Get matched with top dishwasher installation pros in Brillion, WI

To clean an old dishwasher without a filter, start by removing the bottom rack to access the drain area. Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior, paying special attention to the corners and crevices where food particles and debris can build up. Pour a cup of white vinegar into a dishwasher-safe bowl and place it on the top rack, then run a hot water cycle to help break down grease and grime. After the cycle, sprinkle a cup of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher and run a short hot water cycle to deodorize and further clean the interior. 

You should follow the instructions listed on the detergent packaging and in your dishwasher user manual. Often, this means inserting the tablet or pod into the detergent dispenser (and not in the bottom of the dishwasher). If you put the pod anywhere else, it might dissolve too early in the cycle and fail to clean your dishes properly.

The average dishwasher lasts between 10 and 12 years, however, some dishwashers can last 15 years or more. Just how long your dishwasher lasts depends on how well you maintain it, the quality of the parts, how frequently you use it, your water hardness level, and whether or not you follow dishwasher best practices when loading your appliance.

In some cases, it’s worth fixing a dishwasher instead of replacing it. For example, if the dishwasher is only a few years old and has one minor problem, it’s often worth fixing it. The same goes if the appliance is still under warranty. 

However, if the cost of the repair is more than 50% of the price of a new dishwasher, it’s probably worth replacing it. For reference, a new dishwasher costs $1,000 to $1,500 on average, while repairs usually cost several hundred dollars, depending on the specific type of repair.