If your dishwasher smells bad after a cycle, it usually means food debris or dirty water got trapped during the wash. Most of the time, it’s not dangerous yet — but if ignored, it can turn into a serious problem.
1. Quick safety scan (10–30 seconds)
- Smell burning or melting plastic?
- See water around outlets or wiring?
- Hear grinding or high-pitched squealing?
- Is the control panel unusually warm or hot?
2. Main reasons dishwashers start to smell
- Food debris stuck in filter or drain
- Dirty water sitting for hours after the cycle
- High heat + bacteria buildup
- Clogged spray arms
- Grease around door gasket
3. Filter & drain cleaning checklist
- Remove the lower rack
- Take out the filter and rinse under warm water
- Clean around drain area — labels / plastic / food bits?
- Wipe gasket around door
- Run a hot cleaning cycle using a dishwasher cleaner tablet
Helpful items for smelly dishwashers
- Dishwasher cleaner tablets
- Filter & gasket cleaning brush
- Lemon-based odor remover
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4. Prevent smells from coming back
- Scrape heavy food before loading dishes
- Clean filter monthly
- Use dishwasher cleaner 1–3 months
- Keep a copy of your manual in one spot
5. When to stop and call a professional
Call a technician if you notice:
- Burning smell or melted plastic
- Breaker trips repeatedly
- Scorch marks or heat near control panel
- Blockage you can't reach without opening sealed panels
Soon, FixifyHome will include a “Check my dishwasher smell issue” tool to help you decide whether a technician is required.
6. FAQ – dishwasher smells
Can I keep using the dishwasher?
If nothing smells burnt, usage isn’t dangerous — but cleaning is strongly recommended before continuing.
Will unplugging fix the smell?
No. You must clean filter, drain, gasket, and run a hot cleaning cycle.
How often should I clear the smell?
Every 1–3 months depending on how often it’s used.