Dishwashers are one of the hardest working appliances in your kitchen, but sometimes, dishwashers not properly cared for could accumulate residue that over time becomes bacteria as it rots and smells. This can be a very unpleasant surprise, especially when you’re expecting the fresh scent of clean dishes.
To suss out the potential cause of your dishwasher odor, pay attention to what it smells like. If your dishwasher smells like fish or rotten food, you may have a clogged dishwasher drain or a dirty filter. A sewage or wet dog smell can point to a drainage problem that may need professional inspection. Read more about the possible causes and the steps you can take to help get rid of the odor in your dishwasher.Thankfully, dishwasher smells don’t have to linger. Here are a few tips to take your dishwasher odor from foul to fresh.
How do you get rid of bad smell in the dishwasher?
The Real Culprits: What’s Actually Causing Your Dishwasher to Smell
1. The Dirty Filter Crisis
The most common cause of dishwasher odor is a dirty filter, where food particles get trapped and start smelling foul without regular cleaning. Think of your dishwasher filter as the unsung hero that catches everything from rice grains to bacon grease. When this filter becomes clogged, it transforms from protector to problem.
Most homeowners don’t even know their dishwasher has a filter, let alone where to find it. It’s typically located at the bottom of your dishwasher, beneath the bottom dish rack. When food particles accumulate here, they don’t just create odors – they start decomposing, creating that distinctive rotten smell that seems to permeate everything.
2. Food Debris Buildup in Hidden Places
Your dishwasher has numerous nooks and crannies where food particles love to hide. The spray arms, door seals, and especially the area around the drain can harbor decomposing food matter. Bits of food get trapped in crevices, greasy grime accumulates, creating conditions where bacteria can thrive.
Even if you rinse your dishes before loading them, microscopic food particles still make their way into these hidden areas. Over time, these particles form a biofilm – a sticky layer where bacteria can multiply and produce those nauseating smells.
3. Soap Scum and Grease Accumulation
Just like your shower, your dishwasher can build up a layer of soap scum over time, which acts like a glue trap for food particles. This soap scum doesn’t just affect cleaning performance – it creates the perfect environment for bacteria growth.
When grease from dishes combines with soap residue and hard water minerals, it forms a stubborn coating on your dishwasher’s interior surfaces. This coating traps odors and becomes increasingly difficult to remove over time.
4. Drain Hose and Plumbing Issues
Sometimes the problem isn’t inside your dishwasher at all. Issues with the drain hose can cause dirty water to remain in the system, creating persistent odors that seem impossible to eliminate with regular cleaning.
If your dishwasher connects to a garbage disposal, problems with the disposal can cause sewage-like smells to back up into your dishwasher. Additionally, improper installation of the drain hose can create low spots where water pools and stagnates.
5. Hard Water Mineral Deposits
In areas with hard water, mineral deposits don’t just leave spots on your glasses – they create an environment where bacteria and mold can thrive. These deposits can clog spray arms, reduce water flow, and create surfaces where organic matter accumulates more easily.
6. Mold and Mildew Growth
The warm, moist environment inside your dishwasher is paradise for mold and mildew. These fungi don’t just create musty odors – they can also pose health risks, especially for individuals with respiratory sensitivities.
The Complete Solution: Step-by-Step Odor Elimination
Phase 1: Deep Filter Cleaning
Start by locating your dishwasher filter. Remove the bottom dish rack and look for a cylindrical or circular filter at the bottom of the tub. Unscrew it (usually by turning counterclockwise) and prepare to be shocked by what you find.
Rinse the filter under hot running water, using an old toothbrush to scrub away stubborn debris. For heavily soiled filters, soak them in hot, soapy water for 15-20 minutes before scrubbing. Don’t use harsh chemicals or put the filter in the dishwasher – hand cleaning is essential.
Phase 2: Interior Deep Clean
Remove all dish racks and utensil holders. Wipe down the interior walls, paying special attention to the door seals and rubber gaskets where food particles love to hide. Use a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap, followed by a thorough rinse.
Check the spray arms for clogs. Remove them (they usually lift or twist out) and rinse under running water. Use a toothpick to clear any blocked holes – you’d be amazed how much debris can accumulate in these tiny openings.
Phase 3: The Vinegar Treatment
Vinegar is a perfect agent for cleaning a dishwasher since it will cut grease, clear away old detergent build-up, and neutralize food odors. Place a dishwasher-safe bowl filled with two cups of white vinegar on the top rack of your empty dishwasher.
Run a complete hot water cycle. The vinegar will break down grease, dissolve mineral deposits, and neutralize odors throughout the entire system. Don’t add detergent – let the vinegar do its work alone.
Phase 4: Baking Soda Boost
After the vinegar cycle, sprinkle one cup of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher and run another hot cycle. This will help neutralize any remaining odors and provide additional cleaning power.
