Who doesn’t look forward to sitting on the couch and enjoying their quiet home after a long day at work? But just as you go to turn on the TV, the dishwasher starts rattling and whirring, making it impossible to relax and binge-watch your favorite show. These machines undoubtedly make our lives easier, but older models can be loud when the cycle is running.

In this article, we will go over some ways to soundproof your dishwasher so that you can enjoy the convenience of having a dishwasher without even noticing it is on! The summarize, here are the steps we recomend for soundproofing a dishwasher.

How to Soundproof a Dishwasher

1. Install Sound Deadening Mats to the Dishwasher
2. Add Sound Absorption Material to the Alcove Walls

Type of Noise Coming From Your Dishwasher

Newer models of dishwashers of pretty darn quiet. Part of the reason for that is that manufacturers have invested more in soundproofing the machine off the line – using materials like the ones we offer. If you’re a dishwasher manufacturer and need a custom cut material or just advice, we can help you engineer an appropriate soundproofing strategy. Call or chat with us to get started.

These new dishwashers all tend to be below 50 db, with the more expensive models operating below 45 db – quiet enough that you’ll never notice the noise. If you have an older model of dishwasher though, it can be a bit louder. Maybe as high as 60 db, which is definitely loud enough to hear over normal background noise. One quick note – if your dishwasher wasn’t loud, but now it is… you should get your dishwasher checked out before going down the path of soundproofing it.

The process of soundproofing your dishwasher will vary depending on what type of noise you are dealing with. The two main types of noise are airborne noise and structural noise. When it comes to dishwashers, most of the time, you will have to soundproof for both types of noise if you want the best results. Here is a breakdown of airborne and structural noise so that you can understand the main differences between them.

Structural Noise from a Dishwasher

Structural noise occurs when one object makes contact with another, creating vibrational energy that is heard as sound. The moving parts inside the dishwasher will cause the dishwasher’s metal panels to vibrate. The vibrations transmit from the metal body of the dishwasher to the surrounding alcove or the floor. You may hear your dishwasher buzzing or a low humming sound; this is structural noise. In order to stop this sound, you should decouple the machine from the structure surrounding the dishwasher and damp the metal panels. This similar to the sounds you hear in a noisy washing machine or a noisy fridge in your kitchen.

Airborne Noise from a Dishwasher

Any sound that travels through the air is airborne noise. The engine of a dishwasher can make quite a bit of noise as there are quite a few moving parts. You may hear mechanical noises coming from the fan in the motor, water whishing around the machine or draining, or dishes rattling against each other. All of these are examples of airborne noise.

Best Material to Soundproof a Dishwasher

A lot of noise is likely coming from the vibrating parts of your dishwasher. The first step to soundproofing your dishwasher is to install a sound deadening mat to deaden the structural noise.

Structural Noise: Damplifier Pro

Damplifier Pro is a great option that is also super easy to install. Because the mat is only 2mm thick, it can be installed easily to the metal body of the dishwasher to damp vibrations and prevent them from transmitting to your floor or countertops.

If any plastic parts of the dishwasher are physically rattling against the cabinets or enclosure around it, just use a sheet of our OverKill closed cell foam to decouple the two hard surfaces and stop the rattles.

Soundproofing your dishwasher for airborne noise is a bit more complicated but definitely can be done! The main issue is that there is generally limited space between the dishwasher and the alcove, so the material you use needs to be compact.

Adding sound absorption materials around the alcove holding the dishwasher will prevent the sound waves from bouncing off of the reflective surfaces and transferring into the room. One thing to be careful about, as with any piece of equipment, is you need to make sure you’re not suffocating the engine by stuffing a bunch of material back behind it.

Airborne Noise: Heat Wave Pro

At only ⅜” thick, Heat Wave Pro is the best sound absorption option if you have limited space. The recycled jute material is excellent for absorbing noise, and the foil we use to surround it protects the jute from any water. It can easily be installed around the surface of the alcove using an adhesive spray. Tape the seams for extra water protection.

Airborne Noise: Mega Zorbe

Mega Zorbe is an acoustical foam that also works very well at absorbing sound from your dishwasher, if you have the space for it. Because Mega Zorbe is a hydrophobic melamine foam that is lightweight and perfect for absorbing sound. We offer it in 1/2”, 1” and 2” thick options – which the ½” version having an optional peel and stick backing. Just make sure you don’t squeeze the foam in there and compress it, which will reduce its ability to absorb sound.

Absorbing Airborne Noise as a Dishwasher Manufacturer

We have several different soundproofing materials that have been used inside a dishwasher to quiet it. Typically these parts need to be custom cut to fit an exact spec, which we have no problem doing. Reach out to us to discuss our custom cutting options.

If you have any more questions about soundproofing, feel free to reach out to us at Second Skin Audio. One of our soundproofing experts would be more than happy to help you out!

Damplifier Pro™ Deadening Mats

How to Soundproof a Washing Machine

How to Soundproof a Fridge