How do you solve noise in your dishwasher?

Written by Caitlin

Edited on

29 July 2026

ยท

11:34

How do you solve noise in your dishwasher?

If your dishwasher suddenly makes more noise, you want to solve the problem as soon as possible. Clean the pipe if you hear a buzzing noise and lubricate the pump mechanism if the dishwasher makes a squeaking noise, for example. Read our 4 tips to solve noise coming from your dishwasher here.

  • Reduce noise with 4 tips
  • Check the pump
  • Load the dishwasher correctly
  • Clean the spray arm nozzle
  • Lubricate the pump mechanism
Detached spray arm nozzle

Reduce noise with 4 tips

Does your dishwasher suddenly make noise and you don't know why? Try 1 of the following tips.

  • Tip 1. Check the pump.
  • Tip 2. Load your dishwasher correctly.
  • Tip 3. Clean the spray arm nozzle.
  • Tip 4. Lubricate the pump mechanism.
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Filter at the bottom of the dishwasher

Tip 1: check the pump

A grinding or buzzing noise is normal when the dishwasher drains water via the drain pipe. If this noise is really loud, check the filter inside the pump. Remove the lower rack and detach the filter at the bottom. You can clean and dry the interior of the dishwasher with a sponge. Put on protective gloves and detach the white pump lid with a spoon. Remove any strange objects like glass or food rests. Reattach the pump lid and put everything back in the dishwasher.

A dish in the lower rack

Tip 2: load the dishwasher correctly

Do you hear a knocking or rattling noise? This probably means that the spray arm nozzle is hitting the dishes. This happens when an oven dish or plate sticks out and blocks the spray arm nozzle. That's why you have to load the dishwasher correctly. Large dishes like cutting boards and trays should go on the outside. You can load pans, oven dishes, and plates in the center of the lower rack. Before you turn on your dishwasher, make sure the spray arm nozzle can rotate freely.

Spray arm nozzle being cleaned

Tip 3: clean the spray arm nozzle

If you have a dishwasher with a fan technology and you hear a noise during the last part of the dishwasher cycle, there's a problem. The noise comes from the fan if that's the case. If you hear it earlier during the cycle, there's something wrong with the spray arm nozzle. Detach it and pierce the little holes with a skewer to get rid of dishwasher detergent buildup and dirt. Doesn't this solve the problem? That means that the spray arm nozzle is worn out and it's time to replace it.

How do you clean a dishwasher?
Detergent compartment

Tip 4: lubricate the pump mechanism

When the pump mechanism becomes less smooth, you'll hear a squeaking noise when it drains. You can easily solve this by putting a drop of dishwasher detergent in the detergent compartment. Don't use more than that, because it creates a lot of foam. The grease in the detergent lubricates the pump mechanism.

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Article by Caitlin

Dishwasher Expert.

Caitlin