Improper pre-washing can cause dishwasher odors.
The dishwasher is a boon to busy families with little time for everyday household chores. Even children can learn to load, run and unload the dishwasher, making it easy to provide sanitary dishes and utensils quickly and efficiently. Dishwashers can develop a number of problems, however, such as unpleasant smells that linger in the machine. Finding the right solution for these smell problems will keep your dishwasher running smoothly week after week.
Proper Dishwasher Maintenance
Keeping your dishwasher smelling fresh and clean requires a little attention to the internal filters, baskets and other surfaces inside the machine. Particles of food left on dirty dishes can clog the small water filters at the bottom of the machine, according to the HomeWarrantiesReview site. Also, nesting silverware too close together can cause incomplete washing and food particles left in the small holes of the flatware baskets in the machine. Using too much dishwasher detergent can leave a residue on the sides and bottom of the tub that can linger and cause odors. Always use detergent recommended by your dishwasher manufacturer for the best results on your dishes and the least amount of trouble with your machine.
Causes of Dishwasher Smells
Though many manufacturers tout the power of their machines with no need to pre-wash dishes, food particles can wash off dishware surfaces and cling to the interior of the machine or clog the filtering system. These particles can then begin to decompose in your machine, giving off unpleasant odors that permeate through the entire kitchen. Dishwasher hoses can also clog with grease and food particles, causing odors. Even water softeners connected to your dishwasher can malfunction and cause odors in the machine, according to the Repair2000 website. Dishwashers left unused for a few days or weeks can also develop odors from residues left on surfaces and in filters.
Solving Dishwasher Odor Problems
If you have a bad smell coming from your dishwasher, check the most common sources of odors. Consult your manufacturer's manual to locate the water filters in your dishwasher tub. Remove these and clean carefully. Ensure that all hoses connected to the dishwasher are clear of blockages. Clean the flatware baskets, inside walls and floor of the tub, carefully removing any dried-on debris.
Baking Soda Treatment
To remove odors from the dishwasher, place an open cup of baking soda on the top shelf and close the machine. Allow the deodorizing action of the baking soda to work overnight in the closed machine. The next day, remove the baking soda and run a normal cycle.
Vinegar For Odor Removal
Common vinegar can also remove odors from the dishwasher. Pour 1 gallon of vinegar in the bottom of the machine and allow it to sit for an hour. Run the machine in a normal cycle. This removes odors as well as lime deposits from hard water.
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