Why Does My Dishwasher Smell Bad?

Is a Smelly Dishwasher a Health Hazard?

A dishwasher smell bad isn't just annoying. It could also be a health hazard. That unpleasant smell often comes from mould, mildew, and bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella. If these germs get splashed back onto your "clean" dishes, they could make you sick.

So, if you've cleaned the dishwasher but it still smells, it means you haven't gotten to the root of the problem. Keeping your dishwasher clean is important not just to get rid of the smell but to keep your family safe and healthy.

What Causes a Dishwasher to Smell Bad?

Understanding the root cause of the bad odour in the dishwasher is the first step toward eliminating it. Several culprits could be responsible for making your dishwasher smell awful.

Dirty Filter

Your dishwasher's filter catches food bits to prevent clogs. If you don't clean it, trapped food and grease create a nasty breeding ground for smelly bacteria. A stinky filter sprays dirty water back onto your dishes, leading to the issue “dishwasher smell bad”.

Clogged Drain or Hose

Noticing standing water or a sewage-like smell? In some cases, a professional may be needed to carry out proper dishwasher repair. A blocked drain or hose might be the issue. Food, grease, and soap scum can build up, leaving foul-smelling stagnant water in your dishwasher after a cycle.

Mould and Mildew

Your dishwasher's warm, damp interior is a perfect hideout for mould and mildew, especially around the door seal. If you’re smelling something musty, mould is probably the reason. Regular cleaning is a must to prevent this and reduce instances where dishes smell musty after dishwasher cleaning.

Food Particles and Soap Scum Buildup

Even with a clean filter, tiny food particles and soap scum can cling to the interior and end up with dishes coming out of the dishwasher smelling bad. This gunk decays over time, releasing unpleasant smells every time you run a cycle. It's a hidden source of why your dishwasher has a bad odour!

Infrequent Use

Don't use your dishwasher often? That could be why it smells. Water and food debris can sit and become stagnant, leading to musty odours. Running it regularly helps flush out the system and keeps it fresh.

'Brand New Dishwasher Smells Bad' Problem

New dishwashers can have a plastic or chemical smell that usually fades. But if you notice a strong Bosch dishwasher fishy smell or burning smell, get it checked immediately, as it could signal a serious wiring issue.

How to Get Rid of a Horrible Smell in a Dishwasher? A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you know the potential causes why the dishwasher's smell bad, it's time to learn how to clean your dishwasher. This deep-cleaning process will tackle the most common sources of odours and restore freshness to your appliance.

Step 1: Empty your dishwasher and clean the filter

Start by taking everything out, including racks. Find the filter at the bottom, twist to unlock it, and give it a good scrub with hot, soapy water. Don't forget to rinse it well before popping it back in!

Step 2: Run a Hot Cycle with Vinegar

Place a dishwasher-safe bowl filled with one cup of white vinegar on the bottom rack. Run a hot water cycle. The vinegar will break down grease and sanitise the interior, leaving it smelling much fresher.

Step 3: Deodorise with Baking Soda

After the vinegar cycle, sprinkle one cup of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher. Run another short, hot water cycle. This will help remove any lingering stains and odours, leaving your dishwasher sparkling clean.

Step 4: Wipe Down the Door Seal

The rubber seal around the door can trap gunk and mould. Dip a cloth in warm, soapy water and wipe it down thoroughly, getting into all the little crevices. A soft brush can help with stubborn spots.

Step 5: Unclog the Spray Arms

Food bits and mineral buildup can clog the spray arms, leading to a bad smell coming from the dishwasher. Gently remove the arms and use a toothpick to clear any debris from the holes. Rinse them well before reattaching them.

Step 6: Don't Forget the Drain

Check the drain at the bottom of the dishwasher for any large pieces of food that might be trapped. Clearing this area ensures water can flow freely and prevents odours from building up in the future.

Step 7: Check the Drain Hose

If you can, take a quick look at the drain hose behind the dishwasher. Make sure there are no kinks or blockages that could be trapping stinky water and making your dishwasher not draining properly.

Step 8: Final Checks

Check the dishwasher after the cleaning process. If you cleaned the dishwasher but it still smells, run another cleaning cycle. If the smell doesn't go away, look for professional help.

How to Keep Dishwasher Smelling Fresh?

Once you’ve deep-cleaned your dishwasher, keeping it fresh is all about regular upkeep. A few easy habits can stop those dishes smell after dishwasher cleaning.

• Clean the filter weekly: Check and rinse your dishwasher filter every week. It only takes a minute and makes a huge difference in preventing odours.
• Scrape your dishes: No need to rinse them completely, but scraping off big food chunks will help lighten the load on your filter.
• Load it right: Don’t overcrowd the racks! Giving dishes enough space lets water and detergent do their job properly, so everything gets clean.
• Use a cleaner monthly: Products like Affresh are awesome for tackling grease, limescale, and stinky residue. Pop one in once a month to keep things running smoothly.
  Read our blog on how to clean limescale deposits in a dishwasher, with simple steps to restore performance and freshness.
• Let it air dry: After a cycle, crack the door open so the inside can dry completely. Mould and mildew don’t stand a chance when there’s no moisture hanging around.

Stick to these tips, and your dishwasher will stay fresh and clean!

DIY vs. Professional Help

Dishes smell after dishwasher cleaning, and you want to get rid of that smell? Most odour issues can actually be sorted out with a good old DIY clean! If you're tackling routine stuff like the filter, interior, or seals, or running a vinegar or baking soda cycle, you're on the right track.

Even minor clogs in the spray arms are usually an easy fix you can handle yourself. But sometimes, the problem is a bit trickier than a simple clean. Keep those regular cleaning habits, and you can minimise the “dishwasher smell bad” issue.

Your Partner in a Fresh and Functional Kitchen

For top-notch dishwasher repair and maintenance in London, give Serviceteam a shout today. Our certified pros are all set to get your appliance back in tip-top shape, so you can stop worrying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dishwasher smells bad how to clean?

Start by removing any food debris you can see. Then, wipe down the seals with warm, soapy water. Run an empty cycle with a cup of white vinegar on the top rack, and follow that up with another empty cycle after sprinkling some baking soda on the bottom.

Can a dishwasher cause a rotten smell in a house?

Yes! Trapped food particles and grease in your dishwasher can definitely create unpleasant odours that waft through your home. Keeping it clean and checking the filter regularly will stop this from happening. Remember, if you're in a hard water area like London, it's a good idea to descale your dishwasher regularly as well.

Why does it smell bad when I run my dishwasher?

If you notice a bad smell coming from the dishwasher during a cycle, it's usually a sign that food is trapped in the filter or spray arms. Give those parts a good clean. In areas with hard water, like London, mineral buildup can also cause smells. Running a monthly cycle with vinegar will help fight this.

How often should I clean my dishwasher to prevent odours?

Once a month, especially in hard water areas like London. Wiping the seals weekly and rinsing the filter every few cycles also makes a big difference. A little regular maintenance goes a long way in keeping odours at bay!

What can I use to deodorise my dishwasher naturally?

White vinegar and baking soda are your best friends for this! Just run an empty cycle with a cup of vinegar on the top rack. Afterwards, sprinkle some baking soda on the bottom and run a short, hot cycle. It's the perfect natural solution for a fresh-smelling dishwasher.