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Why does a dishwasher smell like sewage or burning plastic, and what to do to fix it? Dishwasher smells of burning plastic or raw sewage are dangerous signs. Burning smells could be due to friction or electrical shortages that could cause a fire. The smell of rotten eggs or a fishy smell and a dishwasher that smells like a sewer could be due to mould build-up in your dishwasher or backed-up pipes.
Suppose you’re wondering what to do when your dishwasher smells because you are sick of fish smells. In that case, there are several different issues that you need to take into consideration.
You may be able to clean a dishwasher that smells bad on your own, or you could face more difficult repair or replacement. Identify the symptoms before doing any work, and you will be on your way to fixing that burning or mouldy smell.
Why Does it Smell Very Bad?
For a dishwasher that smells like sewage or burning, there are signs that you can check for to make a quality repair. No one wants a dishwasher that always smells. Take the time to review this list of common problems facing your dishwasher before deciding which action to take.
Dirty Filter
The filter at the bottom of the dishwasher basin filters out large food particles from entering the drain pipe. Filtering those and another organic matter is important because it stops the drain from getting clogged.
However, a drain filter on a dishwasher will get filled with old and decaying particles after several washes. The dirty filter on your dishwasher can begin to mildew and cause the dishwasher that smells bad between washes.
Bent Drain Hose
The drain hose from your dishwasher into the plumbing under your sink needs proper flow. If the hose is bent or turned, it causes the dishwasher’s wastewater enters the dishwasher basin. A bent drain hose may even cause a new dishwasher to smell bad. Dirty backflow water may sit in your dishwasher basin and begin to mould or mildew.
Drain Hose Too Low
The drain hose for your dishwasher has an uphill climb into the plumbing under your sink. The pressure of the water can force most wastewater out of the appliance. If the hose is positioned too low under the sink, there will be backflow into the dishwasher basin.
This water may contain food particles that rot or mildew. If the drain hose is too low under your sink, you will surely get bad smells.
Clogged Sprayer Arm
The sprayer arm is where water comes from the water inlet and sprays onto your dishes. The sprayer arm also spins on an axis at high speeds as it sprays. This rotation can cause a dishwasher that smells burnt if the sprayer arm is clogged.
Without the free motion to spin, the plastic around the sprayer arm gets put under immense pressure. This pressure and friction cause the dishwasher to smell like burning plastic.
A burning plastic smell is a bad sign that your sprayer arm is causing too much friction and may fail soon.
Top Steps to Do When Smells Bad
If you have identified the possible reason why your dishwasher smells terrible and are wondering what to do if your dishwasher smells, this section has actions you can take. Many of them are easy and require no tools or special chemicals. Ensure that you follow the instructions on bottles however if any household cleaners get used alongside the suggestions below.
Clean Filter
The water filter at the bottom of the dishwasher collects all of the solid food particles and waste from your dishes during washing cycles. It would help if you started with the filter to clean a dishwasher that smells bad when running.
Make sure you remove a dishwasher filter from the bottom of the unit. Use a brush or cloth to remove excess food particles from the filter inside and outside. Run under warm water in your sink. Replace the filter by screwing it into place at the bottom of the basin.
Use Vinegar
Another way to clean out the basin, filter, and drain hose of your dishwasher is by using household vinegar. You want to use vinegar if the bad wet dog smell is coming out of the vent in the dishwasher, which means it is more than just the filter that smells.
Make sure to empty the dishwasher, clean any detergent residue from the basin, and filter. The chlorine in detergent can mix with vinegar and create a toxic gas.
Let the vinegar sit for several minutes, and then run a rinse cycle on your dishwasher.
Straighten the Drain Hose
The drain hose is probably attached to the underside of the sink or countertop. However, it usually comes from a hole in the cabinet from the dishwasher machine and into the plumbing. This drain hose may be too long and can have an excess length that gets bent or kinked.
Visually and physically check the hose while the machine is running, watering is flowing, and when it is empty. Loosen and secure any section of the nose that is bent.
Attach Drain Hose Higher Up
For the drain hose to drain correctly from the dishwasher into the plumbing, it must be about ten inches above the pipe entrance. It is attaching the drain hose above the drain pipe, and plumbing limits dirty water’s backflow into the dishwasher.
Ensure hooks or ties are on the ceiling under your sink. Tie or secure the hose onto these places so that it is up and above the drainage pipe and garbage disposal a minimum of ten inches.
Clean or Replace Sprayer Arm
If the dishwasher smells hot, it could be the sprayer arm you need to investigate and clean or replace.
The sprayer arm will tend to heat the connection where it spins if it is dirty or old. Make sure there is no debris in the way of the spinning arm. If the arm connection place is clean, buy a replacement and install it by locking it into place. This action is most likely going to fix a dishwasher that smells burnt.
Best Reasons To Choose MAAR24
As an appliance repair company, our technicians work tirelessly to put your appliances back in working condition and get your life back to normal. We understand the hassle that appliance repair and replacement cause and will work with you every step of the way to ensure that you get provided with the best dishwasher repair services.
Some of the best reasons to choose MAAR24 for your next appliance repair are listed below:
- Same-day service for all major appliances
- 15 years of experience providing excellent service
- 7-times Winner of the HomeStars Award
- A TSSA-certified gas appliance contractor
- 90 days satisfaction guarantee
- FREE house calls with a repair
