Dishwasher - Food or Mildew Odor

Dishwashers do not create odors and typically do not retain odors. If you have an odor coming from your dishwasher, check the following tips prior to scheduling repair service.

 

Diagnosing Food or Mildew Odors In a Dishwasher

Dirty Water In the Tub

Dirty water building up between uses may be an installation problem caused by an improperly installed drain hose.

 

  • The drain hose must have a high drain loop or be connected to an air gap.

  • Check the Installation Instructions for installation guidelines for your specific model.

Food Residue

  • Check around the pump inlet screen on the tub bottom for any paper, plastic or other debris that may be blocking the inlet to the pump.

  • Most current dishwasher models feature a fine and ultra fine filter. Please take a look at our Dishwasher - How to Clean Fine and Ultra Fine Filters article for additional assistance.

  • Inspect the spray arm jets. If any jets are blocked, use a small object like a paper clip to loosen the debris blocking the jets. Be careful not to damage the jets in any way, as that will affect wash performance.

  • After checking the pump inlet and spray arm jets, run the dishwasher with a full cup of detergent and no dishes. This should flush out the machine and eliminate the cause of food residue odor.

View a Short Video on Clearing a Blocked Pump

 

Note: Video may not appear if Advertising cookies are blocked. Re-enable Advertising Cookies to view videos.

 

Mildew

Mildew can be wiped from the interior or gasket of the dishwasher with a damp cloth. Running the dishwasher at least once a week can usually prevent mildew, especially if food residue is present.

 

To remove mildew:

 

  1. Mix one gallon of water with 1/2 cup of chlorine bleach, OR mix one gallon of water with 1/2 cup of ammonia. CAUTION: Mixing chlorine bleach and ammonia together will cause toxic fumes. DO NOT mix them together.

  2. Wipe out the interior with a cloth or sponge.

  3. Run the dishwasher through the rinse cycle to remove any residue before loading dishes.

View a Short Video About Causes for Dishwasher Odors

 

Note: Video may not appear if Advertising cookies are blocked. Re-enable Advertising Cookies to view videos.

 

Repair Service Recommended

A dishwasher will not normally retain odors, so odors present for extended periods of time should be considered abnormal. Should service be necessary, please schedule a repair appointment with Bodewell.