Have you ever noticed how loud your dishwasher can be? It’s like a mini thunderstorm in your kitchen! And have you felt the heat pouring out when it’s running? It’s like a sauna in there!
In this blog post, we’re going to talk about making your dishwasher much quieter and stopping it from getting too hot. These are simple fixes that can make your kitchen more peaceful and save you money on energy.
So, let’s dive in and learn how to make your dishwasher a quieter and more efficient kitchen companion.
Why Dishwasher Insulation?
Sound Dampening: Dishwashers can be noisy due to the sound of water spraying, dishes clinking, and the motor running. Insulation materials, typically made of soft materials like foam or fiberglass, help reduce the noise generated during the dishwasher’s operation. This is particularly important in open-concept kitchen designs, where a quieter dishwasher can be less disruptive.
Thermal Insulation: Dishwashers use hot water during their cycles to clean dishes effectively. Insulation helps retain the heat within the dishwasher’s interior, allowing it to maintain the desired temperature more efficiently. This not only helps with cleaning performance but also saves energy by reducing the need for additional heating during the wash cycle.
Energy Efficiency: By preventing heat loss, dishwasher insulation contributes to the energy efficiency of the appliance. When the dishwasher can maintain a stable internal temperature, it requires less energy to heat the water and maintain the desired conditions throughout the wash and drying cycles.
Safety: Insulation can also serve as a safety feature by keeping the exterior of the dishwasher cooler to the touch. This is especially important to prevent burns or discomfort when someone accidentally touches the dishwasher’s door or exterior while it’s in use.
Condensation Control: Insulation helps reduce the likelihood of condensation forming on the dishwasher’s exterior. Condensation can be problematic in high-humidity environments as it can lead to moisture-related issues like mold and mildew growth or damage to surrounding cabinetry.
What Is Considered a Loud Dishwasher?
The loudness or quietness of a dishwasher is given in decibel ratings. The noise issue wasn’t an issue when dishwashers become the major household appliances in the 1970s.
Fast forward 21st century and consumers are willing to invest more cash in household appliances that operate quietly. Dishwashers sound decibel ratings range between 38dBA to 63dBA, with the former being the quietest and later the noisiest.
Any dishwasher with noise ratings below 52dBA is a quiet one compared to traditional dishwashers.
Here’s a good example: Normal human conversation produces 50-60 decibels, while whisper only gives around 30 decibels. That’s why some dishwashers are known as whisper quiet.
What Types of Insulation Are Best for Dishwashers?
Insulation in dishwashers is essential to help reduce noise, maintain energy efficiency, and protect sensitive components from heat and moisture. The most suitable insulation for dishwashers is the blanket insulator, which is simple to set up as it wraps around the dishwasher or its housing cabinet. This is the ideal choice when the dishwasher will be permanently installed within a cabinet.
Alternatively, there are several types of insulation used in dishwashers, and they serve different purposes.
Fiberglass Insulation: Fiberglass is a common material used in dishwasher insulation. It is effective at reducing noise, as it absorbs sound waves. Fiberglass insulation also provides thermal insulation, helping to maintain the temperature inside the dishwasher and improve energy efficiency.
Foil-Faced Insulation: Some dishwashers use foil-faced insulation to reflect heat back into the dishwasher, helping to maintain a consistent and efficient operating temperature. This type of insulation is also resistant to moisture and can help protect sensitive electronic components.
Closed-Cell Foam Insulation: Closed-cell foam insulation is often used to seal gaps and fill cavities in dishwasher designs. It is a good insulator and helps prevent heat and noise from escaping the dishwasher.
Sound Dampening Pads: In addition to traditional insulation, dishwasher manufacturers often use sound dampening pads made from materials like rubber or foam. These pads are strategically placed in the dishwasher to reduce noise generated during the wash and rinse cycles.
- Top 13 quietest mini fridge for bedroom, dorm room and man cave
- What type of insulation is best for soundproofing?
- Does spray foam insulation reduce noise?
Best Dishwasher Sound and Heat Insulations
1. Upgraded W11086533 Dishwasher Sound Insulation
The Enhanced W11086533 Dishwasher Sound Insulation serves as a robust noise barrier designed for common household machines. It serves as an alternative for components like AP6048046, PS12070612, and W10796453, and it’s fully compatible with leading brands such as Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Kenmore, and Maytag.
