Are you tired of the strange noises coming from your dishwasher? It’s like having a symphony of clanks, clatters, and screeches in your kitchen. Don’t let this kitchen appliance drive you nuts, it’s time to solve the mystery of the noisy dishwasher.
In this guide, we will take a beginner-friendly approach to tackle common causes of dishwasher noise and show you how to fix it yourself.
Common Causes of Dishwasher Noise
Loose Parts
One of the most common causes of dishwasher noise is loose parts. Over time, parts of the dishwasher can become loose and start to rattle or clank. To check for loose parts, open the dishwasher and give it a good shake. If you hear any rattling, that’s a sign that a part is loose.
Worn or Damaged Spray Arms
Another common cause of noise is worn or damaged spray arms. Spray arms rotate while the dishwasher is running to spray water on the dishes. If they become worn or damaged, they can start to make a lot of noise. To check the spray arms, remove them from the dishwasher and inspect them for any signs of wear or damage.
Clogged Drain
A clogged drain can also cause noise. If the water is not draining properly, it can lead to a buildup of debris, which can cause the dishwasher to make a lot of noise. To check for a clogged drain, remove the dishwasher’s lower rack and look for any debris that may be blocking the drain.
Overloading the Dishwasher
An additional common cause of dishwasher noise can be overloading the machine. When the dishwasher is overloaded, the dishes can come into contact with the spray arms, causing them to collide and make noise.
To avoid this, it is important to properly load the dishwasher according to the manufacturer’s instructions, making sure that dishes are not touching one another.
How to Fix a Noisy Dishwasher
Tighten Loose Parts
If you’ve identified that the dishwasher’s noise is caused by loose parts, the first step is to tighten them. This can be done with a simple wrench or pliers. Once you’ve tightened all of the loose parts, the noise should be gone.
Replace Worn or Damaged Spray Arms
If the noise is caused by worn or damaged spray arms, it’s time to replace them. Spray arms can be purchased at most home improvement stores. Once you’ve replaced the spray arms, the noise should be gone.
Clean Drain
If the noise is caused by a clogged drain, the fix is simple: clean the drain. Remove any debris that may be blocking the drain and then run the dishwasher to make sure the water is draining properly.
Prevention

To prevent noise caused by worn or damaged spray arms, clogged drain, or other problems, it is important to maintain your dishwasher regularly. Here are some tips to help you keep your dishwasher running smoothly:
Regularly Inspect Spray Arms
To prevent noise caused by worn or damaged spray arms, make sure to regularly inspect them. Check for any signs of wear or damage and replace them if necessary.
This will ensure that the spray arms rotate smoothly during the cleaning cycle and will minimize the risk of noise.
Keep Drain Clear
To prevent noise caused by a clogged drain, make sure to keep it clear. Regularly check for debris and remove it. This will ensure that the water is draining properly and will minimize the risk of noise.
Run Dishwasher Regularly
Running your dishwasher regularly helps to keep it in good working order. Not only does this prevent noise, but it also helps to prevent other problems with the dishwasher.
This will ensure that the dishwasher is properly maintained and will minimize the risk of noise and other issues.
Avoid Overloading the Dishwasher
To prevent noise caused by overloading the dishwasher, it’s crucial to avoid overloading the machine.
Make sure to load the dishwasher according to the manufacturer’s instructions and ensure that dishes are not touching one another, to minimize the risk of the dishes colliding with the spray arms during the cleaning cycle.
Conclusion
Noisy dishwashers can be a real pain, but fixing the problem is not as difficult as you may have thought.
By following this guide, you’ll be able to identify the cause of the noise and take steps to fix it. So the next time you hear strange noises coming from your dishwasher, don’t call the repairman just yet, give it a try yourself, and you’ll be surprised at how easy it is.
Happy DIY-ing!