Why Your Dishwasher Smells Bad and How to Fix It
Troubleshooting Common IssuesA smelly dishwasher can make your entire kitchen unpleasant. Whether the odor is musty, like sewage, or just plain funky, there are common causes behind these issues—and most of them can be fixed with simple solutions. In this guide, we’ll cover why your dishwasher smells bad, how to fix it, and when to call ARS Repair Inc. for professional help.
Most Common Causes of Dishwasher Odors
1. Clogged Filter: Food particles and debris can build up in a dirty or clogged filter, causing foul odors.
2. Improper Drainage: Standing water due to improper drainage can lead to musty or sewage-like smells.
3. Food Trapped in Spray Arms: Food left in the spray arms can contribute to lingering smells.
4. Mold and Mildew Growth: Excess moisture in the dishwasher can result in mold or mildew, leading to a musty odor.
Common Reasons Your Dishwasher Smells Bad
Issue
Possible Causes
How to Fix
Dishwasher Smells Like Sewage
If your dishwasher smells like sewage, it’s likely due to a clogged drain line, a dirty filter, or stagnant water. Cleaning the filter, checking the drain line for clogs or kinks, and ensuring proper connections to the garbage disposal can resolve this issue. Running a cleaning cycle with vinegar and baking soda can also help eliminate odors.
Possible Causes:
The sewer-like smell often results from a clogged drain line, dirty filter, or stagnant water left in the dishwasher.
How to Fix:
- Clean the dishwasher filter.
- Check the drain line for clogs or kinks.
- Ensure the dishwasher drain is properly connected to the garbage disposal or sink.
- Run a cleaning cycle using a mixture of vinegar and baking soda.
Dishwasher Smells Musty
A musty smell typically results from mold or mildew buildup caused by trapped moisture. Leave the dishwasher door open after each cycle, wipe down the door gasket and racks, and run a cycle with vinegar to kill mold and bacteria.
Possible Causes:
- Mold or mildew buildup due to moisture trapped in the dishwasher.
How to Fix:
- Leave the dishwasher door slightly open after each cycle to let it air out.
- Wipe down the door gasket and racks to remove moisture and mildew.
- Run a cycle with vinegar to kill bacteria and mold.
Dishwasher Smells Bad When Running or Starting
Residue buildup inside the filter, walls, or spray arms can cause bad smells during operation. Regularly clean these components and use dishwasher-safe cleaning tablets to remove grease and residue. Inspect the water inlet valve and drain hose for blockages.
Possible Causes:
Residue buildup on the filter, inside walls, or spray arms.
How to Fix:
- Clean the dishwasher filter, spray arms, and interior.
- Use a dishwasher-safe cleaning tablet to remove grease and residue.
- Check the water inlet valve and drain hose for any obstructions.
New Dishwasher Smells Bad
New dishwashers often have a chemical or “new appliance” smell due to manufacturing residues. Running a hot cycle with vinegar and baking soda and airing out the appliance can help eliminate this odor.
Possible Causes:
A chemical or “new appliance” smell caused by manufacturing residue.
How to Fix:
- Run a full hot water cycle with a cup of white vinegar on the top rack.
- Place a bowl of baking soda inside and run a rinse cycle to absorb any remaining odors.
- Let the appliance air out by leaving the door open between washes.
Dishwasher Water Smells Bad
Standing water in the bottom of the dishwasher can lead to unpleasant smells. Cleaning the filter, checking for blockages in the drain hose or garbage disposal, and running a vinegar cycle can resolve this issue.
Possible Causes:
Stagnant water in the bottom of the dishwasher.
How to Fix:
- Clean the filter and ensure the dishwasher is draining properly.
- Check for blockages in the drain hose or garbage disposal.
- Run a vinegar cleaning cycle to flush out bacteria.
Dishwasher Smells Bad When Draining
If the dishwasher smells bad when draining, it may have a clogged drain hose or an improper connection to the sink or garbage disposal. Cleaning the drain hose and ensuring it’s free of kinks and blockages will often fix this problem.
Possible Causes:
A clogged drain hose or improper connection to the sink or garbage disposal.
How to Fix:
- Disconnect the drain hose and clean it thoroughly.
- Verify that the hose is free of kinks and properly installed.
- Clear out any food or grease buildup in the garbage disposal.
Dishwasher Smells Bad When Drying
Lingering moisture and food particles can cause odors during the drying cycle. Clean the filter, dry the interior after each use, and use a rinse aid or baking soda to neutralize odors.
