February 7, 2023 •Reid Geiler
Wondering why your dishwasher has started to smell bad? It could be due to a variety of sources, from food particles stuck between the filter screen and the walls of the machine to excessive detergent buildup. Find out easy ways you can identify the source of the dishwasher smell and eliminate it from your dishwasher today.
Identify the Problem.
Before you can eliminate dishwasher odors, you’ll need to identify the source of the smell. If you’ve recently run a load of dishes, open up the machine and check for any visible food particles caught between the filter screen and walls of the appliance. Clean out any debris, as this can cause a nasty smell. If there is no food visible, it could be due to an excess of detergent or soap buildup – try running an empty load with white vinegar or baking soda to help remove residue and neutralize any odors.
If you start to notice a funky smell coming from your dishwasher, you may have one or more of the following problems:
- Dirty drain filter.
- Clogged drain.
- Food particles trapped in soap scum buildup.
- Plastic too close to the heating element.
- Mold and mildew growth in gasket seals.
Source: Maytag
Deodorize the Interior Of Your Dishwasher To Eliminate The Smell
After removing any visible food particles or residue buildup, it’s time to deodorize the interior of the dishwasher. Fill a small bowl with 2 cups of white vinegar and place on top of the bottom rack. Run it through a hot wash cycle to help neutralize any lingering odor. Additionally, you can add a few drops of essential oil – just make sure not to add too much as this could prevent your dishes from rinsing properly.
Clean and Maintain Your Dishwasher Regularly.
To keep your dishwasher smelling fresh, it is important to clean and maintain it regularly. Start by removing any food particles on the bottom or sides of the appliance. For a deep-clean, use a combination of baking soda, white vinegar, and water to scrub down both the inside and exterior surfaces. As well as wiping down with a sponge or mild dishwashing liquid after each cycle. Doing this will remove any soap scum buildup and prevent odors from coming back in the future.
Clean the dishwasher interior
Pour 2 cups of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe bowl and place the bowl on the bottom rack of your empty dishwasher. Select a dishwasher cycle with an air-dry or energy-saving dry option and press start. During the cycle, the vinegar will mix with the wash water to help neutralize odors and clean your dishwasher. Once the wash cycle is complete, you can use your dishwasher as normal.
Source: Whirlpool
Clean Your Garbage Disposal or Kitchen Sink Drains To Reduce Dishwasher Smells
Clogged drains can cause smells to seep up through your dishwasher and into your kitchen. To avoid this, regularly check and clean out any debris that has accumulated in the garbage disposal or kitchen sink drains. Scrub down both areas with baking soda and vinegar for an odor-free experience. Finally, make sure to continue using an enzyme drain cleaner every month or two to keep these areas functioning smoothly!
Check for Plumbing Problems or Pipe Blockages That Can Cause Unpleasant Odors
Before attempting any deep-cleaning solutions, check your dishwasher for any obvious plumbing problems or pipe blockages. The source of the smell could be coming from a clog or fuel line issue that needs immediate attention – even a single malfunctioning part can cause nasty odors. If you suspect plumbing problems with your dishwasher, call us right away!
