5 POSSIBLE REASONS YOUR DISHWASHER SMELLS BAD

WHY DOES MY DISHWASHER SMELL?

If you start to notice a funky smell coming from your dishwasher, you may have one or more of the following problems:

• Dirty drain filter

• Clogged drain

• Food particles trapped in soap scum buildup

• Plastic too close to the heating element

• Mold and mildew growth in gasket seals

Any of these factors could be contributing to why your dishwasher smells bad. Read more to determine what may be the cause of your dishwasher odor and how you can help alleviate it. 

1. DIRTY DISHWASHER FILTER

The most common cause of dishwasher odor is a dirty filter. Food particles can get trapped in your dishwasher’s filter, and without regular cleaning, your filter can start smelling foul. Clogged filters can also recirculate dirty water, causing your dishwasher to not clean properly. Follow the steps below to remove, clean and replace a dishwasher filter.

If it’s time for an upgrade, consider Maytag^® dishwashers with Dual Power Filtration. The system combines 100% microfiltration and a 4-blade stainless steel chopper to filter out then dispose of any food in its path so there's no need for routine maintenance.

TO HELP CLEAN A DIRTY DISHWASHER FILTER:

• Consult your product manual for model-specific filter access/removal instructions.

• Remove the bottom rack from your dishwasher to easily access the filter.

• Unscrew filter and remove, per your user manual instructions.

• Rinse the filter with hot water.

• Return the filter to the dishwasher.

Learn more in this in-depth guide on cleaning your dishwasher filter.

2. CLOGGED DISHWASHER DRAIN

The odor of a clogged dishwasher drain may become overwhelming and should be resolved as soon as possible to avoid a potential leak. In some newer models, dishwashers sound an alarm if the drain line becomes clogged.

TO HELP FIX A CLOGGED DISHWASHER DRAIN:

You may be able to fix your clogged dishwasher with the following steps:

• Empty and unplug the dishwasher.

• Clear away any standing water with towels or a cup.

• Remove and rinse out your dishwasher filter, per your user manual's instructions.

• Check for clogs in the garbage disposal or air gap cylinder. 

If your dishwasher drain is still clogged, professional help may be needed. If you have a Maytag^® dishwasher, contact the Maytag customer care team at 800-344-1274.

3. BUILDUP FROM FOOD PARTICLES AND SOAP SCUM

Just like your shower, your dishwasher can build up a layer of soap scum over time. Soap scum acts like a glue trap for food particles, and without regular cleaning, this buildup can make your dishwasher smell bad. The particles cling together with the soap scum instead of rinsing down the drain, which may cause a foul odor in your appliance. Thankfully, you can clean the interior of your dishwasher in a single cleaning cycle with a dishwasher cleaner like like affresh^® Dishwasher Cleaner tablets¹ or distilled white vinegar. The acidity of white vinegar is an excellent neutralizer for dishwasher odors. You can also use white vinegar to clean glasses that have gotten cloudy from your dishwasher.

TO HELP WITH SOAP SCUM BUILDUP:

• Add a dishwasher cleaner tablet to the detergent dispenser, then run a Normal wash cycle without dishes.

• Alternatively, pour two cups of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe bowl and place it on the bottom rack of your empty dishwasher. Don’t add detergent.

• Run the empty dishwasher on a normal cycle. 

• Opt for an air dry rather than a heated dry.

NOTE: Frequent use of vinegar, being acidic, could potentially harm your dishwasher. It’s better to only use it when you need to deep clean your dishwasher. deeply. For more information, read the Product Help page.

4. PLASTIC ITEMS ARE TOO CLOSE TO THE DISHWASHER HEATING ELEMENT

Most dishwashers have a heating element that is used to heat up water and to speed up moisture removal from your dishes and your appliance’s interior. If you notice a burning plastic smell coming from your dishwasher while it is in use, it could be the case that plastic has come into contact with the heating element. This can happen when a loose food container lid or a piece of plastic silverware falls through the rack and onto the heater during the drying process.

TO HELP WITH BURNING PLASTIC SMELLS:

When you notice the smell of burning plastic, stop the cycle and wait for the heating element to cool off, then remove the plastic object. Be sure to only wash dishwasher-safe plastic items in the dishwasher and to place these objects on the top rack. When loading your dishwasher, make sure each item is securely in place to help avoid dishes becoming loose.

5. MOLDY DOOR GASKET SEAL

With all of the moisture and heat that your dishwasher produces, it is possible for mold and mildew to take up residence without regular cleaning. A common area for mold to grow is inside the lips of the gasket seal. If your dishwasher smells bad, be sure to inspect the seals of the door.

TO HELP WITH A MOLDY GASKET SEAL:

Use a clean sponge and warm, soapy water to clean the buildup on the gasket seals. Then, wipe the gasket seals dry with a clean rag.

HOW TO ELIMINATE ODOR IN YOUR DISHWASHER

Regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial for helping to eliminate odors in your dishwasher. Follow these steps to help keep your dishwasher smelling fresh. Remember to refill your Rinse Aid dispenser routinely after these steps to help enhance your dishwasher's performance.

HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR DISHWASHER SMELLING FRESH?

The best way to help prevent a smelly dishwasher is with regular cleaning. You can help prevent a smelly dishwasher by picking up a few simple cleaning habits, like making sure the filter is maintained, loading dishes correctly and utilizing dishwasher cleaners.

• Clean your dishwasher filter regularly to help stave off food particle collection.

• Avoid overstuffing dishwasher racks to help ensure water and soap can pass through each dish and help break down food debris.

• Use dishwasher cleaners like affresh^® Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets¹ to help reduce odor causing residues.