My parents used to have a very old dishwasher that made so much noise we were forced to turn up the volume on our TV to the maximum decibel level. The dishwasher continues to be the culprit of noise in many homes so I decided to find out how to quiet a dishwasher.

How do you soundproof a dishwasher? Here are the simple steps you need to take:

1. Unplug your dishwasher
2. Remove the door panel
3. Measure the dishwasher panel
4. Install soundproof panels
5. Install a soundproof blanket
6. Install mass loaded vinyl
7. Plug your dishwasher in and put back into place

Before we jump into the details of each step, it is important to understand why your dishwasher is so loud.

Why Your Dishwasher Is Making Noise

Let’s take a look at some of the reason for dishwasher noise. There are usually a few common parts that could be causing all of the loud sounds being emitted from your dishwasher. This list can help you troubleshoot what might be malfunctioning.

Defective Pump

A pump that does not work properly will definitely produce loud noises. The pump’s main purpose is to operate the spray arms and drain the water. It is located on the bottom of the machine and consists of the impeller and filter. If you hear most of the noise coming from the bottom then it could possibly be your pump malfunctioning.

Faulty Spray Arms

Are your spray arms working correctly? It should be rotating effortlessly and uninhibited in your dishwasher. If you find that your spray arms are wobbling then they may be worn out and need replacements.

Bearings and Seals

Loud noises from your dishwasher can also be caused by broken bearings and loose seals. Since these parts are only plastic they can wear out or break easily. This would result in the spray arm malfunctioning. If this is the case, you will need to replace them.

DIY Guide To Soundproof Your Dishwasher

If you don’t want to buy a new super quiet Bosch dishwasher, here is a simple step-by-step guide on the best way to soundproof a dishwasher. This should do a decent job of limiting the noise coming from your machine.

1. Unplug Your Dishwasher – The first step you should take is disconnecting your dishwasher from its power source. Test it by trying to start it. You should not be able to. This is for safety purposes to prevent you from getting electrocuted.
2. Remove The Door Panel – Open the door of your dishwasher and remove the screws using a screwdriver. Now close the door and remove the front panel. Remove any old insulation.
3. Measure The Panel – Using a measuring tape or tape measure, measure the panel’s length, width, and depth.
4. Install Soundproof Panels – Buy some sound-absorbing panels to fit into your dishwasher door based on the measurements from step 3. You may need to alter the panels for the correct fit. Rule of Thumb is to always buy a larger panel than you think because you can always trim it to size. Once you have your soundproof panels, make any cuts necessary for the correct fit that matches the measurements of your dishwasher door panel. Insert your soundproof panels into the front door then reattach the front panel by installing the screws.
5. Install A Soundproof Blanket – While your dishwasher is disconnected and moved away from any cabinets or walls, remove the old insulation. Then replace with a newer, thicker sound-dampening dishwasher blanket by attaching it to the rivets.
6. Install Mass Loaded Vinyl – Another area that needs to be soundproofed is the back wall of the dishwasher. You will want to install a few strips of this mass loaded vinyl on the wall that measure the length and width of your dishwasher. Use a strong all-purpose construction adhesive to hold these vinyl sheets on the wall.

After this step, you can simply slide your dishwasher back into place. You have now just soundproofed your dishwasher! Get ready for less noise in the kitchen.

Extra Tips For Soundproofing A Dishwasher

It can be annoying to hold a conversation in your home when you are running the dishwasher. My mother always hated it when I ran it at night because it was so loud it would keep her up. Here are a few extra simple ways to soundproof your dishwasher.

Use A Dishwasher Sound Shield

Searching for a cheap way to soundproof your dishwasher? Simply get this sound shield from Whirlpool. Even though the brand is Whirlpool it should still fit most residential models. It acts like a big soundproof blanket to dampen the sound being emitted from your machine. Simply place it over your dishwasher and tuck it into any openings to absorb as much sound as possible.

Buy a Quiet dishwasher

Technology has decreased the decibel level of dishwashing machines. Even though the main focus of this post is to help you soundproof your dishwasher on a budget, I want to introduce one of the quietest dishwashers you can purchase online.

During my research, I discovered the Bosch 800 Series to be one of the quietest dishwashers on the market. If you have the budget, I’d definitely recommend investing in this for the long run. It is a quality machine and the brand name speaks for itself.

The 800 series is a notch or two above the economical 500 series model. One of the key differences occurs during your daily usage of the machine. The 800 series offers more options for cleaning your dishes than the 500 series. You can utilize the eco wash for a more energy friendly cycle or customize your own wash cycle. This gives you ultimate control. Also, the smartphone connection capability is a pretty cool feature.

Overall the 800 series delivers an amazing washing performance while remaining super quiet. It boasts decibel levels of 39dBA, which is one of the quietest machines on the market today. Even though you will be paying more initially, you get all the bells and whistles you could ever ask for in a dishwasher. It looks very modern and sleek. It would be a great addition to any kitchen.

Use a Dishwasher Basket

You can also purchase a dishwasher basket to keep your lighter dishes from rattling and moving. A lot of noise can be generated from glasses and dishes shaking and bumping up against each other. This basket can help keep everything secure.

Average Decibel Level Of A Quiet Dishwasher

How loud is your dishwasher? The average decibel level of a traditional dishwasher is typically around 75dB. Some of the quieter dishwasher models produce a decibel level of 40dB.

Are you intrigued to learn how loud your dishwasher is? You can use a decibel meter or decibel meter app to measure it. Anything over 80dB might mean it is time to soundproof your dishwasher using the steps mentioned in this article or buy a new one.

What to expect

The 6 DIY steps mentioned in this article should significantly reduce the amount of noise your dishwasher generates. These steps are easy to implement and you don’t have to be a handyman to do it.

If you find that soundproofing does not quiet your dishwasher to your liking, you can also apply some of the bonus tips mentioned. Covering your dishwasher with a sound shield, using a basket, or buying a brand new super quiet dishwasher as a last possible resort will help to mitigate the noise.