Does a foul odor greet you when you open the dishwasher door after a cycle? Is there anything you can think of that could be producing the noxious smell coming from your dishwasher?
A dishwasher is designed to clean your dishes but can also be a breeding ground for bacteria and odors. This is because dishwashers allow water, food particles, and other debris to accumulate in the filter or hoses.
It’s troubling to open a dishwasher and detect an odor. Though it may not be pleasant, using your nose is one of the greatest ways to figure out why your dishwasher has a foul odor.
That’s because the nature of the odor might give you a good idea of what’s happening; a dishwasher that stinks like rotten food has a different issue than one that smells like sewage and vice versa.
So, why does my dishwasher smell bad? Please keep reading to learn more about the common causes of a smelly dishwasher and how to eliminate them.
Common Causes of Dishwasher Odor
Like any other appliance in your home, dishwashers can accumulate dirt, food particles, and other debris. When these items remain in the dishwasher for too long, they can lead to nasty odors.
Dishwasher odors can be caused by a few different things, including:
Food Waste Build-Up
One of the most common causes of dishwasher odor is food waste build-up. Over time, bits of food can become trapped in the dishwasher’s filter or drain hose. These pieces of food will rot and release foul-smelling gases.
Mold and Mildew Growth
Another common cause of dishwasher odor is mold and mildew growth. Dishwashers are often in moist environments, which makes them prime breeding grounds for mold and mildew. If your dishwasher is growing mold or mildew, you may notice a bad smell.
Soap Scum and Residue
If your dishwasher smells like soap, you likely have a build-up of soap scum and residue. This can occur when too much detergent or the dishwasher is clogged.
Inadequate Drainage
Many issues might arise from inadequate drainage, including unpleasant odors. If your dishwasher isn’t draining properly, the water can get trapped in the dishwasher, creating an environment for bacteria to grow. This can cause a foul odor.
Damaged Drain Hose
A broken or leaking drain hose is the most common cause of a foul odor coming from a dishwasher. Water and food scraps from the dishwasher go down the drain pipe and into the garbage disposal or main sewer line.
Over time, the dishwasher drain hose can become cracked or split, allowing water and odor-causing bacteria to escape. In addition, the drain hose can become clogged with food particles, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to flourish.
You Have A Leak
If there is nothing obviously wrong with your dishwasher, yet there is still a stench, you may have a leak.
The water from a leaky dishwasher usually only makes its way under the appliance once the problem has worsened. Eventually, you may find that the floor or bottom of a cupboard near the dishwasher is wet.
A partial clog is a common cause of dishwasher leaks. When debris and food particles get stuck in the dishwasher’s filter or drain hose, it can cause a partial clog. This can lead to a dishwasher that won’t drain properly and eventually will start to leak.
How To Get Rid of Dishwasher Odor
If your dishwasher smells bad, don’t worry! There are several steps you can take to get rid of the odor and keep your dishwasher smelling fresh.
Clean The Filter
The first step in removing the dishwasher odor is cleaning the filter. Odors from a dishwasher typically originate from food particles that have built up in the dishwasher filter.
The filter is often situated near the dishwasher’s base, beneath the lower spray arm. Usually, you have to take out the silverware basket and the bottom rack of the dishwasher to get to the filter.
Simply use a sponge and some warm soapy water to clean the filter. In order to protect the seals in the dishwasher’s pump and motor, you should repair a broken filter.
Ensure the dishwasher’s bottom is free of any food debris that could produce an odor while cleaning the filter.
Clean The Spray Arm
Cleaning the spray arm is the next step. The dishwasher’s spray arm forces water around the inside of the dishwasher to help clean the dishes. Over time, the spray arm might get clogged with food debris and other particles, resulting in a foul odor.
Take the spray arm out of the dishwasher and clean it by immersing it in a bowl of hot water after removing it from the dishwasher. After that, clean it with a brush or a cloth to get rid of the dust and leftovers.
Use an Odor Neutralizer
Even dishwashers must be cleaned occasionally since they accumulate food particles over time. Many simple and inexpensive methods exist for restoring your dishwasher’s cleanliness.
