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When your dishwasher smells bad, it can damage your kitchen vibe. Despite being a true savior for post-meal clean-ups, this trusty kitchen companion can sometimes stink. Don’t sweat it, though! I’m here to guide you through five simple steps to eliminate those unpleasant odors and freshen up your dishwasher.
| Smell Type | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Rotten Egg / Sewage | Clogged Drain / Dirty Filter / Issues with Drain Hose | Clean and replace filter, unclog drain, inspect drain hose for issues |
| Burning / Burning Plastic | Heating element in contact with plastic items | Stop cycle immediately, wait for heating element to cool off, remove plastic object |
| Wet Dog | Buildup of food particles and soap scum | Deep clean dishwasher and run a vinegar cycle, ensure dishes are rinsed well before being placed in dishwasher |
| Fishy | Trapped food particles or issues with water supply | Thoroughly clean dishwasher, consider professional help for possible water supply issues |
| General Bad Odor | Accumulation of food particles, mold, or buildup of soap scum | Regular cleaning and maintenance of dishwasher, including filters, seals, and drain hose. Vinegar cycle can help with buildup |
So, why does my dishwasher smell?
It’s a question as old as time itself. Well, at least as old as dishwashers! The usual suspects include a dirty or clogged filter, food residue clinging to the interior walls, mold or mildew growth on the gasket seal, and a clogged drain. The good news? Each problem has a solution you can try at home; no professional help is needed!
How to get your dishwasher smelling fresh again
Here’s what you’ll need:
| Supplies: |
| White vinegar |
| Dish soap |
| Tools: |
| Dishwasher-safe bowl |
| Sponge |
| Soft-bristled brush |
| Clean, dry towel |
Step 1: Empty the dishwasher
Kick things off by removing all the dishes and utensils from your dishwasher. This gives you easy access to the interior where most problems occur.
Step 2: Is Your Dishwasher’s Drain Filter Dirty?
Here’s the dirt. The usual suspect in the case of a smelly dishwasher is a dirty filter. If not cleaned regularly, food bits that get caught in the filter will start making a stink, quite literally. Plus, a clogged filter can cause dirty water to go back into your dishwasher instead of out, so your dishes might not come out as sparkling clean as you’d like.
How to Clean Your Dishwasher Filter:
- Refer to your product manual for specifics on filter removal.
- Take out the bottom rack for easy access to the filter.
- Unscrew and remove the filter.
- Rinse the filter with hot water.
- Pop the filter back in.
Step 3: Wash the interior
Fill a dishwasher-safe bowl with two cups of white vinegar and place it on the bottom rack of your empty dishwasher. Choose an air-dry or energy-saving dry option for the cycle and let it run. The vinegar works its magic, neutralizing odors and cleaning the interior well.
Step 4: Clean the gasket seals
Neglected gasket seals often harbor mold and mildew, leading to unpleasant smells. Grab a sponge and warm, soapy water, and get to work. Wipe any buildup on the seals and pat dry with a clean towel.
Step 5: Call in the experts
If you’ve done all the steps above and your dishwasher still smells like a wet dog at a fish market, you may have a problem with your drain hose. This one’s a bit tricky to handle, so scheduling a service with a licensed technician is best.
Smelly dishwasher, no more!
Keep your dishwasher smelling fresh as a daisy by adopting these simple practices:
- Regularly clean the filter to prevent food particle buildup
- Don’t overload the racks; dishes need space to get properly cleaned
- Use a dishwasher cleaner once a month to keep odor-causing residues at bay
Armed with these simple tips, you’ll quickly say goodbye to smelly dishwashers!
Additional Solutions (If the above solutions don’t work)!
Is Your Dishwasher Drain Clogged?
If you smell something more potent, like sewage, you might be dealing with a clogged dishwasher drain. This issue can turn from a stinky problem to a leaky one, so you’ll want to resolve it ASAP. If your dishwasher is making strange noises or alarming you with warning signals, it’s time to call in the professionals.
