How to Replace Dishwasher Door Panels

Dishwasher door panels can become cracked, dented or permanently damaged. When this happens, you will need to replace them. The most common dishwasher door panels requiring replacement is the front panel. It’s a simple job, requiring a minimum of tools and very little expertise. At the very most, it should only take an hour to complete.

Step 1 - New Door Panel

You will first need to obtain a new front door panel for your dishwasher. If you own a fairly recent model, you should be able to order one at a hardware store. Where your dishwasher is an older model, you could run into problems since many stores won’t stock these.

Check with the manufacturer or visit specialty stores that deal only in dishwasher parts. You can find many of these online. You will, however, need to know the make and model of your dishwasher in order to buy the correct part.

Step 2 - Removing Screws

Begin by unplugging the dishwasher. This is an extra safety step you should always take when working on the dishwasher.

From here, open the dishwasher door completely. At the side you’ll see a total of eight screws. Remove these with your screwdriver and keep them safe as you’ll need them later.

Step 3 - Removing the Front Panel

Dishwasher door panels can be removed easily but you still need to be very careful. Keep you hand on the front panel as you close the dishwasher door again. Keep the front panel steady so it doesn’t move. If it should fall off, there’s a danger of it breaking wires that are connected inside the dishwasher door panels.

Let the front panel slowly lean away from the dishwasher, keeping a firm hold on it. Next, you need to slowly lift it away and up from the dishwasher. Be very careful that none of the wires inside the dishwasher door panels are caught up in the front door panel.

Step 4 - Installing the New Door

The new front of the dishwasher door panels will go in via the bottom rail on the door of the dishwasher. You’ll need to push it in so it’s completely flush with the dishwasher door. Be extremely careful with this to ensure no wires are snagged as you move it into place. Going slowly is the best method here and checking  the wires frequently should ensure  that everything is fine.

With the front door panel in place, hold it firmly as you open the dishwasher door completely. Now, you’re ready to screw it into place. Do this by inserting each of the four corner screws. Hold the front door panel in place while you do this until the screws can keep it firm. You can now let go of the front door panel and tighten the screws. When they’re secure, insert and tighten the other four screws.

Close the dishwasher door and plug the unit back it. With the new front of the dishwasher door panels in place, you’re ready to use the appliance again.