Have you noticed an odor coming from your dishwasher? When it’s full of dirty dishes, that may be normal. But if it stinks after you run it or when it’s empty, it may indicate a problem. You don’t want to wash your dishes in a smelly dishwasher because you’re not sure they’re getting clean. And you wouldn’t want to offer a guest a drink and serve it in a smelly glass.
So why does my dishwasher stink and what can be done about it? There are a few different options for freshening up your dishwasher.
Run a Cycle with Dishwasher Cleaner
After a lot of use, dishwashers get dirty. They can also grow mold and mildew from being wet all the time. There are a variety of different dishwasher cleaning products available. These are specifically made to clean your dishwasher, not your dishes. Some are liquids, some are tablets, others are powder or crystals.
Follow the directions on the cleaning product packaging for how to use it. Some go in the detergent dispenser, others go in the silverware basket, and some you just toss in the bottom of the machine. Apply the cleaning product and run a cycle (without dishes) according to the directions. This should freshen up your machine.
Use Vinegar for a Cleaning Cycle
Another option for cleaning dishwashers is vinegar because it is natural and non-toxic. It is highly acidic, which gives it strong cleaning power and you don’t have to worry about residue from harsh cleaners remaining in your dishwasher and contaminating your dishes in the next cycle. Simply fill a glass dish with vinegar and set it in the top rack for a cycle without any other dishes.
Check Your Dishwasher Drain
Dishwashers have a drain filter in the bottom that collects food particles so they don’t clog up your drainage pipes. If your dishwasher stinks, there’s a good chance that’s where it is coming from. When food particles build up in the drain filter it can cause your dishwasher to fail to drain properly, leaving water sitting in the bottom of the dishwasher growing mold and mildew.
It is possible to clean out this drain filter by removing it. The filter is usually a plastic piece with holes or slits that is attached to the bottom with screws. If you remove this piece you can clean out the food particles and other debris that has collected underneath.
What If the Smell Persists?
If you’ve done all of the above and your dishwasher still smells or fails to drain properly, you may have a problem that requires professional attention. The most likely cause of a smelly dishwasher is a drainage problem. Water constantly sitting in your dishwasher causes mold and mildew to grow in all of the small spaces that can’t be seen.
Call an appliance repair service that has experience with dishwashers. An appliance repair technician can inspect your dishwasher and locate the source of the problem. If it can be repaired, they will know how to do so.
Plagued by a Smelly Dishwasher? America’s Appliance Repair Can Help
Do you have a stinky dishwasher that you can’t seem to freshen up? Have you started to think that getting a new dishwasher is your only option? Don’t give up on your current dishwasher yet. America’s Appliance Repair has plenty of experience with solving people’s stinky dishwasher debacles. We can get to the bottom of the issue and determine what is causing the smell, then repair or eliminate the problem so that your dishwasher will stay fresh and clean.
America’s Appliance Repair provides dishwasher repair in Austin, Texas and the surrounding area. We also service a wide range of other household appliances.
Call 800-639-9340 or contact us to schedule a service appointment. We look forward to restoring your household appliances to excellent working condition.
