Why Does My Dishwasher Smell? Updated 2023

If your dishwasher smells bad, you’re not alone. This is a common problem that many people experience. In most cases, the odor is caused by food particles or grease built up in the machine. Fortunately, there are ways to fix it. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of dishwasher odor and how to get rid of it!

Why Does my Dishwasher Smell

How Do I Fix a Stinky Dishwasher?

If your dishwasher smells like mildew, it is likely due to food particles or grease.

To clean it, start by running a cycle with hot water and vinegar. You can also add a cup of baking soda to the cycle. If the problem persists, you may need to deep clean your dishwasher. Remove everything from the machine and wash all of the removable parts in hot soapy water. Then, run an empty cycle with hot water and vinegar.

If your dishwasher smells like sewage, there is likely a clog in the drain line. This can be caused by food particles or grease built up over time. To fix it, you will need to clear the clog. You can do this by running a cycle with hot water and vinegar. If the clog is severe, you may need to call a plumber.

If your dishwasher smells like chlorine, it is likely due to a buildup of chlorine bleach. This can happen if you use too much bleach or don’t rinse your dishes properly after washing them. To fix it, run a cycle with hot water and vinegar. You can also add a cup of baking soda to the cycle.

Why Does my Dishwasher Smell

Cause of the Dishwasher Odor and How to Clean It

Grease buildup – If your dishwasher smells terrible, a few possible causes are. The most common cause of a smelly dishwasher is food particles and grease buildup on the seals and gaskets. Over time, these organic materials can rot and produce an unpleasant odor.

To clean your dishwasher and get rid of the stink, you’ll need to clean the seals and gaskets and the interior of the dishwasher. Read on for instructions on how to do both.

Soap scum or detergent residue – Another possible cause of a smelly dishwasher is a buildup of soap scum or detergent residue. This can happen if you use too much detergent or don’t rinse your dishes well before loading them into the dishwasher.

To clean soap scum and detergent residue from your dishwasher, you can run it empty on the hottest setting with a cup of vinegar in the detergent dispenser. You can also deep clean your dishwasher by running it empty with a dishwasher cleaner that you can buy nearby.

Clogged dishwasher – If you’ve tried cleaning your dishwasher and it still smells bad, there could be a problem with the drain. A clogged or slow-draining dishwasher can cause water to pool in the bottom of the appliance, which can lead to mold and mildew growth.

To clean your dishwasher’s drain, pour a cup of vinegar down the drain and let it sit for an hour. Then, run the dishwasher on the hottest setting to flush the vinegar. If your dishwasher’s drain is still clogged, you may need a plunger or a plumbers’ snake to clear the blockage.

Water supply – If your dishwasher still smells after trying these tips, the problem might be with your water supply. If you have hard water, minerals can build up in your dishwasher and cause odors.

To clean your dishwasher and remove mineral deposits, use a commercial descaling solution or white vinegar. If the problem persists, you may need to call a plumber to service your dishwasher.

Why Does my Dishwasher Smell

Cleaning a Smelly Dishwasher

If your dishwasher smells bad, you can do a few things to fix the problem.

  • First, make sure that you are regularly cleaning your dishwasher, including wiping down the door seal and gasket and the machine’s interior.
  • It would be best if you also cleaned out the drain by using a high-quality dishwasher cleaner that has the ability to remove any food or grease buildup.
  • If you have a garbage disposal, run it before starting your dishwasher to help remove any odors.
  • Finally, add a cup of white vinegar to your empty dishwasher and run it on the hottest cycle to help remove any lingering smells.

If you have tried these tips and your dishwasher still smells bad, there may be something wrong with the machine itself. Contact a qualified appliance repair technician to diagnose and fix the problem. With proper care and maintenance, your dishwasher should be able to work properly.

Tips for Fixing A Smelly Dishwasher

When it comes to dishwashers, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

  • To keep your dishwasher smelling fresh, scrape off all food before putting dishes in the machine.
  • It would help if you also run the garbage disposal regularly to prevent food buildup.
  • Finally, always use hot water when running the dishwasher.

If your dishwasher still smells terrible after taking these steps, there may be a buildup of grease or food particles on the spray arm or drain hose.

  • Remove it and soak it in vinegar for an hour to clean the spray arm.
  • To clean the drain hose, disconnect it from the dishwasher and run hot water through it.
  • If these steps don’t fix the problem, you may need to call a professional to look at your dishwasher.

If you notice any strange smells coming from your dishwasher, it is essential to take action immediately to clean the appliance and remove the source of the odor. You can keep your dishwasher smelling like new by taking these simple steps. With a bit of elbow grease and some basic cleaning supplies, you can get rid of that musty smell.

Why Does my Dishwasher Smell

How to Prevent and Remove Dishwasher Odors

If your dishwasher smells bad, there are a few things you can do to try to fix the problem. First, make sure that you’re using the right type and amount of detergent.

If you’re not using enough detergent, your dishes won’t get clean, and food particles will be left behind. This can cause odors. It would be best if you also ran the dishwasher with hot water to help remove any lingering odors.

Once you’ve identified and fixed the cause of the smell, your dishwasher should be fresh and odor-free. To prevent bad smells from coming back, clean your dishwasher regularly and run it on the hottest setting after each use. You should also avoid overloading the dishwasher so that water can circulate freely and reach all dishes.

We also recommend cleaning your dishwasher once a month with a high-quality dishwasher cleaner. 

By following these tips, you can keep your dishwasher smelling clean and fresh for years to come.

If you have tried these tips and your dishwasher still smells bad, there may be something wrong with the machine itself. Contact a qualified appliance repair technician to diagnose and fix the problem. Your dishwasher should be odor-free and running smoothly for years to come with proper care and maintenance.

Your kitchen appliances are an essential part of your home; when they are not maintained or cared for properly, they can become a health hazard. Kitchen appliances such as dishwashers can harbor bacteria, and if not cleaned regularly, these appliances can make your family sick. Dishwashers are also susceptible to mold and mildew growth if not cleaned and dried correctly.

Here is the dishwasher cleaner that we recommend that can effectively clean the insides of your dishwasher.

If you need help doing all the chores, NW Maids will give you a hand. We offer top-to-bottom house cleaning services to clean every nook and cranny of your home. Our maids are experienced and professional, so you can rest assured that your home is in good hands. Contact us today to schedule a free quote.

 

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