You open your dishwasher, expecting the fresh scent of clean dishes, but instead, you’re hit with an unpleasant odor, leaving you wondering, “Why does my dishwasher smell?” We’re here to unravel this mystery and explore effective ways to get rid of those unwanted scents.
Why Does My Dishwasher Smell Like…?
Let’s dive into the specific odors you might be encountering and what they could mean.
- Eggs: If your dishwasher smells like eggs, you might be dealing with food particles or debris trapped in the filter or spray arm. These can emit an unpleasant sulfur-like scent.
- Sewage: A dishwasher smelling like sewage could be a sign of a clogged drain or a malfunction in the disposal system.
- Burning or Chemical Smell: If your dishwasher has a strange chemical odor, it could be a result of cleaning agents, plastic items, or even the dishwasher itself.
- Mold or Mildew Smell: Water leftover from previous cycles can cause mold buildup, especially around the gasket seal.
How to Get Rid of Smell in Dishwasher
Now that we’ve identified the culprits, let’s roll up our sleeves and tackle those unpleasant odors. Here are practical steps to get your dishwasher smelling fresh again.
- Clean the Filter and Spray Arm: Regularly clean the dishwasher filter and spray arm to remove trapped food particles and prevent odors.
- Unclog the Drain: Address sewage-like smells by checking and unclogging the dishwasher drain and disposal system.
- Check for Plastic: If your dishwasher smells like burning or chemicals, it may be reacting with plastic items. Make sure plastic items haven’t fallen onto the heating element and avoid washing plastic that isn’t dishwasher safe. If plastic isn’t the cause of a burning scent, you may be facing a mechanical or electronic issue, which will require professional help.
- Freshen Up: Fill a cup or a bowl with distilled white vinegar and place it in your dishwasher. Run a cycle on the hottest setting. This should flush out any residual smells.
- Check out our other blog posts for more tips on how to clean and maintain your dishwasher!
If issues persist or your dishwasher requires expensive repairs, it may be time for an upgrade. Aaron’s offers affordable payment plans, no hidden fees, and a HUGE selection of dishwashers, so you can get exactly what you’re looking for — without breaking the bank!
