Have you noticed an unpleasant smell coming from your dishwasher lately? If so, don’t worry – it’s not uncommon for dishwashers to develop odours over time. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at what is actually the cause of dishwasher smells and also we provide some easy tips and tricks so, that you can use to help get rid of the odour for good. Get ready to learn how to restore your dishwasher to its former glory in no time!
What is Dishwasher?
A dishwasher is a machine that saves time and energy by washing dishes quickly. It uses hot water, detergent, and mechanical action to clean the dishes. The dishwasher has two main parts: a tub and a motor. The tub is where the dishes are loaded, and the motor agitates the water to clean them.
What Causes Dishwasher Smells?
The most common cause of bad odours from a dishwasher is an accumulation of food particles and grease left behind after washing dishes. Additionally, mould and mildew can grow in the damp environment of a dishwasher, leading to an unpleasant smell. Finally, it is possible that the dishwasher’s drainage system may be clogged or blocked, leading to odours as well.
How to Get Rid of Dishwasher Smells?
Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to help get rid of the odour coming from your dishwasher.
1- Start by cleaning the filter
2- Clear out any clogs or blockages in the drainage system
3- Use baking soda and vinegar to clean away grime, grease, and odours
4- Wipe down the interior of the dishwasher with a damp cloth and soapy water
5- Leave the door of your dishwasher open to allow air circulation
6- Use a deodorizer designed for dishwashers or baking soda to absorb odours
7-Run a cycle with just hot water to help rinse away any remaining odours
1- Start by cleaning the filter:
The dishwasher’s filter is located at the bottom, and it can become clogged with pieces of food or grease over time. Clean the filter by removing it and running it through the sink with hot soapy water. Make sure to rinse it off thoroughly before reinstalling it.
2- Clear out any clogs or blockages in the drainage system:
If your dishwasher is not draining properly, it could be due to a clog or blockage in the drainage system. Check for any signs of a clog and clear it out if necessary. Also, check the hose connecting the dishwasher to the sink and ensure it is not blocked.
3- Use baking soda and vinegar to clean away grime, grease, and odours:
Mix equal parts baking soda and white vinegar to create a cleaning solution. Use this mixture to scrub down the interior of your dishwasher, focusing on any areas where grime and grease have built up. This will help to remove any odours that may be lingering inside.
4- Wipe down the interior of the dishwasher with a damp cloth and soapy water:
Once you have finished cleaning out the filter and clearing any clogs or blockages, it is time to give the interior of your dishwasher a good wipe-down. Use a damp cloth and soapy water to remove any remaining residue from the walls and other surfaces of the dishwasher.
5- Leave the door of your dishwasher open to allow air circulation:
Leaving the door of your dishwasher open is a great way to allow air circulation and help reduce the moisture level inside. This can also help to prevent mould and mildew from growing, as well as get rid of any lingering odours.
6- Use a deodorizer designed for dishwashers or baking soda to absorb odours:
You can use a deodorizer designed specifically for dishwashers or baking soda to help absorb the odours. Sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of the dishwasher and leave it overnight before running a cycle with just hot water.
7- Run a cycle with just hot water to help rinse away any remaining odours:
After taking all the necessary steps to remove odours from your dishwasher, run a cycle with hot water. This will help rinse any remaining odours and leave your dishwasher smelling fresh and clean.
Following these steps, you can eliminate unpleasant smells from your dishwasher and keep it running.
Is your Dishwasher’s Drain Filter Dirty?
The most common cause of dishwasher odours is a clogged drain filter. First, remove and inspect the filter to check if your dishwasher’s drain filter is the source of the smell. It must be cleaned if it is clogged with food particles, grease, or other debris. To clean your dishwasher’s drain filter:
- Please turn off the power to the dishwasher and unplug it before beginning any maintenance.
- Locate the drain filter at the bottom of your dishwasher.
- Remove the filter and rinse it thoroughly in hot soapy water.
- Use a brush to scrub away any remaining debris.
- Reinstall the filter and turn the power back on.
- Run a cycle with hot water to help rinse away any remaining odours.
Is your Dishwasher Drain Clogged?
The odour of a clogged dishwasher drain can be a sign that it needs to be cleaned. To check if your dishwasher drain is clogged:
- Please turn off the power to the dishwasher and unplug it before beginning any maintenance.
- Open the door of your dishwasher and inspect the drain line.
- The drain line must be cleaned if it is clogged with food particles, grease, or other debris.
- Use a plunger or drain snake to help clear out the clog.
- Check for any blockages in the hose that connects the dishwasher to the sink.
- Run a cycle with hot water to help rinse away any remaining odours.
Is there a Burnt Plastic Smell in your Dishwasher?
If your dishwasher has a burnt plastic smell, it may be due to overheating components. To check for this issue:
- Please turn off the power to the dishwasher and unplug it before beginning any maintenance.
- Check for signs of overheating on the heating element, wiring, or motor.
- If any of these components are overheating, they must be replaced.
- You should also clean any dust or debris from the dishwasher.
- Run a cycle with hot water to help rinse away any remaining odours.
FAQ:
Q. Can a smelly dishwasher make you sick?
Ans. Smelly dishwashers can cause unpleasant odours and attract pests, but they usually do not make you sick. However, if the smell is caused by mould or mildew, it can lead to health problems. In this case, you should clean and disinfect your dishwasher.
Q. What is the best way to get rid of dishwasher smells?
Ans. The best way to eliminate dishwasher smells is to clean and disinfect the dishwasher, use a deodorizer designed for dishwashers or baking soda to absorb odours, and run a cycle with hot water. Following these steps can help to keep your dishwasher smelling fresh and clean.
Q. How often should you clean your dishwasher?
Ans. You should clean your dishwasher every month or two to help prevent odours and keep it running smoothly. Check and clean the drain filter, inspect for clogs or blockages, and wipe down the dishwasher’s interior. This can help to keep your dishwasher smelling fresh and free of odours.
Q. What should I do if my dishwasher still smells terrible?
Ans. Suppose your dishwasher still smells terrible after following the steps above. In that case, you may need to call a professional appliance repair service. They can inspect and diagnose the problem and offer advice on how to best solve it. They may also be able to replace any broken or worn parts causing the odour.
Q. Does baking soda help the dishwasher smell?
Ans. Baking soda can help to absorb odours in your dishwasher. Sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the machine and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then, run a cycle with just hot water to help rinse away any odours. This can help to keep your dishwasher smelling fresh and clean.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, having a smelly dishwasher can be an unpleasant experience. To help prevent and get rid of odours, it’s essential to clean the dishwasher regularly, check and clean the drain filter, inspect for clogs or blockages, use a deodorizer or baking soda to absorb odours and run a cycle with just hot water. If your dishwasher still smells bad, you may need to call a professional appliance repair service. Following these steps can help keep your dishwasher smelling fresh and odour-free and extending the life of kitchen appliances.