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There’s nothing worse than opening your dishwasher expecting a fresh, clean scent, only to be greeted by a foul odour. If your dishwasher smells bad, musty, or even like rotten eggs or burning plastic, it’s more than just unpleasant, it’s a sign that something in your appliance needs attention. At Canada Appliance Services, we specialize in identifying and fixing the root causes of these issues. Whether you’re tackling it yourself or ready to skip the hassle and book a service call, we’re here to help. Here’s how to deal with even the worst dishwasher smells, from musty buildup to dangerous burning odours:
What Bad Dishwasher Smells Can Tell You
Not all dishwasher smells are created equal. Each type of odour hints at a different problem, and recognizing the smell is the first step in solving it.
- A musty smell from the dishwasher often points to mold or mildew.
- A burning smell in the dishwasher may indicate electrical issues or melted plastic components.
- A dishwasher that smells like sewage or rotten eggs usually signals trapped food particles or a clogged drain line.
These odours aren’t just offensive, they are warning signs that your dishwasher needs professional attention.
Identifying the Root Causes Behind Persistent Odours
To eliminate the odour from your dishwasher, you need to understand where it’s coming from. The most common culprits include:
- Food debris buildup in filters, spray arms, or the bottom of the tub.
- Grease and soap scum forming a film that traps bacteria.
- Standing water that isn’t draining properly.
- Worn-out seals and gaskets collecting grime. Faulty heating elements causing a dishwasher burning smell.
If left unaddressed, these issues can get worse, even damaging internal components.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Dishwasher That Smells
The best way to tackle a dishwasher smell is with a thorough deep clean. Here’s how to do it:
Clean the Filter: Remove and rinse your filter under hot water. Use a soft brush to scrub away food particles.
Scrub the Spray Arms: Pop them out and run water through the holes to dislodge trapped debris. If needed, use a toothpick to clear stubborn blockages.
Wipe the Door Seal: The rubber gasket is a hidden hotspot for mold. Wipe it clean using a vinegar-water solution.
Deodorize with Baking Soda and Vinegar: Place a bowl of white vinegar on the top rack and run a hot cycle. Then sprinkle baking soda along the bottom and run a short wash. This DIY dishwasher deodorizer combo is both effective and affordable.
By following this guide, you’re not just improving smell, you’re extending the lifespan of your appliance.
Long-Term Odour Removal and Prevention
If you’re wondering how to get rid of dishwasher odour permanently, the answer lies in dishwasher odour removal habits. Here’s how to keep odours away long term:
- Rinse off large food scraps before loading.
- Run hot water in the sink before starting a cycle to ensure optimal temperature.
- Use a rinse aid to prevent buildup.
- Clean the dishwasher interior monthly, even if it doesn’t seem dirty.
When it comes to how to clean a dishwasher that smells, prevention is your best friend.
Addressing Alarming Odours: Burning, Rotten Eggs, and Sewage
If your dishwasher smells like sewage or you notice a dishwasher burning smell, stop using it immediately. These are not routine cleaning problems, they may signal serious internal issues such as:
- Clogged drain lines or garbage disposal backflow
- Melted wiring or plastic components
- Drain pump failure
- Electrical overheating
Please note, trying to DIY these repairs could be dangerous or void your warranty. It’s time to book an appointment with the pros.
When Musty Dishwasher Smells Won’t Go Away
Even after a thorough cleaning, if your dishwasher smells musty, there may be deeper issues at play. Musty odours are often caused by moisture buildup in hidden areas, creating a breeding ground for mould and mildew. While you might clean the visible parts of your appliance, bacteria and fungi can lurk behind the control panel, beneath the filter, or inside the hose lines; places you simply can’t reach without taking the unit apart. Other causes for odour may be:
Poor Kitchen Ventilation: If your appliance doesn’t fully dry between cycles. Over time, this trapped moisture leads to a stale, damp smell that returns again and again, no matter how much vinegar or baking soda you use.
Worn-out Gaskets and Rubber Seals: These components lose their flexibility over time, allowing moisture and grime to accumulate in the crevices. Once mildew settles into these areas, it’s incredibly difficult to remove without replacing the part entirely.
If you’ve tried everything and the dishwasher smell still persists, it’s time to bring in a professional. At Canada Appliance Services, our dishwasher technicians can safely dismantle the appliance, inspect hidden components, and perform a deep clean from the inside out. We’ll also assess whether key parts like seals, hoses, or vents need replacing to fully resolve the issue. Don’t keep masking the problem with deodorizers-book a service call today and get lasting relief from that stubborn musty smell.
The Benefits of a Professional Dishwasher Cleaning & Inspection
If your dishwasher smells and you’ve already tried cleaning it, it may be time to bring in a specialist. Yes, you can do a lot yourself, but professional service can uncover what DIY cleaning can’t. At Canada Appliance Services, we offer quick and reliable diagnosis for any dishwasher smell, whether it’s musty, burnt, or foul. Don’t wait until a simple smell from the dishwasher becomes a costly breakdown. We go beyond surface-level fixes to ensure complete dishwasher odour removal, including:
- Interior inspections for hidden mold
- Electrical component checks (especially if there’s a burning smell in the dishwasher)
- Drainage system cleaning
- Seal and gasket replacement
Our expert technicians will not only get rid of the dishwasher smell, they’ll make sure it doesn’t come back.