One option is to fill a bowl with one cup of distilled white vinegar and run it through the dishwasher. After that, initiate a thorough cleaning procedure.
It’s worth noting that the dishwasher drains before starting a wash cycle. Therefore, adding an odor neutralizer directly to the dishwasher will probably not make much of a difference.
Another option is to sprinkle one cup of baking soda on the dishwasher’s bottom and let it sit there overnight. The next morning, with an empty dishwasher, run a cycle to eliminate any lingering smell. Dishwasher cleaning chemicals that eliminate aromas are also readily available.
Finally, if your dishwasher’s inside is not made of stainless steel, you can try pouring one cup of bleach into a bowl and operating a long cycle to get rid of the smell.
Bleach is an effective cleaner, but you should use it sparingly to prevent corrosion in the machine. Since bleach is also toxic, you must carefully rinse it from the dishwasher after use.
Clean The Gasket Seals
Another potential source of dishwasher smells is the rubber gasket seals that form a watertight seal around the door. Over time, these seals can accumulate mildew and bacteria, which cause odors. To clean them:
- Take a moist towel and some soapy water, and wipe the seals. To remove more stubborn stains, try applying vinegar and baking soda paste to the seal.
- Leave it for 10 minutes, then rinse it off with clean water.
- Use a dry cloth to wipe off any excess moisture and restore the shine to the seals.
Deep Clean the Dishwasher
If you’re still having issues with odors, you may need to do a deep cleaning of the dishwasher.
To accomplish this, you’ll need to take apart the appliance and clean its individual components. Make sure to pay special attention to the drain hose, as it can often be a source of odor-causing bacteria.
Once you’re done, reassemble the dishwasher and run a cycle with vinegar or a dishwasher cleaner to ensure everything is clean.
Hire A Cleaning Service Professional
If none of the above methods work, it’s time to call in a professional. An appliance service professional can thoroughly clean and sanitize your dishwasher in ways that you can’t. They may use chemical-free methods, such as steam cleaning and ozone generators, to eliminate odors and bacteria.
They’ll also be able to identify any potential problems with the dishwasher that may be causing the unpleasant odor, such as faulty seals or a clogged drain.
Furthermore, a dishwasher repair technician can inspect the machine for any underlying issues that may be causing the bad odor, such as a faulty seal, a clogged drain, or debris buildup in the filter. They can also advise on whether you should replace parts or consider buying a new dishwasher altogether.
Tips To Avoid Bad Odor
Most of the time, a few preventative maintenance measures can save your kitchen from a stinky dishwasher:
- Do not load dirty dishes into the dishwasher without first rinsing them. Keep the sink drain and air filter from getting clogged by food scraps by removing as much of them as you can.
- Put the trash in the disposal first, then start the dishwasher. Both systems share drains, so keeping them clean will benefit the other.
- It’s important to keep the dishwasher’s capacity in mind and not overload or underload it. If you’re trying to conserve energy, it’s best to wash only full loads. However, if your washer is too full, the water won’t be able to move around.
- Be sure to start your dishwasher after you’ve run some hot water. Having hot water ready at the beginning of the cycle increases its efficiency.
- Stick to the manufacturer’s instructions when using dishwasher cleaning agents. When using bleach, make sure to use only one cup and rinse it out after the cycle is finished.
- Finally, regularly check and clean the gasket seals to prevent mildew buildup. Once every few months, wipe out the exterior with a damp cloth and some light soap.
Final Words
There is no need to immediately replace your dishwasher if you notice a foul odor coming from it. You can eliminate most smells with an hour or two of thorough cleaning.
However, a single cycle of dishwasher cleaning is not sufficient. Modern conveniences like automatic dishwashers require some care to ensure they continue functioning properly and smell fresh.
In the event that a thorough cleaning does not resolve the problem, you should consider expert assistance. Remember to keep up with regular maintenance and follow manufacturer instructions to avoid unpleasant odors in the future.