Dishwasher - Burning Odor, Removing Plastic from Element

To minimize the possibility of electric shock, unplug this appliance from the power supply or turn the house circuit breaker/fuse to the off position before attempting any maintenance or cleaning.Occasionally, a plastic object or a piece of food may fall on the heating element, get hot and melt or burn onto the element. If your dishwasher is newly installed, check for any packing material on the heating element prior to using the dishwasher.If food residue is stuck on the heating element, make sure the element has completely cooled before cleaning the element. Unplug the dishwasher or turn the house circuit breaker/fuse to the off position. You can scrape the food residue off of the element using a non-metallic object such as a wooden spoon or you may be able to wipe it off using a cloth dampened with a detergent (dish soap) and water solution.If a plastic item has started to melt onto the element, carefully clean the item off of the element. Once the melted item is removed, the heating element can be used again. When attempting to remove melted plastic from the element, we recommend that you wear heat-insulated gloves or oven mitts.

Instructions For Removing Melted Plastic On Element

• Dishwasher Models With Mechanical (Dial) Controls
  1. ​Lock the door and advance the Timer/Dial to the Dry cycle. Allow the dishwasher to heat for about 4 minutes. The lower rack can be removed prior to doing this.
  2. Advance the Timer/Dial to the "OFF" position and unlatch the door.
  3. Scrape the plastic off of the element using a non-metallic object such as a wooden spoon. Use caution when scraping. The element will be hot.
• Dishwasher Models With Electronic (Touch Pad) Controls
  1. ​​​​Run the dishwasher through the shortest Wash cycle to get to the Dry cycle. You must select the Heated Dry option along with the Wash cycle. The lower rack can be removed prior to doing this.
  2. After about 4 minutes into the Dry cycle, press the Reset or Cancel pad on the dishwasher to stop the cycle.
  3. Scrape the plastic off of the element using a wooden spoon or other non-metallic object. Use caution when scraping. The element will be hot.

Note: It is possible for plastic items to melt if they come into contact with the heater which may cause smoke and/or an odor. However, the heater is designed such that the surface temperature remains well below the ignition temperature of plastic. The dishwasher has been tested in accordance with U.S. consensus safety standards and this issue does not present a safety concern to users.If the melted plastic cannot be removed or if a burning odor persists, a service appointment may be required. For service, please schedule an appointment with GE Appliances Factory Service.