Why Does My Dishwasher Smell

Dishwashers are capable of removing even the most stubborn and oily residue from our cutlery, crockery, and cookware. Most modern dishwashers are often even more environmentally friendly than older models, consuming less water and electricity than their predecessors. When a dishwasher develops an unusual smell, it is common for people to wonder two things: why does my dishwasher smell, and how can I get rid of it.

What is the Source of the Odor in my Dishwasher?

It’s likely that something truly disgusting has become stuck somewhere in the dishwasher’s mechanism if you’re already asking yourself: “Why does my dishwasher smell?”

One of the reasons could be mold, as it can produce a very pungent odor if it has begun to grow somewhere in the cracks of the appliance.

According to experts, the odor of your dishwasher can help you figure out what’s wrong with it and how to fix it.

The presence of rancid matter such as rotting meat or vegetable matter indicates that fish, meat, cheese, or vegetable scraps are accumulating in the drain hose, drain filter, or spray arm of the dishwasher.

Mold is one of the most common causes of dishwasher odor, and it typically grows when standing water is left unattended for an extended period of time.

Standing water is typically caused by insufficient drainage, which, once again, could indicate that your hoses or filters are clogged with debris.

Dishwashers that smell specifically of sewage, on the other hand, are most likely clogged at the back of the drain line and need to be cleaned.

This is most common when the dishwasher is connected to the pipes that lead to the kitchen sink.

You may have a problem further down the drain line, in the wall plumbing, if you discover that the dishwasher itself is completely devoid of clogs or standing water. A professional to investigate or snake the clog may be necessary for this situation.

How to Clean Your Dishwasher:

If you want to thoroughly clean out a stale dishwasher, you must get into all of the cracks and crevices of the machine. Appliances Online states that the first step is to remove the top and bottom racks from the refrigerator.

Depending on your model, you may also need to check for and detach any dishwasher filters that may have been installed — don’t forget to wear rubber gloves while doing this because it can be quite gross.

If you’re not sure how to unscrew and remove the drain filter on your particular model, consult the product manual for instructions.

Even if you don’t have that information on hand, you can usually look up the make and model number online and download a PDF from the manufacturer’s website.

After removing the filters, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to soften them. Scrub the filters with a stiff toothbrush, soap, and water to remove any traces of dirt.

In addition, you could use cleaning vinegar or baking soda to help speed up the process.

The use of baking soda will also help to deodorize the filters, and it can also be used in the drain itself after you’ve scooped out all of the gunk.

Once the filters and drain have been thoroughly cleaned and deodorized, they should be replaced, and the spray arm should be cleaned by unscrewing it from either the upper or lower mounting mechanisms.

This can also be accomplished with a toothbrush and soapy water/vinegar.

Replace any damaged or missing parts, and wipe down the seals on the outside of the dishwasher with a damp cloth or rag dipped in cleaning vinegar to keep it looking like new.

Do not close the dishwasher until you have finished with it, however. Allow it to dry completely by leaving the door open.

How to do Deep Cleaning:

If the smell persists even after a thorough cleaning, you may need to experiment with something a little more powerful.

According to Bob Vila, a cup or bowl of white vinegar should be placed on the top rack of the dishwasher and run on a single cycle to clean the dishwasher.

Disinfect on the hottest setting possible, and check if the bowl of vinegar is securely fastened so that it does not spill when the dishwasher is running.

Once again, after the cycle is complete, leave the door to the dishwasher open to allow the dishwasher to air out.

Make the set more pleasant by adding a few drops of essential oil such as orange, lemon, or peppermint to the bowl of vinegar before running it through the wash.

It should be able to sufficiently mask the vinegary smell and leave your kitchen smelling wonderful afterward.

How to Clean Your Drain Filter

The most common cause of dishwasher odors is a clogged drain filter, which can be easily fixed. If your dishwasher is equipped with one, it is most likely located near the bottom of the tub’s rear.

Using a bottle brush, reach into all of the crevices of the filter and clean it in your kitchen sink with hot soapy water, followed by a rinse. If there are any food particles in the drain, clean them out before reinstalling the filter. If you come across any gunk, use a sponge to clean it up.

How to Ensure That the Spray Arm is Clean

It will be difficult for your dishwasher to operate if the holes in the top or bottom spray arms become clogged. Unpleasant dishwasher odors could also be caused by clogs in your dishwasher.

In order to clean them, simply remove the arms and hold them over the kitchen sink, one at a time, to dislodge any food particles that may have accumulated.

The holes should be clear by running water through them, and then reinstall the arms in the dishwasher to finish the job.

Get the Most Effective Cleaning With Our Help!

Cleaning is a form of art, so don’t worry about asking why does my dishwasher smell because we can handle it for you.

Helping Hands Cleaning Services is a cleaning company that honed its techniques over time and has been one of the most reputable commercial cleaning companies in the country.

You can also have peace of mind knowing that your dishwasher will smell as good as new and you will be safe because we adhere to health regulations. We provide cleaning services for both homes and offices.