Are Food Particles Trapped in Soap Scum Buildup?
Soap scum buildup is like a sticky trap for food particles. These particles can stink up your appliance if they aren’t washed down the drain. But don’t worry, you’ve got a secret weapon in your pantry: white vinegar. It’s an excellent odor-neutralizer. Plus, it can clean those cloudy glasses too.
How to Clean Your Dishwasher with White Vinegar:
- Place two cups of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe bowl on the bottom rack. Skip the detergent.
- Run the dishwasher on a regular cycle.
- Choose an air dry instead of a heated dry.
Is There a Burnt Plastic Smell in Your Dishwasher?
Dishwashers typically have a heating element to heat water and speed up drying. If a plastic item comes in contact with the heating element, it can create a burnt plastic smell. If you encounter this smell, stop the cycle immediately, wait for the heating element to cool, and remove the plastic item.
Is Your Gasket Seal Moldy?
Given the heat and moisture in your dishwasher, it’s not surprising that it can become a happy home for mold and mildew. Pay extra attention to the gasket seals around the door. Clean the seals with a damp cloth and soap if your dishwasher smells funky.
Dishwasher Smells Like Sewage – 4 Step Solution!
We’ve all been there. You open your dishwasher, and instead of being greeted with a fresh, clean scent, you’re hit with something that smells like it’s straight out of a sewer. Not the most pleasant, right? But fear not! I’ve got a step-by-step guide on how you can tackle this stinky situation head-on.
Step 1: Give Your Dishwasher a Deep Clean
First, you have to roll up your sleeves and get to cleaning. Grab a toothbrush and some soapy water, and get scrubbing. Pay extra attention to those nooks and crannies where food particles love to hide. Trust me, a little elbow grease now can save you a lot of stink later.
Step 2: Show Some Love to the Drain Filter
Next up, we’re giving the drain filter some TLC. Remove it, rinse it well, and scrub away any gunk. Be bold about doing this regularly; a clean filter is your first defense against a smelly dishwasher. And if you want to give it a good clean, let it soak in warm water and vinegar for a bit.
Step 3: Vinegar to the Rescue
Now, it’s time for a dishwasher detox. Please take out your racks, fill a dishwasher-safe bowl with two cups of distilled vinegar, and place it on the bottom of your machine. Run your dishwasher on the ‘clean’ cycle setting (no cleaning tablet needed). Then, once that cycle’s done, remove the bowl, add a cleaning tablet, and run the ‘clean’ cycle again. The vinegar works wonders as a non-corrosive detergent, leaving your dishwasher squeaky clean.
Step 4: Check Your Drain Hose
If you’ve done all this and you’re still battling the stink, it’s time to check your drain hose. This is the pipe that leads from your dishwasher to your main drain. If there’s a kink or bend in the hose, wastewater can back into your machine, causing that nasty sewage smell. Also, ensure no air gap between the hose and the dishwasher. If there is, it might be time to call your local plumber.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does my dishwasher smell like rotten eggs?
A: This is typically due to food particles that have become trapped and begun to rot or a problem with your home’s plumbing.
Q: What can I do if my dishwasher smells like burning plastic?
A: Unplug your dishwasher immediately and inspect it for any signs of melting or burning. If you find anything, call in a professional to check it.
Q: Why does my dishwasher smell like a wet dog?
A: This is often due to bacteria and mold buildup in hidden areas, such as the gasket seal and the filter.
Q: How to clean a smelly dishwasher drain hose?
A: This task should be left to a professional technician to prevent any potential damage to your dishwasher.
Q: How often should I clean my dishwasher to prevent a sewage smell?
A: A good rule of thumb is to give your dishwasher a deep clean every month. But, if you notice an odor or your dishes aren’t as clean as they should be, it might be time for a cleaning.
Happy cleaning!
Note: Always consult your dishwasher’s manual for specific cleaning and maintenance guidelines. The above guide is for general information purposes and may not apply to all models and brands.
