Dishwashers are loud and can rattle your kitchen cabinets while running, and this can be a cause for concern for people who live in a place with noise limitations. They can also make your kitchen hot and humid, which can be unbearable if you already live in a hot climate. This article will go over a solution for these problems and more: dishwasher insulation blankets.
There are a few things to keep in mind when buying an insulation blanket for your dishwasher to ensure you’ll get the best one for your buck. A worthy dishwasher insulation blanket would be the proper dimension for your dishwasher, thick for a better chance of blocking the noise, and waterproof.
We have compiled a list of the best dishwasher insulation blankets, so you won’t have to go digging through a plethora of listings and reviews to get what you are looking for. Keep reading to find what insulation blanket will best suit your dishwasher, and more importantly, your needs!
1. Reflective White Foam Insulation Heat Shield
The Reflective White Foam Insulation Heat Shield is a great choice because it is made with foam bonded between two layers of aluminum polyester and coated in vinyl. Therefore, it reflects 97% of heat so your kitchen can stay cool. Also, this product doesn’t collect any moisture, so you won’t need to worry about your dishwasher insulation blanket getting wet.
If there is more insulation than you need to use according to the dimensions of your dishwasher, you can cut it to size easily with a pair of scissors or a utility knife. Plus, you won’t need to worry about any toxic dust or messy fibers getting all over your kitchen in the process, as this product is both non-toxic and mess-free.
Insulation can be hard to install if you don’t have the proper materials, but this one can be applied with most adhesives or with staples or nails as well. It won’t collapse or compress over time, so your dishwasher won’t rattle or cause you any noise complaints in the future if installed correctly around the sides of your dishwasher.
This insulation is non-flammable, so no matter how hot your dishwasher gets, rest assured that it can handle it. Unlike fiberglass insulations, insects or rodents can’t nest in this one, so storing it in your garage or shed won’t be an issue if you have any leftover material. There is also no risk of mold or fungi growing on it, even if it’s exposed to rain from being in your shed.
Despite some people having issues with how it is shipped in roll-form, as it can make it hard for the insulation to lay flat when you install it, it has a 4.4 out of 5-stars rating. However, when using this insulation in between the tight spaces of your dishwasher and kitchen cabinets, it should fit snugly and without any problems. Make sure to buy according to your measurements.
2. Lynn Manufacturing Kaowool Ceramic Fiber Insulation
For our next dishwasher insulation blanket, we have the Lynn Manufacturing Kaowool Ceramic Fiber Insulation. This insulation blanket is better in comparison to others because it is very thick, which means that it will block more noise and heat when your dishwasher is running.
This blanket is made of ceramic fiber, one of the most insulating materials you can purchase. It can withstand up to 2400 degrees Fahrenheit, and although your dishwasher will never get that hot, it is good to know just how capable it is!
Though this insulation is great for insulating dishwashers it can also be used for insulating much more:
- Stoves
- Fireplaces
- Chimneys
- Boilers
- Forges
- Glassmaking
However, because it can stand much higher heat, it can come with its own set of dangers. You have to cut it while wearing a respirator, gloves, and safety goggles because its airborne fragments can damage your lungs and eyes. Please make sure you are outside when you cut this, so its fibers aren’t left in your house.
There are a lot of different sizes available, so you may not even need to cut it at all. In that scenario, just make sure to dust and vacuum around your kitchen after installation so there won’t be any particles on your eating or cooking surfaces. Installing this insulation is not complicated; you can use metal fasteners or a high-temperature adhesive.
Though it may seem a little intimidating and scrupulous to work with this insulator, it has a more professional outcome than you’d get with other products. The reviews agree, as this insulation has a 4.7-stars out of 5 rating on Amazon.
3. Frost King CF1 “No Itch” Natural Cotton Multi-Purpose Insulation
One of the cheapest options on this list, this insulation helps reduce noise more so than heat. It is super safe to install— no face mask, respirator, or gloves needed. It is also easy to use, as it can be torn rather than cut, but since it comes in a large variety of sizes, you may not even need to do anything to it for it to fit your dishwasher.
