Let’s be honest, the gentle hum of a dishwasher is one of the most satisfying sounds in a modern kitchen. It’s the sound of work being done for you. But when that hum turns into a grinding, rattling, or thumping cacophony, it’s enough to drive anyone crazy. If you’re currently wrestling with this problem, you’ve come to the right place. Learning How To Fix Dishwasher Making Noise is often simpler than you think, and with a little guidance, you can transform from a frustrated owner into a confident DIY troubleshooter. We’re going to dive deep, not just into the quick fixes, but into understanding your machine so you can keep it running quietly and efficiently for years to come.
First, Let’s Play Detective: What Kind of Noise Is Your Dishwasher Making?
Before we start pulling things apart, we need to listen. The type of sound your dishwasher is making is the biggest clue to what’s wrong. Different noises point to different culprits.
Is it a Grinding or Scraping Noise?
A harsh grinding sound, especially during the wash or drain cycle, is a classic sign that something is caught where it shouldn’t be.
This is often caused by a hard object, like a fruit pit, piece of glass, or a small bone, that has made its way past the filter and into the chopper blade or drain pump area. It’s the dishwasher’s way of screaming, “There’s something stuck in my throat!”
Is it a Rattling or Clattering Noise?
This is probably the most common (and thankfully, often the easiest) noise to solve.
A rattling or clattering noise usually means something is loose inside the main tub. This could be as simple as dishes knocking against each other because of improper loading, or it could be that the spray arm is hitting a tall plate or a utensil that has fallen from the rack.
Is it a Loud Humming or Buzzing Noise?
A continuous, low-frequency hum that’s louder than usual can point to an issue with one of the motors.
Your dishwasher has a few of them, primarily the circulation pump motor (which powers the spray arms) and the drain pump motor. A failing motor often gives off a loud, consistent hum as it struggles to operate. If the hum is there but nothing is happening (no water spraying, no draining), the motor might be seized.
Your Step-by-Step Guide on How to Fix Dishwasher Making Noise
Alright, now that you’ve diagnosed the sound, it’s time to roll up your sleeves. Remember, safety is paramount.
Before you do anything else, disconnect the dishwasher from its power source. You can either unplug it from the wall outlet (often under the sink) or turn off the corresponding breaker in your home’s electrical panel.
- Check the Simple Stuff First: The Interior
- Open the dishwasher and look for the obvious. Are two large pans knocking against each other? Is a long-handled spoon sticking down through the rack, blocking the spray arm?
- Gently rotate the upper and lower spray arms with your hand. Do they spin freely, or do they hit something? If they do, rearrange your dishes and try again. This simple step solves rattling noises 90% of the time.
- Inspect the Filter and Sump Area
- Remove the bottom rack completely to get a clear view of the dishwasher’s floor.
- Locate the filter. It’s usually a cylindrical, twist-off component near the base of the lower spray arm. Unscrew it (check your user manual if you’re unsure).
- Clean the filter thoroughly under running water. You’d be amazed at what gets trapped in there.
- With the filter removed, you can now see the sump area (a small depression where water collects). Carefully feel around for any hard debris. This is where those pesky fruit pits and glass shards love to hide and cause a grinding noise.
- Examine the Spray Arms
- While you have them handy, check the spray arms themselves. Sometimes, seeds or small food particles can get lodged inside the spray holes, causing a whistling or rattling sound as water is forced through.
- Use a pair of needle-nose pliers, a toothpick, or a paperclip to gently clear any blocked holes.
- Go a Little Deeper: The Chopper Blade and Drain Pump
- This is a slightly more advanced step. If you’re not comfortable, it may be time to call a pro.
- The food chopper blade is located in the sump area, often under a plastic cover. If you found debris in the sump, it’s likely the source of your grinding. After removing any visible debris, you’ll want to ensure the area is completely clear.
- The drain pump is responsible for pumping water out of the dishwasher. If you have a grinding or humming sound specifically during the drain cycle, a piece of debris might be stuck in the pump’s impeller. Accessing this usually requires removing the lower front panel of the dishwasher.
A Word From the Pros: James Peterson, a seasoned appliance repair technician with over 20 years of experience, notes: “I’d say more than half of my ‘noisy dishwasher’ calls are due to something simple like a stray utensil or a clogged filter. Regular, basic maintenance isn’t just about cleaning; it’s the single best way to prevent loud noises and expensive repairs down the line.”