Phase 5: Drain System Check
If odors persist after deep cleaning, the problem might be in your drain system. Check if your dishwasher connects to a garbage disposal – if so, run the disposal to clear any buildup there. Consider having a plumber inspect the drain hose for proper installation and potential clogs.
Advanced Troubleshooting for Persistent Odors
When Professional Help is Needed
If you’ve completed the deep cleaning process and odors return within days, you might be dealing with:
- A damaged door seal that’s allowing debris to accumulate in unreachable areas
- Broken spray arms that aren’t providing adequate water circulation
- Drain pump issues that prevent proper water evacuation
- Improper dishwasher installation causing drainage problems
The Check Valve Solution
Some dishwashers have a “check valve” that doesn’t function properly, which is supposed to stop water from coming back from the hose into the washer. If this valve fails, it can cause persistent sewage-like odors that resist conventional cleaning methods.
Prevention: Keeping Your Dishwasher Fresh Long-Term
Daily Habits That Make a Difference
Scrape (don’t rinse) dishes before loading. Contrary to popular belief, pre-rinsing removes the enzymes in detergent that break down food particles. However, removing large food chunks prevents filter clogs.
Always use the appropriate amount of quality detergent. Too little won’t clean effectively, while too much creates excessive suds that can trap debris.
Weekly Maintenance Routine
Check and clean the filter weekly if you run your dishwasher daily. This simple habit prevents most odor problems before they start.
Wipe down door seals and the inside of the door weekly with a damp cloth. Pay special attention to the bottom edge where water and debris tend to accumulate.
Monthly Deep Maintenance
Run an empty cycle with dishwasher cleaner or white vinegar monthly. This prevents buildup and keeps your dishwasher running efficiently.
Inspect spray arms monthly and clear any clogs. Remove them completely and rinse thoroughly under running water.
Understanding Different Types of Dishwasher Odors
Rotten Egg Smell
This sulfur-like odor typically indicates bacterial growth in trapped food debris or issues with your home’s water supply. If the smell persists after thorough cleaning, have your water tested for sulfur bacteria.
Fishy Odors
Dishwashers not properly cared for could accumulate residue that over time becomes bacteria as it rots and smells. Fishy smells often indicate protein decomposition in hidden areas of your dishwasher.
Musty Odors
Mold and mildew growth create musty smells, especially in dishwashers that remain closed and moist for extended periods. Always leave your dishwasher door slightly ajar after cycles to promote air circulation.
Chemical Smells
Strong chemical odors might indicate using too much detergent or incompatible cleaning products. Stick to dishwasher-specific products and follow manufacturer recommendations.
The Economics of Dishwasher Maintenance
Regular maintenance costs pennies compared to premature appliance replacement. A dirty filter doesn’t just cause odors – it forces your dishwasher to work harder, potentially shortening its lifespan by years.
Professional dishwasher repairs for odor-related issues can cost $150-400, while the preventive maintenance outlined here costs less than $20 annually in cleaning supplies.
When to Consider Replacement
If your dishwasher is over 10 years old and experiencing persistent odor problems despite proper maintenance, it might be time to consider replacement. Modern dishwashers have improved filtration systems and better drainage designs that resist odor problems.
However, don’t give up on a newer dishwasher too quickly. Most odor issues can be resolved with proper cleaning and maintenance, regardless of the appliance’s age.
Final Thoughts: Your Fresh Dishwasher Future
A smelly dishwasher isn’t just unpleasant – it’s a sign that your appliance isn’t functioning optimally. By understanding the root causes and implementing the comprehensive solutions outlined here, you can enjoy fresh-smelling, efficiently operating dishwasher for years to come.
FAQ
Why does my dishwasher smell bad but the filter is clean?
If your dishwasher is generally clean and well maintained, but still beginning to smell, it may be an issue with the dishwasher’s internal water filter. Not all dishwashers have an internal filter, but after time they do break down. This can allow hard water, calcium and lime deposits to build up inside the dishwasher.
How do you clean a smelly dishwasher drain hose?
Buy some washing soda crystals, fill a large bowl with very hot water and immerse the hose, ensuring the whole length is filled with the solution. Rinse out with Hot water. Re-attach the hose and put half a packet of soda crystals in the empty dishwasher with half a litre of white vinegar. Put it on a long wash cycle.
Why does my dishwasher smell bad when I turn it on?
Mildew or mold can grow on your dishwasher’s gasket seals if not properly maintained, which can lead to a musty odor. To help prevent this, it’s essential to regularly clean your dishwasher’s gasket seals. Start by using a sponge and warm, soapy water to wipe away any buildup on the seals.
How do I get the stagnant water smell out of my dishwasher?
To get rid of a bad smell in your dishwasher, start by cleaning the drain filter, wiping down the interior surfaces, and inspecting the spray arms for any debris. Run a cycle with white vinegar or baking soda to neutralize odors and disinfect your dishwasher.
