Dishwasher smells bad: causes and how to get rid of the smell
A bad smell from a dishwasher usually comes from food residue and grease. Electrolux notes that every dishwasher builds up grease and soil over time and needs regular cleaning. Bosch adds that odours are absorbed especially by plastic parts.
Most often the smell goes after cleaning the filter and the door seal and running a hot cleaning programme. If it smells of sewage or water is left in the machine after a cycle, check the drain.
Likely causes
- a dirty filter: food gets trapped and water drains poorly — the dishes come out less clean and a smell develops (Bosch);
- grease and soil around the door seal and the door edge, behind the racks and on the runners — wash water does not reach there (Electrolux);
- a blocked drain, drain hose or household plumbing: dirty water does not leave completely (Electrolux);
- dirty spray arms;
- large food scraps left on the dishes when loading;
- washing only on low-temperature programmes — Bosch advises choosing a higher-temperature programme from time to time.
Safe steps you can try
- Clean the filter: take out the bottom rack, unlock the filter at the base and take it apart — unscrew the cylindrical filter first. Rinse the parts under running water with a soft brush; do not use anything abrasive (Bosch).
- Check that no food is left in the sump under the filter or around it (Electrolux), then twist the filter back in until the arrows line up.
- Wipe the inside once a week, especially the door seal and the door edge — as Electrolux advises. Wipe behind the racks too.
- Check the spray arms: the holes should be clear.
- Check the drain hose: it must not be kinked or blocked. If the sink trap or household drain is blocked, clear that first.
- Clean the machine. Bosch advises doing this every 4–6 months: make sure the filter is clean, run a programme of at least 65 °C, pause it after 30 minutes, add a dishwasher cleaner and let the cycle finish. Electrolux advises a dishwasher cleaning product at least once every two months, or the care programme (Machine Care) if your machine has one.
- Scrape large food scraps off the dishes before loading (Electrolux) and choose a higher-temperature programme now and then (Bosch).
When to call a technician
Call a technician if the smell stays after cleaning the filter and spray arms and running a cleaning programme, if water is left in the machine after a cycle, or if it smells of sewage while the sink trap and hose are clear. The internal hoses may be blocked or the drain pump may be faulty. If you smell burning, unplug the machine and do not use it until it has been checked.
A MasService technician will check the drain, the pump and the hoses and name the price before starting.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I clean the dishwasher filter?
Electrolux advises cleaning the filters regularly and wiping the inside once a week, especially the door seal and the door edge. It is convenient to check the filter on the same day, and whenever water starts draining slowly.
Does a cleaning programme help?
Yes. Bosch advises a programme of at least 65 °C with a cleaner every 4–6 months, and Electrolux a dishwasher cleaning product at least once every two months. According to Electrolux, the Machine Care programme removes limescale and grease.
Why does my dishwasher smell of sewage?
Usually dirty water is not leaving completely: the filter, drain hose, sink trap or household drain is blocked. Electrolux warns that bad odours will result if the drain is not clear.
Other faults
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