How to Fix a Smelly Dishwasher
Let’s face it, dishwashers make life much easier for most of us, but sometimes they can start to smell, and we wonder what to do about it. You rely on them to keep your dishes clean and fresh, and when it starts smelling too badly, it can be frustrating. So, what to do then?
It’s obvious that you can’t let it go. Sometimes, the smell could be too toxic to bear. But don’t worry! There are a few easy ways to get rid of that horrible smell.
In this blog, we bring you this easy DIY dishwasher guide to help you tackle those unpleasant odors and restore your dishwasher's functionality and freshness.
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Why Does My Dishwasher Smell Bad? Let’s Figure Out Your Problem
If you are also wondering the same, you’re in the right place.
Dishwasher smell comes from various factors, but the number one culprit is old food stuck in it. Old food particles can be trapped in the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher, and when they begin to decompose, the smell becomes unbearable. Other reasons behind your smelly dishwasher might be:
- Standing water at the bottom of the dishwasher creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew.
- Clogs in the spray arms prevent proper cleaning.
The simple thing to do is to remove the old food particles that may be stuck in your dishwasher and then clean it. There are several ways to clean your dishwasher, which we will discuss below.
What Not to Put in Your Dishwasher?
You should not place a few things in the dishwasher because they contribute to the bad smell. For example:
- Dishes with big chunks of food should never be placed in dishwashers without being rinsed off first.
- You shouldn’t also put certain types of items in your dishwasher, including anything with paper labels, printed measuring cups, plates that have been glued back together, wood, aluminum cookware, brass, bronze, or pewter, hand-painted ceramic cookware, antiques, or china with metallic decoration.
How to Fix a Smelly Dishwasher?
Avoiding putting certain items that shouldn’t be in a dishwasher in them is one thing. Removing the food particles that are causing the smell in your dishwasher is another. However, dishwashers can still smell if they haven’t been properly cleaned daily, weekly, and monthly. Therefore, you must follow a regular cleanup routine.
Daily Steps - Remove visible food particles that may be in your dishwasher. Pay attention to the bottom area near the filter where the water goes down the drain. Food usually collects there and has to be taken out when it does, so you have to do this every day.
Weekly Steps - Take a sponge and some appliance cleaner and wipe down the dishwasher's doors, hinges, and handles, making sure to remove any visible food particles or other grime that may have accumulated.
Monthly Steps - It’s a good idea to give your dishwasher a thorough cleaning at least once a month. There are a couple of ways to do this. One is to use a dishwasher cleaner and run it through the dishwasher without any dishes in it. Alternatively, you can go the DIY route by placing a cup of white vinegar on the top rack and running a hot cycle. After that, sprinkle a cup of baking soda on the bottom and run a short wash to help remove odors and stains. Don’t forget to wipe down the door seals, filter, and spray arms, as these areas can also collect grime over time.
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Here’s Your Step-by-Step DIY Dishwasher Cleaning Guide for Deep Cleansing
If you want effective results, you must follow this easy DIY guide for cleaning your dishwasher.
- First of all, gather all the materials you’ll need: white vinegar, baking soda, dish soap, a sponge or cloth, a soft-bristled brush, and a bowl (dishwasher-safe).
- Empty your dishwasher by removing all dishes, utensils, and other items
- Locate the drain filter at the bottom of your dishwasher to remove it for cleaning.
- Rinse the drain filter under hot water and scrub it with dish soap using a soft brush to remove any debris so that no food particles are left behind before reinserting it.
- To clean the spray arms, detach and clear them using a toothpick or small brush. Now, rinse them under warm water.
- Wipe down the racks and gasket seals using a sponge soaked in hot, soapy water.
- Pour vinegar into the dishwasher to neutralize odors and break down buildup. Run hot water after some time.
- After the vinegar cycle, sprinkle baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher and clean it with hot water.
- Leave the door slightly open for some time to allow moisture to escape.
Takeaway - If you follow these easy dishwasher odor removal tips, you should be able to prevent your dishwasher from developing that horrible smell and keep it fresh and clean all the time. However, if it still smells bad, it might be time to call in professionals, as there might be issues like clogged drain hoses or internal mechanical problems.
Calling the Sacramento dishwasher repair services is the best way to enjoy clean dishes without unpleasant odors and prevent future clogging.
Do You Want to Get Rid of Your Smelly Dishwasher? Contact Ace Plumbing for the Best Solutions
Ace Plumbing is a family-owned business serving Sacramento and nearby areas since 1973. With more than 40 years of experience, we can proudly say that we understand your problem and that you can trust us for Sacramento dishwasher repair services.
Not just that, if you are facing any other issues in your plumbing system, heating system, drainage, or air quality, we’re here to help you with effective solutions.
Our guaranteed services are just a call away. We are affordable, so you don’t even need to worry about the budget.
Call us at (916) 455-4548 whenever you need. We are available 24/7.
For more details, feel free to check out these blogs as well.
Is it Time to Replace Your Dishwasher?
Common Dishwasher Issues: Should You Repair or Replace?
Reasons Your Dishwasher May Be Clogged in the Greater Sacramento Area