This insulating blanket effectively reduces noise levels and offers a simple DIY solution for addressing noisy appliances. Crafted from premium materials, it not only meets but surpasses the manufacturer’s specifications.
If you have any doubts regarding compatibility, a responsive support team is on hand to assist you. The product includes a 365-day return policy and a 100% money-back guarantee.
Pros and Cons:
- Effectively reduces dishwasher noise
- Compatibility with a variety of dishwasher brands
- Easy do-it-yourself installation procedure
- Superior and long-lasting construction
- Return policy of 365 days and money-back guarantee
- Thinner than the OEM insulating blanket
- Expensive compared to standard insulating blankets
2. Frost King CF1 “No Itch” Natural Cotton Multi-Purpose Insulation
The Frost King CF1 “No Itch” Natural Cotton Multi-Purpose Insulation offers a wide range of applications, including insulation, cushioning, and sound dampening. This product is a safe choice since it doesn’t require gloves, a face mask, or goggles during handling.
It can be easily customized by cutting or tearing to fit pipes, ducts, walls, and various other uses. Produced by the reputable brand Frost King, this natural cotton fiber insulation is user-friendly and provides excellent value for your investment.
It has garnered a 4.4/5 customer rating, with users praising its effectiveness, ease of use, and sound-absorbing capabilities. While a few users reported issues with incorrect sizing and thinness, the insulation is generally highly regarded for its performance and user-friendly characteristics.
Pros and Con:
- Safe and user-friendly
- Provides cost-effective insulation
- Highly effective at sound absorption
- Some users received incorrect sizes
- The thickness may not match the described specifications
3. Simond Store Ceramic Fiber Blanket
The Simond Store Ceramic Fiber Blanket is a versatile high-temperature insulation material suitable for a wide range of applications, including forge insulation, furnace insulation, , and pizza oven insulation.
With an impressive fireproof rating of up to 2400F, it boasts non-combustible properties and excels in heat insulation. Its high density, low thermal conductivity, and robust tensile strength contribute to minimizing heat loss and enhancing equipment efficiency.
This user-friendly blanket can be easily customized to fit any desired size or shape. It comes in dimensions of 1 inch x 24 inches x 75 inches, with a density of 8 Lbs/ft3. For those seeking reliable high-temperature insulation, this ceramic fiber blanket is an excellent choice.
Pros and Cons:
- Highly resistant to fire and non-combustible
- Effectively minimizes heat loss and energy usage
- Enhances the efficiency and longevity of equipment
- Adaptable for a wide range of applications
- User-friendly with the option for size customization
- May necessitate protective gear during handling
- Thickness might marginally surpass 1 inch.
4. Unittype Ceramic Fiber Insulation Blanket
The 2 Pcs Ceramic Fiber Insulation Blanket is a versatile and top-notch product crafted for diverse applications. It is conveniently available in a pack of 2, ensuring you always have an extra for replacement as needed.
Composed of silicate, this dishwasher insulation blanket not only boasts exceptional high-temperature resistance but is also fireproof.
Its clean white color and appropriate dimensions make it a suitable choice for a range of applications, including forges, kilns fireplaces, dishwashers, stoves and more. The straightforward cut-and-use feature allows for easy customization to your specific requirements.
For safety considerations, it is advisable to wear gloves when handling it.
Pros and Cons:
- Conveniently sold in a pack of 2 for easy replacement
- Versatile, suitable for a variety of applications
- Impervious to high temperatures, withstanding up to 2400 degrees Fahrenheit
- Constructed from dependable and fireproof materials
- Easily customizable, allowing for straightforward size adjustment
- A few customers have noted its relatively high cost.
5. TITGGI Kaowool Fireproof Ceramic Fiber Insulation Blanket
The TITGGI Kaowool Fireproof Ceramic Fiber Insulation Blanket stands out as a high-grade, long-lasting insulation solution suitable for diverse purposes.
Boasting an impressive fireproof rating of 2400F, it maintains its structural integrity and size even after exposure to high temperatures. This blanket excels in thermal shock resistance and possesses a low heat storage capacity. It is user-friendly and includes a plastic ruler, gloves, and a utility knife for added convenience.