If you’re looking to live a more sustainable lifestyle, then this dishwasher insulation blanket is the right one for you because it is made out of eco-friendly, recycled denim. It is not treated with any chemicals, so it is also a safer, non-toxic alternative to other insulators to be in a space where food is cooked and eaten.
Though this dishwasher insulation blanket’s cotton material is mold and mildew-resistant, it can degrade after prolonged contact with water. The longevity of this insulator depends on how much condensation your dishwasher produces. However, it may be worth it to use this, knowing you are contributing to keeping our planet a cleaner place.
It is not the most aesthetically pleasing insulator on the market, but it will definitely do its job by noise-dampening your rowdy dishwasher and keeping your kitchen a dry environment. Plus, if your countertop covers your dishwasher completely, you won’t even have to see this dishwasher insulation blanket!
Some reviews were disappointed by the thickness of this insulator, but it will actually expand to its advertised size after resting. Most people were satisfied; it sits at 4.4 out of 5-stars rating on Amazon. By far, the best aspects about this product is its non-toxic and eco-friendly materials, as well as its ease of use.
4. Whirlpool W11086533 Sound Shield
Though this dishwasher insulation blanket was produced by Whirlpool for their specific dishwasher models, you might still be able to find one in a similar size to yours. This insulator is a great option because, unlike the other products on this list, it was designed for dishwashers so it already is cut in the perfect size with a creasing that makes it snug around your appliance.
Though some people say it is thin, it still works relatively well and has a 4.1 out of 5-stars rating on Amazon. The main pull for this product is that it is also one of the most aesthetically pleasing options on this list. It has topstitching and a neat edge that has a great look for portable dishwashers, as expected from a product made by a popular dishwasher company.
5. US Energy Products Reflective Insulation Shield
The US Energy Products Reflective Insulation Shield is also strong but lightweight. It is another insulation made by fusing reflective material with a foam core. The best part about this listing is that it gives you a lot of product for your money. It is also non toxic and easy to use. All you need a scissors or a utility knife and you will be well on your way to insulating your dishwasher!
Something interesting they promote is that it will not become less effective over time, unlike most insulations.This product does have the issue that sometimes it can be hard to flatten, and doesn’t always look the best. But if your dishwasher is out of sight under the counter, that shouldn’t be a problem.
It also says that no matter what you use to cut it, the product won’t irritate your skin, eyes, or throat, which is something very important to consider. It can be applied with most adhesives, nails, and staples.
When placing under the counter and around the dishwasher, you may not even need adhesive, depending on the size of the gap between your dishwasher and the cabinets.
At 4.6 out of five stars, this insulation is highly rated on Amazon and purchased frequently by insulation users. It can also be purchased in bulk, which can be important for larger kitchens that have more than one dishwasher or someone who needs insulation for more than one project.
6. HYTECH Products Ceramic Fiber Blanket
Similar to the other ceramic fiber blanket we covered, this dishwasher insulation blanket reduces heat well. It can withstand up to 2300 degrees fahrenheit. However, it is made of a slightly different material than the last blanket, allowing it to be more resistant to tearing. It can be used in a wide variety of applications besides just for insulating dishwashers.
The listing does mention the same safety precautions however, as the user must wear gloves, safety glasses, and respiratory protection to prevent the inhalation of fibers or irritation of the skin and eyes, similar to all other ceramic fiber insulation. It can also be installed with high temperature adhesives or metal fasteners.
This product has a 5 out of 5-stars rating on Amazon, which is the best score it can possibly get. Users of this insulation note that it is a great price for the amount of material you get. It is one of the best ceramic fibers available on the market.
7. Dishwasher Tub Insulation
This dishwasher insulation blanket is another that is designed for the company’s specific dishwasher models, but if your dishwasher is similar in size, it will work just fine. Company-made covers are not only the appropriate size, but also much nicer looking than multi-purpose insulation. This will work excellently if you have a portable dishwasher.