Possible Causes:
Leftover moisture and food particles trapped in the machine.
How to Fix:
- Clean the filter and dry the interior after each cycle.
- Use a rinse aid to help with the drying process.
- Run a cycle with baking soda to neutralize any odors.
New Dishwasher Smells Bad
A sudden odor usually comes from food debris caught in the filter, spray arms, or garbage disposal. Clean these components thoroughly and use a cleaning tablet to remove buildup.
Possible Causes:
A sudden smell can result from food debris caught in the filter, garbage disposal, or spray arms.
How to Fix:
- Inspect and clean the filter, spray arms, and garbage disposal.
- Use a cleaning tablet to flush out buildup.
Dishwasher Connected to Garbage Disposal Smells Bad
Grease and food debris in the garbage disposal can cause smells to seep into the dishwasher. Cleaning the disposal with citrus peels, baking soda, and vinegar, and running a rinse cycle with vinegar in the dishwasher, can eliminate these odors.
Possible Causes:
Grease, food particles, or debris trapped in the garbage disposal can create odors that seep into the dishwasher.
How to Fix:
- Clean the garbage disposal using citrus peels, baking soda, and vinegar.
- Run a hot water rinse cycle with vinegar in the dishwasher to clear any lingering smells.
How to Deep Clean Your Dishwasher
- Clean the Filter:
- Remove the filter and rinse it under hot water.
- Scrub with a toothbrush to remove stuck-on debris.
- Run a Vinegar Cycle:
- Place 1 cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe bowl on the top rack.
- Run a hot water cycle to break down grease and odors.
- Baking Soda Rinse:
- Sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher.
- Run a short hot water cycle to deodorize.
4. Wipe Down Interior:
Use a damp cloth to wipe the door gasket, spray arms, and interior walls.
5. Check the Drain Hose:
Disconnect and clean the drain hose to remove debris or clogs.
6. Use a Dishwasher Cleaning Tablet:
Run a cycle with a commercial dishwasher cleaning tablet to prevent odors and buildup.
7. Clean the Garbage Disposal:
- Pour baking soda and vinegar down the disposal, then flush with hot water.
Most Common Brand Examples
Whirlpool Dishwasher Smells Bad
Common Issue: Whirlpool dishwashers can smell due to residue buildup in the spray arms and filter.
Solution:
- Clean the spray arms, filter, and door gasket.
- Use baking soda to neutralize lingering odors.
Bosch Dishwasher Smells Bad
Common Issue: Bosch dishwashers can develop smells if the filter is dirty or the drain hose is clogged.
Solution:
-
Remove and clean the filter thoroughly.
- Run a vinegar cleaning cycle.
- Check the drain hose for obstructions.
Maytag Dishwasher Smells Bad
Common Issue: Maytag dishwashers can develop bad odors due to clogged filters, improper drainage, or food particles stuck in the spray arms.
Solution:
- Clean the filter and spray arms thoroughly to remove trapped food and grease.
- Inspect the drain hose for blockages and clear them.
- Run a vinegar cleaning cycle to break down grease and odors.
Kenmore Dishwasher Smells Bad
Common Issue: Kenmore dishwashers often smell if food debris builds up in the filter or drain hose.
Solution:
- Clean the filter and drain hose regularly to prevent debris buildup.
- Run a hot vinegar cycle to break down grease and eliminate odors.
LG Dishwasher Smells Bad
Common Issue: LG dishwashers may smell due to improper drainage or standing water.
Solution:
- Inspect and clean the drain line.
- Use vinegar and baking soda for a deep clean.
Frigidaire Dishwasher Smells Bad
Common Issue: Frigidaire dishwashers can develop unpleasant odors due to food particles trapped in the filter or improper drainage.
Solution:
- Clean the Filter regularly to remove trapped food and debris.
- Inspect the Drain Hose for clogs that prevent proper drainage.
- Run a Vinegar Cleaning Cycle with hot water to neutralize odors.
- Wipe Down the Interior, including the door gasket, to remove food particles and moisture buildup.
Samsung Dishwashers Smell Bad
Common Issue: Samsung dishwashers typically develop smells due to dirty filters or drainage issues.
Solution:
- Clean the filter and drain hose regularly to prevent debris buildup.
- Run a hot cycle with vinegar and baking soda to deodorize and remove odors.
GE Dishwasher Smells Bad
Common Issue: GE dishwashers often have bad odors due to food particles trapped in the filter, spray arms, or drain hose.
Solution:
- Regularly clean the filter, spray arms, and drain hose to remove trapped food and grease.
