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If you’re noticing an unpleasant odor coming from your dishwasher, it can be due to a variety of reasons, from food particles in the filter to a clogged drain. Here, Cinch Home Services explores how to identify potential causes of dishwasher odors, how to eliminate them and how to keep them from coming back.
Why does my dishwasher smell bad?
There are several reasons that dishwasher odors can develop. It’s crucial to determine what is causing the odor to learn how to remedy it. Since dishwashers utilize several parts to function properly, the cause of smells often comes from problems with the components. They include:
- Dirty filters: Food debris can build up in the dishwasher filter if it’s not cleaned regularly, potentially causing a bad smell.
- Clogged drains: If a drain is blocked by food debris, the water can start to stand, which may result in bacteria growth and malodors.
- Moldy gaskets: Gaskets are the rubber seals around dishwasher doors, which can hold moisture and lead to mold growth and a musty odor.
- Food residue buildup: Old particles of food can get stuck to the inside walls of dishwashers, decomposing over time and causing bad odors.
- Garbage disposal issues: If a dishwasher is connected to a garbage disposal, having a clogged or dirty disposal can lead to smells.
To avoid these issues that might encourage odors, it’s important to perform regular cleaning and maintenance of the filter, gasket and interior of your dishwasher.\
Dishwasher smells like eggs – here’s why
One common odor complaint from a dishwasher is one of rotten eggs or sulfur. This unpleasant smell can be coming from decomposing food or waste that builds up if you don’t rinse off your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher.
If you rinse your plates and silverware off before loading up the dishwasher but still smell sulfur, it may be due to standing water that accumulates if the drain is clogged. The bacteria in stagnant water feed on decomposing organic matter and form hydrogen sulfide gas, which has a sulfuric smell.
Smelly or stagnant water
Stagnant water can also be caused by clogged filters, along with blocked drains, that have food particles stuck in them and are blocking the water from draining. This standing water can create bacteria and even mold over time, resulting in a foul odor. If the drain hose becomes clogged or kinked, wastewater may back up and lead to a sewage-like smell. Hard water and mineral deposits can also trap food bits and result in bacteria growth that makes the water smell.
Other common dishwasher smells and their causes
If your dishwasher is emanating another smell besides rotten eggs or sewage, there are a few reasons that could be behind it. They include:
Musty smells
If you notice a musty or mildew odor, it can be due to mold or mildew growth in the gasket seal or interior parts like the spray arms.
Fishy odors
Fishy or decaying smells can be due to decomposing food that’s trapped in the filter or built up on the interior walls.
Chemical smells
Smells of chemicals or burning can indicate malfunctioning parts that may get stuck and start to melt. If the spray arm malfunctions and is in the same position during a cycle, it can melt and give off the odor of melted plastic. A chemical smell can be from detergent build-up that forms soap scum and produces an odor similar to certain chemicals.
How to remove bad smells from a dishwasher
Nobody wants their dishwasher to smell — it can be unpleasant and make your clean dishes feel unsanitary. Luckily, there are several ways to remove malodors from your dishwasher and keep it clean. Some steps to try include:
Deep cleaning the dishwasher
One of the first things you should do to get rid of bad smells is deep clean your dishwasher. This process includes:
- Taking out the filter and cleaning it to remove any particle build-up
- Inspecting the drain to unclog, clean, and sanitize it
- Wiping down the seals near the door and the interior surfaces with vinegar or mild cleaner
- Running a cleaning cycle using dishwasher-safe cleaner, vinegar, or baking soda
Addressing specific odors
To fend off certain odors, you can utilize certain products and tricks. To eliminate rotten egg or sulfur smells, you can put a dishwasher-safe bowl filled with white vinegar upright on the dishwasher rack and run a deep cleaning cycle. You can also try sprinkling baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher, letting it sit overnight and running an empty cleaning cycle in the morning.
To remove mildew or musty smells, start by sanitizing and thoroughly drying the mold-prone areas like the gasket and drain covers. This helps remove the moldy particles and get rid of the accompanying smell. If you have hard water build-up or limescale, use descaling agents or run a vinegar cycle like mentioned above to remove it.
Additional tips to freshen your dishwasher
If you have lingering smells left behind after deep cleaning your dishwasher and addressing certain odors, try using odor absorbers like lemon or baking soda to absorb them. You can also replace parts that may have smells stubbornly stuck on them, such as the filter, gasket, or drain hose. Taking these steps can help you get your dishwasher back to smelling clean and fresh.
How to prevent dishwasher odors in the future
More than 80 million U.S. households have a dishwasher, but roughly 16 million (20%) never use it over the course of a year. This may be due to smells that homeowners don’t know how to remove, lack of maintenance, problems like dishwasher leaks, and more. To get the most out of your dishwasher, it’s best to take steps to prevent odors and other common issues. Some ways to avoid them include:
Proper dishwasher loading and food rinsing
Help prevent food particles from getting stuck in the filter, drain and on the interior walls by properly rinsing your dishes before you load them. You don’t have to go crazy with scrubbing, but lightly rinsing them before putting them in the dishwasher is ideal to remove larger food chunks. It’s also a good idea to load the dishwasher correctly with plates and flatter items on the bottom and bowls and cups on the top rack. This allows water to reach all the areas better, removing leftover food.
Regular maintenance routine
One of the main reasons that dishwashers develop odors is because of a lack of maintenance, which results in parts getting dirty, clogged or worn down. Completing weekly or monthly cleaning is a great way to maintain freshness. You may also want to use commercial dishwasher cleaners as a preventive measure to enhance overall cleanliness. Check out this dishwasher maintenance checklist to see what other steps you can take to keep your dishwasher performing at its best.
Dealing with hard water and using water softeners
The hardness of water will vary depending on your location and water source, but those with hard water may experience more odors coming from their dishwasher. This is because hard water results in mineral deposits in the dishwasher's interior, which contributes to bacteria growth, food particle build-up and smells. Installing water softeners to decrease the water’s hardness or using descaling agents to prevent mineral deposits can help eliminate the possible resulting odors.
Keeping the dishwasher dry after use
Water and moisture after running a cycle can create a prime environment for mold and bacteria to grow, so it’s a good idea to dry it after each use. You can leave the door open to let it air dry or wipe down the wet surfaces like the seals and crevices to prevent this build-up.
Cinch Home Services Warranty plans help keep your dishwasher working properly
A dishwasher is a convenient appliance that can cut down on your hand washing of dishes, but foul smells can make you not want to use it. Keep up on maintenance to avoid unpleasant smells. After that, for repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear, Cinch Home Services offers home warranty protection plans that cover home appliances like dishwashers. Having your dishwasher covered under a home warranty can help you get repairs and replacements more easily and not be stuck paying for the whole thing out of pocket. To learn more about how our home warranty plans can keep your dishwasher working optimally, contact us today or get a quote.
The information in this article is intended to provide guidance on the proper maintenance and care of systems and appliances in the home. Not all of the topics mentioned are covered by our home warranty or maintenance plans. Please review your home warranty contract carefully to understand your coverage.
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