Recently updated on November 11th, 2024 at 12:31 pm
You have probably bought a new dishwasher for your convenience, but the issue typically arises when you discover that the dishwasher you bought is incompatible with your area.
Now, the dishwasher may have a gap on the upper top or the sides when you position it in cabinets or beneath a countertop. After noticing that a question may pop up in your mind about how to hide the gap between the dishwasher and the cabinet to make it graceful.
A small gap is necessary for the escape of steam around the dishwasher. However, a gap of more than 2 inches will cause noise in the room.
If you want to hide a gap between the top of the dishwasher and the bottom of the countertop, it can be done quickly by twisting the adjustable legs. If your dishwasher does not have adjustable legs, In this detailed guide we will explain how you can get rid.
Measuring Dishwasher Cabinet Gap
The most crucial step to hide gaps anywhere around the cabinets, no matter whether the gap is between cabinet and wall or gap between cabinet and floor, you must have to measure the dimensions of the gap. Because if you measure the gap correctly then you can fill it exactly.
To measure the height of the gap, bring the measuring tape vertically down and start measuring from the top of the dishwasher to the bottom. Don’t measure the toe kick of the cabinet.
Now measure the width of the gap between the dishwasher and the adjacent cabinet. Make sure the dishwasher is placed in the center. Measure the gap equally on both sides of the dishwasher.
If there is a gap of 1 inch(2.54) between the dishwasher and the countertop then I advise you to leave a gap of about half an inch (1.4cm) for the escape of steam. It can prevent any damage to the cabinet that may be caused by the moisture of steam.
Hide Dishwasher Cabinet Gaps
There are many ways to hide the gap between the dishwasher and the cabinet. As they depend on the width of the gap that you have measured around the dishwasher.
I’ll describe three simple ways to cover the gap, and it’s up to you to do it the best you can given the size of the gap you measured. Keep reading to solve the issue.
1. Lifting The Dishwasher
The simplest and easiest way to hide the gap between the dishwasher and the countertop is to lift the dishwasher. Most dishwashers have adjustable legs and if your dishwasher also has one, then congratulations you have almost done your work if you have a gap between the dishwasher and countertop.
You simply have to twist the adjustable legs of the dishwasher. Twist them counterclockwise until the gap between the countertop and the dishwasher becomes half an inch (1,4cm). As we have discussed above this gap is crucial for the escape of steam that will occur during washing dishes.
However, Don’t worry if your dishwasher does not have adjustable legs. You can lift it by using shims. Place the shims under the legs of the dishwasher in the stacked shape if the gap is much more than the width of the shims.
2. Using Filler Strips
The second way is to use filler strips to fill the gap between the dishwasher and the adjutant cabinet. If the gap is on both sides of the dishwasher then it is better to place the cabinet exactly in the center of the area.
If the gap will be only one side then it is more difficult to fill as it needs thick filler strips that may be about 2-3 inches. However, if you place the dishwasher in the center then the gap will be divided into both sides of the dishwasher.
Do your best that the strips are matching to your cabinet’s color. Cut the length of the filler strips after measuring carefully. Ensure that the strip is wide enough to cover the entire gap.
Press the strip firmly against the cabinet or dishwasher, aligning it with the gap. Press it until the strip is properly set into the gap and there is no irregular surface. If you are smart enough then you can do it easily.
3. Using Wooden Frame
The third way is to use spare wood or a wooden frame to hide the gap which is preferable if the gap is thicker than 3 inches(7.62cm).
Measure the width and length of the gap and cut the piece of wood by using a saw or a miter saw. Sand the rough surfaces and edges of the wood by gently rubbing sandpaper on it.
After preparing the wooden frame, it’s time to place it around the dishwasher. Put the dishwasher outside and Pre-drill pilot holes to stop splitting the wood. Now place the screws after some intervals so that the screws hold the frame tightly.
After placing the wooden frame, if the color is the same as the color of the cabinets then you have finished your work. However, if the color of the wood is natural or not matching then you have to do a little bit more to paint it.
Check the color of your cabinet and paint the wooden frame with extreme care without damaging the cabinet or dishwasher. After applying paint allow proper time to dry it.
Related Post: How To Cover Gap Between Cabinet and Floor?
Additional Tips
- Before buying the dishwasher, exactly measure the area of the cabinet and check the user’s guide to find the width and height of the dishwasher and then buy it.
- Remove the electric plug from the outlet before doing the whole work. Especially before twisting the adjustable legs of the dishwasher.
- Don’t drill a screw in the dishwasher in any condition because it will make a hole for the escape of steam from inside the dishwasher.
- Leave some space for the opening door of the dishwasher between the top of the dishwasher and the bottom of the countertop.
- Replace the dishwasher with the utmost caution to prevent damage.
- Take your time to get perfect results.
Sealing Gap Under Dishwasher
A gap under the dishwasher makes a shelter for insects, especially Cockroaches. If you don’t like them, it’s crucial to seal this gap to do work without any reason to suspect.
Measure the gap under the dishwasher. This measurement will specify which sealing material is good for the best results. If the gap is thin then the best material to use is Silicone caulk because it is resistant to moisture.
Clean the surface and insert the caulking tube into a caulking gun by cutting the tip at a 45-degree angle. Apply a continuous bead of caulk along the length of the gap. That will fill the gap pretty neatly.
However, if the gap under the dishwasher is thick then you can use foam tape or adhesive strips. But I advise you to use silicone caulk because the moisturization of steam can’t affect it but foam tap and adhesive strips can’t resist the steam.
Related Post: How to Fix Gap Between Cabinet Doors? Quick and Easy
FAQs
How to fill the Gap between the dishwasher and the floor?
Measure the gap between the dishwasher and the floor. If the gap is thin then the best material to use is Silicone caulk because it is resistant to moisture.
Clean the surface and insert the caulking tube into a caulking gun by cutting the tip of the tube at a 45-degree angle. Apply a continuous bead of caulk along the length of the gap. That will fill the gap pretty neatly.
Does a dishwasher need space around it?
Yes, a dishwasher must need space around it for the escape of steam and ventilation. If your dishwasher makes noise during operation then space will reduce the noise.
Many manufacturers suggest leaving a space of 1-2 inches (2.5-5cm) around the sides and on the top of the dishwasher and 2-4 inches (5-10cm) behind the dishwasher.
How can we cover the dishwasher with a cabinet door?
The simplest and easiest way to cover the dishwasher with a cabinet door is to remove the handle from the dishwasher and place heavy-duty double-sided tape on the panel of the dishwasher on all border lines. After that place the cabinet door on the panel that will stick to it by pressing it firmly.
Conclusion
Almost all the dishwashers have the same standard size. It helps us to replace the new dishwasher with the last one with a little bit of effort. Usually, the issue arises when the cabinet you have designed for the new upcoming dishwasher is not aligned well.
Moreover, a small gap allows steam to escape, but a larger gap can cause noise. To solve this, you can lift the dishwasher using adjustable legs or shims, use filler strips that match your cabinet, or install a wooden frame. Each method helps create a seamless look and reduces unwanted noise.
I hope, If you will follow the guide according to my instructions then you will hide a gap in just a few minutes.
GOOD LUCK!