Washing dishes has never been easier, thanks to modern dishwashers, which reduce the time it takes to clean up a kitchen after a meal. You can prioritize handwash-only items and start relaxing sooner. Of course, it can be very discouraging when you suddenly start to smell a foul odor coming from the dishwasher.

This smell might resemble rotten eggs, sewage, or even mold. As tempted as you might be to ignore it and hope it fades away on its own, the odor is actually a sign of a potentially bigger problem with your dishwasher. Keep reading this blog to learn the possible source of this awful stench before the situation gets out of control.

Why Is There A Foul Odor Coming From The Dishwasher?

It’s not easy to determine why a foul odor is coming from the dishwasher in the first place. Hopefully, exploring these eight possible causes will allow you to solve the problem as soon as possible.

1. Dirty Or Clogged Drain Filter

The first potential source of the foul odor coming from the dishwasher is a dirty or clogged drain filter. If the odor in question resembles rotten food or can be described as fishy, then your dirty or clogged drain filter is the most likely culprit. Use your dishwasher’s user manual to locate the drain filter and proceed to clean and/or unclog it. Hopefully, this procedure will get rid of the stench once and for all.

2. Food-Waste Buildup In Other Parts Of The Machine

Food can also get trapped in parts of your dishwasher that aren’t your filter, like the spray nozzles or utensil basket. For this reason, it’s important to thoroughly inspect your dishwasher after a cycle to clean out any residual food particles. Leaving those particles trapped can reduce the cleanliness of your dishes, especially if they are allowed to continue building up over time.

3. Mold And Mildew From Poor Drainage And/Or Maintenance

A moldy smell from your dishwasher is likely indicative of the presence of mold or mildew itself. The gasket seals can track a lot of moisture, especially if the drainage is insufficient, allowing the buildup of moisture to result in mold or mildew growth. Failing to properly clean and maintain your dishwasher can also lead to mold and mildew appearing in it. The moment you sense that smell or visibly notice its presence, call a technician to get rid of it urgently.

4. Poorly Connected Drain Hose

Whether it was a poorly executed installation or a botched DIY repair attempt, an improperly connected drain hose can lead to dirty water flowing back into the dishwasher. As a result, your dishwasher starts producing a foul stench. If you suspect the drain hose to be the source, have a professional clean it and reconnect or replace it. In fact, you should ensure that your dishwasher gets checked out by a professional to see if it was installed properly. If it wasn’t, then the poor installation might be the reason why you’re dealing with a foul odor coming from the dishwasher.

5. Standing Water

Speaking of improper draining, you shouldn’t ignore standing water in your dishwasher or sink. Neglecting this problem will allow bacteria to grow and thrive in your kitchen, producing the foul odor that’s coming from your dishwasher. That’s why you should troubleshoot, then call for assistance if you notice standing water in your appliances.

6. Malfunctioning Internal Water Filtering System

If you are someone who keeps their dishwasher regularly cleaned and maintained, the source of the odor is likely the internal water filtering system. In other words, it’s not you; it’s the faltering ability of your dishwasher’s water filtering system to work properly. When this happens, it’s time to replace the water filter.

7. Leaks

Sometimes, the source of the foul odor coming from the dishwasher is simply a leak. Leaks can be a result of any number of issues your dishwasher is facing. Usually, the smell will be musty if you’re dealing with a leaky dishwasher. If there is a leak, use towels to trap any water and refrain from using the dishwasher until a technician can get on the case.

8. Clogged Garbage Disposal Hose

It’s essential to remember that not everything can be put into the garbage disposal. If you put all your scraps down this device, the garbage disposal hose will clog, leading to many problems, including a disgusting smell. Being mindful of what you put into your garbage disposal will prevent clogging and reduce the chances of a foul odor coming from the dishwasher.

Fix Your Dishwasher With Appliance Repair Carrollton!

Now that you know about these eight possible sources behind the foul odor coming from the dishwasher, you can properly address the problem and return your dishwasher to working order. Some fixes can easily be resolved with your own troubleshooting and cleaning. Others, however, require professional attention. For dishwasher problems that require a technician, contact us today at Appliance Repair Carrollton.