Today, many homeowners rely on the convenience of a dishwasher. While you might still need to rinse the dishes before putting them into the machine, the dishwasher does the rest. Plus, the heat that a dishwasher produces doesn’t just get rid of food scraps, it also kills bacteria, fungi, and viruses that may have been transferred to the dishes or utensils.

However, all appliances start to break down over time. Deterioration can be identified when parts start to wear out and need to be replaced or repaired. One or two repairs might be worth the expense to keep the same dishwasher for a few more years, but if the dishwasher is over a decade old or you are frequently making repairs to the appliance, it might be time to invest in a new dishwasher. Use this guide to discover 10 signs that indicate it’s potentially time for an upgrade.

1. The Dishwasher Is Over 10 Years Old

In most cases, a dishwasher that has been properly maintained will be able to last about 10 to 15 years before it reaches the end of its life. As the dishwasher ages, the efficiency of the machine begins to decrease, leading to higher energy costs for the same wash cycles. Upgrading to a new model allows you to invest in an energy-efficient dishwasher that will help you spend less on your water and power bills.

Additionally, older machines will typically start to wear out, leading to an increased number of repairs to keep the appliance running. While some problems can be resolved by a technician, it can get costly to continually pay for repairs. Keep the dishwasher’s age in mind when deciding whether to repair or replace the appliance.

2. Dishes Come Out Cold Immediately After a Cycle Ends

Dishwashers are designed to use heated water to clean the dishes. This helps to ensure that the dishes are fully cleaned and that any microorganisms, like bacteria or viruses, are eliminated. So, if you open the dishwasher door immediately after a cycle ends and the dishes are cold, you have a serious problem that needs to be resolved.

If the dishes come out cold, then you likely have an issue with the heater, which could lead to a costly repair. Weigh the age and existing condition of the dishwasher against the cost of the repair to decide if it would be more cost-effective to simply upgrade to a new dishwasher.

3. Water Remains After a Wash Cycle

The dishwasher is designed to drain any remaining water left in the appliance, so if there is a pool of water in the bottom of the dishwasher after a cycle, it’s likely a sign that the drain is clogged. Clearing a minor blockage is relatively easy and can be handled by the average homeowner or DIYer.

However, if the issues continue to occur, even after cleaning the drain, then there might be a more pressing problem that requires professional repair. Similarly, if you rinse the dishes properly before putting them into the dishwasher, but the appliance still frequently clogs, it could be a sign that the dishwasher is reaching the end of its life and should be replaced.

4. The Door Doesn’t Latch

Once you have loaded the dishwasher, you need to close the door before you can start a wash cycle. This is usually as easy as applying a bit of pressure to the door until it latches in place, preventing the dishwasher from opening during the wash. However, if the door does not latch properly, you might not be able to turn on the dishwasher. Even if you can turn on the dishwasher, the unlatched door could lead to a serious flood in your kitchen.

Appliance repair technicians can typically fix this part of the dishwasher without any real problems and at a relatively affordable rate, but if the dishwasher is 10 years or older, then the latch might just be the first of many future problems you will need to address. Consider setting aside some funds to invest in a new dishwasher instead of paying for a series of costly repairs.

5. The Dishwasher Is Starting to Rust

Rust is never a good sign, but a few specks of rust on the outside of the dishwasher might not be a pressing issue that needs to be dealt with immediately. However, it does impact the dishwasher’s appearance, and as an extension, the entire kitchen. If you spot rust on the outside of the dishwasher, it’s an indication that you should start saving for a new model.

If you notice rust on the inside of the dishwasher, this is a far more serious problem and should be addressed as soon as possible. Minor rusting can impact the cleanliness of the dishes, while major rusting can lead to leaks and flooding. Start shopping around for a new dishwasher before the problem gets out of hand.

6. Dishes Come Out Dirty

The dishwasher’s entire purpose is to wash dishes, so if you put a load in and they come out dirty after a full cycle, you might need to start saving for a new one. However, it’s important to rule out user error before replacing the dishwasher. Make sure that any dishes that go into the dishwasher are properly rinsed and that you use an appropriate type and amount of dishwashing detergent.

Additionally, it’s important to pay attention to how you load the dishes into the dishwasher. If the dishes prevent the wash arms from spinning or are pressed together too closely, they will likely come out dirty. However, if you load and operate the dishwasher properly but the dishes are still dirty after a wash cycle, it’s recommended that you invest in a new dishwasher.

7. Water Keeps Leaking onto the Floor

A dishwasher uses wash arms equipped with multiple sprayers to clean the dishes loaded into it. If the door doesn’t latch properly, water can leak onto the floor. Similarly, if the machine is severely rusted, water might leak through the walls or base of the appliance, prompting you to invest in a new dishwasher.

There are also some situations where a leak develops in the bottom of the dishwasher, causing excess water to spill out onto the kitchen floor. A plumber or a dishwasher repair technician might be able to resolve the issue, but in many cases, you will need to replace the appliance.

8. The Dishwasher Has Visible Cracks

Generally, if a dishwasher is going to develop cracks, you will see some signs ahead of time, like scratches, scrapes, or rusting. When you notice these signs it’s a good idea to start setting aside some money to purchase a new dishwasher for your home. However, if you haven’t noticed these signs or have chosen to ignore them, then there is a chance that the appliance will start to crack.

If the dishwasher has visible cracks in it, you need to replace it with a new model. Otherwise, the water could seep through the cracks in the unit, damaging the floor, cabinets, and walls, as well as leading to extensive mold and mildew growth behind the dishwasher.

9. The Dishwasher Makes Weird Noises

Dishwashers will make some noise when rinsing, washing, and drying the dishes, but if the appliance starts to make unusual sounds, you should turn it off immediately. Check to see if the sound is coming from dishes hitting each other or scraping against the machine’s interior. If there is no obvious reason why the dishwasher would make weird noises, the problem might be the motor, which can be an expensive part of the appliance to replace.

Given the potential cost of the repair, it’s a good idea to consider the age and condition of the dishwasher to determine if it is more cost-effective to repair the appliance or purchase a new one. Generally, if the dishwasher is older than 10 years old, it’s better to replace the unit than to repair the motor.

10. The Dishwasher Is Not an Energy-Efficient Model

Having a low-efficiency dishwasher doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to replace it with an energy-efficient model. However, if your current dishwasher is already approaching 10 to 15 years of age, it’s a good opportunity to switch to a high-efficiency machine so you can save on water and energy bills.