When is it time to replace the dishwasher?

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

4. You could try a different soap. If that doesn't work,

maybe something needs cleaning inside. Or, maybe it's just worn out and a new one is in order. The newer ones are more energy-efficient and have more options for using less water. I recently remodeled my kitchen and wanted to save a little money by keeping my old dishwasher, but we discovered it was so old that the parts needed to install it were no longer available. So I broke down and bought a new one - and it cleans way better than the old one did. I guess I'd become so used to dishes that didn't always get clean the first time and having to run them through again that I thought it was normal. But my new one cleans so much better, and it's also much quieter. So if you can afford it you might just want to get rid of the old one.