Dishwasher insulation blankets such as this tend to be thin, but many people find they still work. At a 3.6 out of 5-stars rating on Amazon, people like how it isn’t as bulky and ugly as other options. If the appearance of your dishwasher insulation blanket is important to you, this might be the best option for your needs.
8. UniTherm Ceramic Fiber Insulation Blanket Roll
Another ceramic fiber blanket is on our list, the UniTherm Ceramic Fiber Insulation Blanket Roll. This one is less dense than the others, allowing it to weigh less and be compressed into tight spaces.
Due to the process in making it, this insulation is very strong and isn’t brittle. It can easily be bent without breakage or creasing, making it perfect for fitting around the dishwasher.
A reviewer mentions they used it for their dishwasher and it removed the rattling noises almost entirely, the only thing they can hear are the water jets.
As with all ceramic fiber insulation, proper care is needed when it comes to cutting. Safety glasses, gloves, and a respirator are required. However, most people didn’t need to cut it due to the perfect size for dishwashers and other small insulation projects.
If you do need to attach it to your dishwasher permanently, it can be glued using high temperature adhesives or metal fasteners. Otherwise, the thickness of the blanket provides adequate pressure to hold it in place when simply pushed into the small space a dishwasher occupies.
Sitting at 4.8 stars out of 5 on Amazon, this product has great reviews and seems to be a very well loved product by homeowners and construction companies alike.
The Insulation Blanket Made for Your Dishwasher
Most dishwashers come with an insulation blanket that is often thrown away as it is mistaken for packaging. These ones tend to be thin, but are the perfect size and most recommended for your machine. To get another one, look up the model number of your dishwasher and go to the manufacturer’s website to see if they have replacements available.
Higher end dishwashers tend to have thicker insulation blankets included and they tend to be harder to special order if they are damaged. These also tend to be the most pleasing to the eye when it comes to the insulating cover.
As these are meant for your dishwasher, it is guaranteed that they will fit and provide what you are looking for. With clean edges most insulation can’t give, if you are looking for something that people might see and less for something that will absorb a lot of noise and heat, company-ordered insulation is the best way to go.
Installing a Dishwasher Insulation Blanket
After you purchase your dishwasher insulation blanket, how do you install it? The process is very simple and may not even require tools, depending on your dishwasher.
- Drain and unplug your dishwasher.
- Disconnect your dishwasher from the water source.
- Pull your dishwasher away from the wall.
- Carefully measure your dishwasher to get the correct sizing for the insulation blanket.
- If there is an insulation blanket already on, remove it. It may be attached by rivets, which can be pulled up with needle nose pliers and reused with the new one, or it may be attached by adhesive, which can be pulled up.
- Cut your insulation blanket to size
- Place the insulation blanket on the dishwasher, folding the sides into place
- If rivets are available, push them back in. If not, use adhesive to hold the insulation in place if necessary. If the gap between your dishwasher and wall is tiny, the pressure from being pushed into place may be enough.
- Slide the dishwasher back into place.
- Reconnect the water supply and plug it back in.
- Run your dishwasher and see how much better it sounds and feels!
And just like that, your dishwasher with a new insulation blanket is ready to go! It may take a while for fiber-based insulation to settle as they expand with time, creating even better noise isolation. After a few days, it should sound as quiet as can be.
Last Thoughts
There are many different materials that can work as a dishwasher insulation blanket, but what works best for you will depend on a wide variety of factors. Deciding on what material would work best for your needs and then applying it doesn’t have to be hard, simply look at the pros and cons of each dishwasher insulation blanket on our list.
Not sure what type of insulation would work best for your dishwasher? One of the biggest limiting factors of insulation is size. If you have room around your dishwasher for thicker insulation, filling the space completely with insulation greatly reduces noise and heat by preventing the dishwasher from rattling.