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Our Picks for the Best Dishwasher in 2025
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| Num | Product | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | HAVA Countertop Dishwasher with Water Softener and Enhanced Energy Efficiency, Portable Dishwasher with 8 Wash Programs, Child Lock & Delayed Start Function, No Installation Needed - Misty Lilac |
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| 2 | COMFEE\' Portable Mini Dishwasher Countertop with 5L Built-in Water Tank for Apartments& RVs, No Hookup Needed, 6 Programs, 360° Dual Spray, 162℉ High-Temp& Air-Dry Function |
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| 3 | NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwashers, Compact Dishwashers with 5L Built-in Water Tank & Inlet Hose, 5 Washing Programs, Baby Care, Air-Dry Function and LED Light for Small Apartments |
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| 4 | AIRMSEN Portable Countertop Dishwashers, 5 Washing Programs Mini Dishwashers with 5 L Built-in Water Tank and Double-layered Glass Door, No Hookup Needed for Home, Apartments & RVs |
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| 5 | Farberware Portable Countertop Dishwasher with 5-Liter Built-in Water Tank - 5-Program System for Home, RV, and Apartment - Wash Dishes, Glass, and Baby Products |
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| 6 | HAVA 2025 NEW Upgraded Countertop Dishwasher with Water Softener and Enhanced Energy Efficiency, Portable Dishwasher with 8 Wash Programs, Child Lock & Delayed Start Function, No Installation Needed |
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| 7 | COMFEE\' Countertop Dishwasher, Portable Dishwasher with 6L Built-in Water Tank, Mini Dishwasher with More Space Inside, 7 Programs, UV Hygiene& Auto Door Open, for Apartments, Dorms& RVs, White |
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| 8 | AIRMSEN Portable Countertop Dishwashers, 5 Washing Programs Mini Dishwashers with 5 L Built-in Water Tank and Double-layered Glass Door, No Hookup Needed for Home, Apartments & RVs |
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| 9 | HAVA Countertop Dishwasher, 6 Programs Portable Dishwashers with 5L Built-in Water Tank, No Hookup Needed, Baby Care & Air-Drying Function for Apartments and RVs |
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| 10 | COMFEE\' Portable Mini Dishwasher Countertop with 5L Built-in Water Tank for Apartments& RVs, No Hookup Needed, 6 Programs, 360° Dual Spray, 162℉ High-Temp& Air-Dry Function |
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Prevention is the Best Medicine: Keeping Your Dishwasher Quiet
Fixing the noise is great, but preventing it from happening again is even better. Adopting a few simple habits can make a world of difference.
- Scrape, Don’t Rinse: Scrape large food scraps off your plates before loading, but don’t pre-rinse them. Modern dishwasher detergents are designed to cling to food particles to work effectively. This practice also prevents large, hard items from entering the system.
- Load Like a Pro: Secure lightweight plastic items on the top rack. Ensure tall items like baking sheets and cutting boards aren’t blocking the spray arms. A well-loaded dishwasher is a quiet dishwasher. Check our guide on [how to load a dishwasher correctly] for more tips.
- Clean Your Filter Weekly: Make it a habit. It takes less than a minute and is the #1 defense against grinding noises from the pump and motor area.
- Address Hard Water: If you live in an area with hard water, mineral buildup can affect the pump and other moving parts over time. Using a dishwasher cleaner designed to remove limescale once a month can keep things running smoothly.
When Should You Call a Professional?
While many noises are an easy fix, some are signs of a more serious issue. It’s time to call in a professional if:
- The noise is a loud humming or buzzing, and the troubleshooting steps above don’t help. This likely indicates a failing motor.
- You see any signs of an electrical issue, like a burning smell.
- The noise persists after you’ve thoroughly cleaned the filter, checked the spray arms, and cleared the interior.
- You simply don’t feel comfortable performing the more advanced steps. There’s no shame in knowing your limits!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my brand new dishwasher so loud?
New dishwashers can sometimes sound louder during the first few cycles as the parts settle in. However, the most common reason is the change in technology. Many older models had heavy, sound-dampening asphalt-based insulation, which has been replaced with lighter, more eco-friendly materials. Also, ensure all shipping materials and plugs have been removed from inside the unit.
Can a noisy dishwasher still wash dishes properly?
It depends on the cause. If the noise is from a blocked spray arm, then no, your dishes won’t get clean. If it’s a minor rattle from dishes touching, the cleaning performance might not be affected. However, a grinding noise from the pump can indicate a serious problem that could soon prevent the dishwasher from working at all.
Is a humming dishwasher dangerous?
A normal, gentle hum is perfectly safe. A very loud, struggling hum could be a sign that the motor is overheating or about to fail. While not an immediate fire hazard in most modern units with thermal protection, it’s a problem that should be addressed immediately by unplugging the unit and calling for service.
How much does it cost to fix a noisy dishwasher?
The cost varies wildly. If you fix it yourself by removing a stray olive pit, the cost is zero. A service call from a technician might start around $100-$150 just for the visit. If a major part like the circulation pump needs replacing, you could be looking at a repair bill of $300-$500 or more, at which point you might consider a replacement.
What is the quietest type of dishwasher I can buy?
Look for dishwashers with a decibel (dBA) rating of 45 dBA or lower. Anything in that range is considered virtually silent. Models with stainless steel tubs, third racks, and multiple layers of insulation are typically the quietest.
Your Path to a Peaceful Kitchen
That disruptive racket coming from your kitchen doesn’t have to be a permanent feature. By taking a few moments to listen, inspect, and perform some basic maintenance, you can often solve the problem yourself. Understanding how to fix dishwasher making noise is a powerful skill that saves you money and empowers you as a homeowner. A quiet, happy dishwasher is just a few steps away. Now, go enjoy the sound of silence—or better yet, the gentle, productive hum of a job well done.