Why Does My Dishwasher Smell?
January 15, 2023
You spent all that time loading the dishwasher. But afterward, you notice something in the air and wonder why your dishwasher smells.
Investigating why the dishwasher smells
You might ask yourself – how is this possible? How could my dishwasher smell so bad? Is there something wrong? Chances are there could be an underlying issue with the dishwasher.
Helpful ways to eliminate odors from the dishwasher
Fortunately, there are some easy fixes to getting rid of the odor problem in your dishwasher without calling in a professional to do it for you. But first, you must identify the issue and work from there.
Here are some ways you can address the problem yourself:
Damaged Drain Hose
The drain hose empties dirty water and small food particles from the dishwasher into the disposal unit. If something is wrong with the hose – a crack, clog, bend, or kink – it could cause odor issues.
If the drain hose can be straightened or tightened, it should solve the problem. But if the hose is too damaged, you may need to replace the hose or contact a professional.
Clogged Food Trap
Old, soggy, rotten food trapped in the dishwasher is a common cause for smelly odors. If your dishwasher stinks, check the food trap located at the bottom of the tub. There is a hole there that catches runoff water during the cleaning cycle, and when the machine is dry, pull out the bottom dish rack and check if there is food trapped in the trap.
But be careful because sometimes a broken glass or a dish could be deep inside the trap, causing the clog.
The Garbage Disposal
Sometimes a malodorous dishwasher could be caused by something that doesn’t have to do with the unit. Sometimes it could be a problem with the garbage disposal. If food is clogged in the disposal, it could stop the water from properly draining from your dishwasher.
Try running your disposal thoroughly and checking if something is stuck inside. If removing the clog doesn’t solve the issue, then you might need to contact a professional to look at the garbage disposal.Too Little Use
Use it or lose it? Sometimes that adage applies to home appliances, too. In the case of a dishwasher, sometimes old food particles remain in the dishwasher between uses. If you aren’t using the dishwasher often enough, the leftover bits of food can cause a buildup of bacteria and leave a smelly dishwasher behind. However, regular use of the dishwasher eliminates those issues.Poorly Placed Drain Hose
You checked for kinks and clogs in the drain hose, and everything looks good there. But for some reason, odors still waft out of the dishwasher. Sometimes it could be because of how the drain hose is placed behind the unit. If a hose is on the ground, gravity could be causing poor drainage and leaving odors behind. So, if you have a sagging hose that rests on or near the ground, try to position it so that it drains down to the disposal.