incorrectly

A hand places a detergent pod into an open dishwasher detergent compartment.

Not using a dishwasher cleaning product

You know to use dishwasher soap to clean the dishes, but are you cleaning the dishwasher itself? Rogers recommends running a dishwasher on an empty cycle every three to six months to clear calcium deposits. “This prevents the sprayer arm from becoming clogged, so you don’t have to worry about repairing it prematurely,” he says. Running once a month with white vinegar instead of detergent also keeps the machine running efficiently and eliminates any lingering odors.

Not cleaning or overcleaning dishes before loading them, Abusing the door, Using too much detergent, Running small loads, Forgetting to replace the hose, Using hard water, Avoiding regular inspections, Putting sharp objects in the racks, Leaving broken glass in the bottom, Overloading it, Using the delay cycle, Forgetting to empty the food trap, Running through candle holders without removing melted wax, Putting in items that are too dirty, Skipping surge protectors, Not using a dishwasher cleaning product, Using cheap dishwasher products, Forgetting to lock the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher, Neglecting to clean the dishwasher screen, Running the wrong cycle type, Loading it incorrectly

Hand pours liquid detergent into dishwasher dispenser, located on a stainless steel surface.

Using cheap dishwasher products

Saving a buck on dishwasher soaps, detergent, or degreasing products can cost you in the long run, Smith advises. “The best rule of thumb is to use only top-rated dishwasher products to clean the dishwasher interior,” she says. The best bet is to buy products labeled as “detergents.” The particles in cleaning powders can scratch the interior appliance surface, lead to clogs and cause leaks. Sam’s Club’s Member’s Mark Dishwater Detergent has been garnered an Excellent rating from Consumer Reports’ testing lab.

Not cleaning or overcleaning dishes before loading them, Abusing the door, Using too much detergent, Running small loads, Forgetting to replace the hose, Using hard water, Avoiding regular inspections, Putting sharp objects in the racks, Leaving broken glass in the bottom, Overloading it, Using the delay cycle, Forgetting to empty the food trap, Running through candle holders without removing melted wax, Putting in items that are too dirty, Skipping surge protectors, Not using a dishwasher cleaning product, Using cheap dishwasher products, Forgetting to lock the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher, Neglecting to clean the dishwasher screen, Running the wrong cycle type, Loading it incorrectly

Dishwasher interior showing rotating arm and filter in a metallic environment, surrounded by wire rack compartments.

Forgetting to lock the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher

“This can cause large food items like nuts or even glass to get into the drain pump and cause damage to the line,” says Hood. “The mesh filters at the bottom of most dishwashers is for protection of the wash pump. If you don’t place the filter back into the lock position after removing it for cleaning, you are giving it the chance to move around during the wash cycle, allowing room for food particles and even glass to get into the drain pump which over time can clog or damage the line.”

Not cleaning or overcleaning dishes before loading them, Abusing the door, Using too much detergent, Running small loads, Forgetting to replace the hose, Using hard water, Avoiding regular inspections, Putting sharp objects in the racks, Leaving broken glass in the bottom, Overloading it, Using the delay cycle, Forgetting to empty the food trap, Running through candle holders without removing melted wax, Putting in items that are too dirty, Skipping surge protectors, Not using a dishwasher cleaning product, Using cheap dishwasher products, Forgetting to lock the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher, Neglecting to clean the dishwasher screen, Running the wrong cycle type, Loading it incorrectly

A silver mesh dishwasher filter rests inside a metallic dishwasher, surrounded by reflective surfaces.

Neglecting to clean the dishwasher screen

Check to see if there’s a filtering screen under the bottom spray arm of your dishwasher. Rogers says this is present in some models and cleaning this regularly can prevent trapped food particles from turning into a sludge that blocks water flow.

Not cleaning or overcleaning dishes before loading them, Abusing the door, Using too much detergent, Running small loads, Forgetting to replace the hose, Using hard water, Avoiding regular inspections, Putting sharp objects in the racks, Leaving broken glass in the bottom, Overloading it, Using the delay cycle, Forgetting to empty the food trap, Running through candle holders without removing melted wax, Putting in items that are too dirty, Skipping surge protectors, Not using a dishwasher cleaning product, Using cheap dishwasher products, Forgetting to lock the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher, Neglecting to clean the dishwasher screen, Running the wrong cycle type, Loading it incorrectly

Dishwasher displays "1" on control panel; open rack appears inside kitchen setting.

Running the wrong cycle type

“It could be tempting to use a lighter, faster, and economical program to save water and energy,” Smith says. “However, you won’t only lose cleaning efficiency, but also risk to leave dirty ingredients and clogs on the mechanical parts.”

Not cleaning or overcleaning dishes before loading them, Abusing the door, Using too much detergent, Running small loads, Forgetting to replace the hose, Using hard water, Avoiding regular inspections, Putting sharp objects in the racks, Leaving broken glass in the bottom, Overloading it, Using the delay cycle, Forgetting to empty the food trap, Running through candle holders without removing melted wax, Putting in items that are too dirty, Skipping surge protectors, Not using a dishwasher cleaning product, Using cheap dishwasher products, Forgetting to lock the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher, Neglecting to clean the dishwasher screen, Running the wrong cycle type, Loading it incorrectly

Hand holds wine glass, removes it from dishwasher filled with clean, organized dishes and utensils.

Loading it incorrectly

It may seem more efficient to fill your dishwasher quickly and sometimes stick items on shelves where they don’t belong, like glasses on the bottom rack. But this can actually result in broken glass or a blocked water sprayer, says Family Handyman. Not great for a machine you want to last! While you’re carefully loading your dishwasher correctly, be sure to add this ingredient to add sparkle and prevent that filmy residue from your glassware.

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