Have you ever innocently opened your dishwasher only to be hit by a repugnant odor so overwhelming that it makes you instinctively cover your nose? It’s quite an unpleasant surprise, isn’t it? It’s as though the foul scent of rotten eggs is assaulting your senses, compelling you to make it your main priority to get rid of this appalling stench emanating from this disagreeable appliance. For assistance with this persistent problem, consult this handy guide.
Reasons For Smelly Dishwasher
If you’ve ever opened the door of your dishwasher and been welcomed by an unpleasant odor, you know how frustrating it can be. Fortunately, there are several ways to avoid a smelly dishwasher. Here are some common causes of a smelly dishwasher:
A. Smelly dishwasher due to visible debris
>>Food residue
Food residue can be a major cause of a smelly dishwasher. It can clog the drain and prevent water from draining out, which will increase the likelihood of mold growth in your dishwasher. Additionally, food residue that is not removed from dishes before they are placed in a dishwasher can cause odor problems as well as damage to your machine.
>>Dishwasher detergent
Using the incorrect type of dishwasher detergent may affect the odor coming from your dishwasher. Also, using too much can cause over-bubbling and leave residue behind, which can lead to a smelly dishwasher. So make sure that these two factors don’t happen when loading up your dishes before turning on your washer!
B. Smelly dishwasher due to microscopic particles
>>Fungus
Mold grows on food residue, a common problem in your dishwasher. This is a fungus that grows in damp, dark places like your dishwasher’s filter and tub. It can cause allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory problems (and is fatal to those with weakened immune systems).
>>Bacteria
Bacteria are organisms that grow in warm, moist environments, including your dishwasher! These external microbes can make an environment smell like garbage is fermenting inside it because they eat all that organic matter up as fuel for their own growth processes. They’ll even break down any soap residue left behind by previous wash cycles into a sticky mess called scum.
Steps To Fix Smelly Dishwasher In A Professional Way
If you’re noticing an odd smell coming from your dishwasher, don’t worry! Dishwashers can often get smelly for a variety of reasons, but these are all issues that can be fixed using the steps below.
Step 1: Check the filter
The filter should be cleaned regularly. If you suspect that the filter is blocked, you should check it. If a clog is found in the filter, you must remove it with pliers or tweezers. You can also use dishwasher cleaning tablets to clean out any debris before running a wash cycle again.
Warming up your dishes before putting them in the washer will help reduce their smell and grease content, which makes them less likely to leave stains on other dishes or inside your dishwasher itself.
Step 2: Remove all water from the machine
- With the dishwasher unplugged and the door open, remove all racks, dishes, and utensils.
- Next, open the drain hose and flush out any remaining water that may be inside it. Once you’ve done this, dry out any excess moisture from the inside of your dishwasher.
- Then put everything back together in reverse order.
Step 3: Check the drain hose
Check the drain hose for clogs. If you have an older dishwasher, you may notice a build-up of food residue on the hose that leads to the garbage disposal or sink. You can clean this by following these steps:
- Remove any built-up gunk. Use a long, thin object like a chopstick or toothpick to dislodge any clogs that might be stuck in your drain hose. Be careful not to damage the tubing while doing so (it’s delicate).
- Apply dishwasher cleaner if necessary then wait for it to dry before reinstalling your hoses back into place!
- Make sure they’re securely fastened so there is no chance of leaks anywhere along their length. Otherwise, not only will water leak out but also mold may grow inside where no one can see it happening.
Step 4: Rubber gasket and door seals
The rubber gasket between the door and the cabinet should be cleaned as well. Remove it, and clean both sides with warm water, making sure to get in all of the crevices. Once it is clean, replace it on top of your dishwasher and run a cycle to test that everything is working properly.
Best Way To Fix Smelly Dishwasher
If you have a smelly dishwasher, the best thing to do is not try to fix it yourself. You should always call an appliance repair professional when dealing with a problem dishwasher. A repairman can inspect the situation, identify the root cause of the problem, and fix it in much less time than if you tried to do it on your own.
If you’re not sure if you can fix your smelly dishwasher on your own, we encourage you to book an appointment with a professional. Dishwashers are fairly simple devices, but sometimes something can go wrong, and the smell becomes so bad that it seems impossible for them to become clean again.
So before making things worse (and breaking your dishwasher), contact the number displayed below, or just click here to check our complete list of services! With just one call, our professionals will attend to your concern.
Grab your phone, and book a consultation with us now!
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