Pros and Cons:
Widely employed in applications such as furnace insulation, kiln insulation, dishwasher insulation, wood stoves, foundries, glass blowing, welding and jewelry making, it comes in a clean white color with dimensions of 1″x 12″x 24″.
- Outstanding fireproof insulation
- Top-notch quality and long-lasting
- Comes with essential accessories
- Versatile
- Limited sizes
Dishwasher Insulation Alternatives
If you prefer not to invest in dishwasher insulation, there are alternative approaches to reduce the noise generated by your appliance. You could opt for alternatives like using moving blankets in place of insulation, applying sound-deadening mats, or, if your budget allows, upgrading to a quieter dishwasher.
Another option is to soundproof the room where the dishwasher is located and keep the door closed while it’s running. Given that dishwashers are typically situated in the kitchen, it’s advisable to minimize the use of absorbent materials, as they can absorb cooking odors. Instead, consider sealing the door using weatherstripping tape and a draft blocker and increasing mass with dense, non-porous materials like MLV (Mass Loaded Vinyl).
Nevertheless, your best solution may be to invest in a quieter dishwasher. Many companies offer models designed for quiet operation. For example, Whirlpool’s Quiet Partner II dishwasher generates approximately 60 decibels of noise.
According to Bosch and Maytag, their 800 Series and QuietSeries models are even quieter, producing up to 50 decibels of noise. Of course, while decibel levels are a good starting point, other factors should also be taken into account when making your decision.
Dishwasher Insulation Installation Step by Step Guide
For some reason, if you got rid of the insulation that came with your dishwasher, there is a way you can add insulation. (*)
Step 1: Prepare the Dishwasher
For safety purposes, first, turn off the dishwasher from the water source and subsequently unplug it from the socket.
Then remove the front panel of the dishwasher. Take a screwdriver and then remove the screws located along the inside of the dishwasher door.
After removing the screws, close the door and remove the front panel.
Step 2: Prepare the Sound-Absorbent Matting
The next step would be to measure your washer’s front panel length, length width, and depth.
Then purchase some insulation or sound-absorbing matt to fit it in this space. You’ll need to cut the insulation matt into size. After you’ve cut to size, the next step would be to insert the insulation into the front panel and then screw back the screws in place.
Step 3: Remove the Dishwasher from the Cabinets
Disconnect all water lines to the washer and remove it from the cabinet away from the wall. You will first need to unscrew the screws that hold the dishwasher into place and then remove it from the cabinet.
Replace the insulating blanket that goes over the top and along the sides of the dishwasher. Like any other material, the blanket is bound to wear and tear, and with time it becomes less effective in reducing unwanted noise.
You can use this dishwasher insulating blanket to help reduce noise and vibrations.
Additionally, you ensure that you attach matting to the rear side of the dishwasher. The dishwasher can make noise when it knocks against the back wall, and therefore adding matting will help reduce noise.
Cut a small strip of the soundproof mat to run the horizontal length and another to run the vertical length of the dishwasher. Attach these strips to the back of your dishwasher using a durable adhesive like DAP All-Purpose Sealant.
Step 4: Reassemble Back the Dishwasher
After you’ve added the insulating material, it’s time to reassemble your dishwasher. Reattach all the hoses and plug the appliance back into the power supply.
Turn the dishwasher on, and it’s ready for another cycle of dish washing.
On Dishwasher Insulation Blanket
A loud dishwasher can be a pain in the @$$, especially when you have a baby sleeping next room.
In addition, a noisy washer can also make normal conversation in the kitchen impossible. Fortunately, there are different ways you can fix this- highlighted step by step above.
Alternatively, you can invest in a quiet dishwasher- especially when all the above methods fail. Newer models use advanced soundproofing technology, which dramatically reduces unwanted noise levels.
Meet Mike O’Connor, (a DIY enthusiast), living in Cincinnati, a city ranked as the noisiest in the USA.
As a work from home dad, I have a first hand experience of how noise can truly affect your well being.
Soundproofing isn’t something that should be taken as a hobby, it should be a skill that every homeowner should be equipped with.
Most of the work documented on this blog comes from purely first hand experience, and the products recommended work as indicated.