Buzz
An in-depth guide to eliminating dishwasher odors
Standing water, food accumulation, or a blocked drain or filter are common culprits behind that foul, sewage-like odor. We’ll help you identify the exact issue, whether your dishwasher is brand new or has been in use for years, and offer solutions with expert tips from cleaning professionals. We’ll also share advice on how to prevent the smell from returning and when to reach out for professional assistance.
What causes my dishwasher to smell like sewage?
A damaged or poorly installed drain hose, along with food build-up in the drain or filters, can trap dirty water, resulting in a backflow that brings a rotten sewage-like stench into your dishwasher. Additionally, food residue on the door seal, spray arms, or racks may also be the source of the unpleasant smell.
Steps
Why is there a sewage-like odor in your dishwasher?
A blocked filter, drain, or hose can result in a sewage smell. Dirty water is the primary culprit behind the sewage odor. When your filter, drain, or hose becomes obstructed, dirty water accumulates in your dishwasher or hose, leading to a foul stench. Food particles can clog the filter, preventing proper drainage and intensifying the smell.
- The odor can also cling to your dishes, causing them to smell like sewage.
- If there’s insufficient room for an air gap in your drain hose, wastewater might flow back into the dishwasher, further exacerbating the smell.
If a new dishwasher smells like sewage, the drain hose could be faulty. An incorrectly installed or unlevel drain hose may not provide enough space for the air gap, which is essential for keeping dirty water out of your dishwasher. Without this air gap, water that should have been drained can flow back into the dishwasher, resulting in the sewage smell.
How to Eliminate a Sewage Odor from Your Dishwasher
Thoroughly clean the filter and drain. Start by removing the bottom rack to access the small round filter and twist it counterclockwise to remove it. Then, take out the mesh filter at the bottom of the dishwasher. Use a bottle brush to remove any food buildup. Soak both filters in hot, soapy water, and then clean the drain surrounding the filter.
- Food debris often gets trapped in the drain, so be vigilant and remove any visible particles.
- Clean deep into the crevices to ensure no debris is left behind.
- If you have a self-cleaning filter, check it daily for food debris and rinse as necessary.
Drain your dishwasher and clear the drain hose. Start by removing any remaining water from the dishwasher using a cup, towel, or a wet/dry shop vac if it hasn’t drained properly. To disconnect the drain hose, unscrew the bottom panel of your dishwasher and locate the hose. After finding it, trace it to the point where it connects to the pump, place a bowl or pan underneath to catch any water, and then remove the hose. Once removed, insert and withdraw a drain snake to clear any blockages.
- If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, contact a plumber to snake the drain, remove the clog, and offer advice for future prevention.
- If the smell persists after cleaning your new dishwasher, reach out to the manufacturer for additional support.
Deep clean the interior with soapy water and vinegar. Remove the racks and spray arms, then mix a solution of hot soapy water and vinegar for soaking. Let the parts soak to eliminate hidden bacteria. Clean the spray arms by wiping away any built-up residue. Spray the interior with a cleaning solution and wipe it down using a brush or cloth.
- Don’t forget to wipe down the door seal to remove any food buildup.
- Examine the spray arm holes for clogs and clean them accordingly.
- To tackle any scum, mix 2 cups (240 grams) of baking soda with 3 tablespoons (45 mL) of hydrogen peroxide, apply it to the interior, and scrub.
- Double-check the salt and rinse aid levels to ensure your dishwasher is operating efficiently.
Run a cycle with vinegar, followed by one with baking soda, and repeat if necessary. James Sears, a cleaning expert, advises filling a dishwasher-safe bowl with distilled white vinegar and placing it on the top rack of your empty dishwasher, then running a hot cycle. Once done, remove the bowl, sprinkle baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher, and let it sit for several hours. Raymond Chiu, another expert, suggests running a quick, hot cycle for the baking soda step.
- If the sewage smell persists, repeat the process.
- Refer to your dishwasher manual before using vinegar, as some manufacturers might advise against it.
- Be careful when handling the bowl of vinegar—it will be very hot!
Preventing the Sewage Smell from Returning
Clean your dishwasher every month and focus on areas prone to food buildup. Monthly, soak and clean the racks, filter, and spray arms. Wipe down the interior with a cleaning solution and cloth, and check areas that are prone to food accumulation, such as the seals and drain.
- Chris Willatt, a cleaning expert, recommends a deep clean every six months and cleaning the filter once a month, especially if you live in an area with hard water.
- Repeat the baking soda and vinegar cleaning method monthly to prevent buildup.
- Remove food debris from dishes before loading to prevent clogging the filter and causing the sewage smell to return.
EXPERT ADVICE
James Sears
Professional House Cleaner
Professional House Cleaner
Lemon is a great natural cleaner for your dishwasher. The acidity of lemon juice or a sliced lemon helps to eliminate stains and buildup, keeping your dishwasher fresh. Much like vinegar, lemon is an effective home-cleaning agent.
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If your dishwasher has a burning plastic smell, check for plastic utensils that may have fallen and melted when in contact with the heating element. Be sure to inspect the racks as well.
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If there is no melting plastic, but the burning smell persists, it could be a problem with the internal wiring of the dishwasher.
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Always refer to your dishwasher’s manual for specific care and cleaning instructions to prevent issues like these.