- Use dishwasher-safe cleaning tablets to prevent future buildup and odors.
KitchenAid Dishwasher Smells Bad
Common Issue: KitchenAid dishwashers may develop odors from food particles trapped in the filter or improper drainage.
Solution:
- Clean the Filter and spray arms to remove trapped food.
- Check the Drain Hose for clogs and clear any blockages.
- Use a Cleaning Tablet to break down grease and neutralize odors.
When Is It Time to Replace Your Dishwasher?
If your dishwasher continues to develop bad smells despite regular cleaning and repairs, it may be time to consider a replacement.
Signs It’s Time to Upgrade
- Repair costs exceed half the price of a new dishwasher.
- The dishwasher is over 10-15 years old.
- It no longer meets modern energy or water efficiency standards.
Benefits of a New Dishwasher
- Improved performance and cleaning power.
- Lower energy and water bills.
- Enhanced reliability and fewer odor issues.
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve tried the troubleshooting steps and your dishwasher still smells bad, it’s time to contact ARS Repair Inc.. Our skilled technicians specialize in diagnosing and fixing dishwasher issues, including persistent odors, and can quickly identify the cause of the problem. Whether it’s a minor repair or a more complex issue, we’re here to help.
To schedule a repair or learn more about our services, contact ARS Repair Inc. today.
We’re here to ensure your dishwasher is running smoothly and odor-free in no time.
Call Our Dishwasher Repair Technicians Today!
Areas We Serve
Our washing machine repair services are available across numerous locations in Florida, ensuring help is never far away when your washer stops mid-cycle. We proudly serve:
- Key Biscayne
- Miami
- Miami Beach
- North Miami
Dishwasher Brands We Service
We specialize in repairing a wide range of dishwasher brands, including:
LG: Known for their advanced technology, LG dishwashers may develop odors due to improper drainage or food particles left in the filter. Our technicians are experienced in fixing these issues.
Samsung: With innovative features, Samsung dishwashers may sometimes emit smells caused by clogs or food debris in the system. We’re skilled at diagnosing and resolving these odor problems.
Whirlpool: A popular brand, Whirlpool dishwashers can develop unpleasant odors from trapped food or grease buildup. We provide quick and efficient fixes to keep your dishwasher smelling fresh.
Bosch: Known for precision engineering, Bosch dishwashers may experience odor issues due to a dirty filter or drain hose. Our team is trained to restore their efficiency and eliminate bad smells.
Maytag: Maytag dishwashers are known for their reliability, but odors can occur from food residue or drainage issues. We’re equipped to address these concerns and restore your dishwasher’s performance.
Frigidaire: Frigidaire dishwashers may emit odors from food particles stuck in the filter or clogged drain hoses. We can quickly resolve these issues to ensure your dishwasher is clean and odor-free.
Miele: Miele dishwashers are built for durability, but even they can develop smells if food residue builds up in the system. Our experts are trained to handle these issues efficiently.
KitchenAid: KitchenAid dishwashers can develop odors due to grease or food particles trapped in the system. We are ready to fix these issues and restore the freshness of your appliance.
FAQs About Smelly Dishwashers
How do you get rid of bad smell in a dishwasher?
Clean the filter, run a vinegar cycle, and check the drain line for clogs.
How do you deodorize a dishwasher with vinegar?
Place a cup of vinegar on the top rack and run a hot water cycle.
What is a natural remedy for a smelly dishwasher?
Vinegar and baking soda are natural, effective cleaners for odors.
How to clean a smelly dishwasher drain hose?
Disconnect the hose, flush it with water, and scrub it to remove buildup.
Why does my dishwasher smell but the filter is clean?
There may be a clog in the drain hose or standing water causing the smell.
Why does my dishwasher smell like vomit even after cleaning?
Residual grease or food particles may still be trapped in the drain or spray arms.
Is vinegar bad for the dishwasher?
No, vinegar is safe and helps remove grease and odors.
How often should I clean my dishwasher?
Clean the filter and run a vinegar cycle once a month.
If these steps don’t resolve the issue, contact ARS Repair Inc. for professional assistance in diagnosing and repairing your washing machine!
Posts You May Find Helpful
Why Your Dishwasher Is Making Noise and How to Fix It
Common Dishwasher Noises, Their Causes & How to FixA noisy dishwasher can disrupt the tranquility of your home and indicate underlying issues that may...
Licensed and Authorized
Warranty on Parts & Labor
100% Customer Satisfaction
24/7 Emergency Service
Call For Dishwashing Repair Today!