Dishwasher Smells Bad

If you’ve ever loaded up your dishwasher and been greeted by a rank, musty, or actually rotten smell, you’re not alone. We get complaints on a regular basis about this one. A smelly dishwasher does not always equal a faulty dishwasher, but it’s attempting to inform you of something being out of place.

At Just Call Appliance Repair, we’ve worked with hundreds of homeowners in Charlotte with dishwasher smells that just won’t go away. The silver lining? In most instances, the fix is easier than you might imagine. Let’s walk through why it’s causing that smell and how you can stop it.

Why Does My Dishwasher Smell?

Here are the most common reasons your dishwasher might stink, even if it looks clean from the outside:

1. There’s old food stuck somewhere inside

Food particles don’t always go down the drain. Some get caught in the filter, along the bottom, or even stuck inside the spray arms. Over time, they break down and start to smell like a wet garbage bin.

2. The filter hasn’t been cleaned in a while

Your dishwasher’s filter needs regular cleaning. If it’s clogged, it can’t trap new debris effectively and starts to smell. This is often the first place we check on a service call.

3. There’s grease or gunk built up in the drain line

When greasy water drains, some of that grease can stick to the drain hose. Over time, it builds up bacteria and odors that come right back into your dishwasher during the next cycle.

4. Water is sitting at the bottom

If your dishwasher isn’t draining fully, standing water can collect and go stagnant. That smells bad fast, and may point to a clog or pump issue that needs fixing.

5. Mold is growing on the rubber seals

You probably don’t see it, but moisture often gets trapped behind the door gasket or under the bottom lip. That’s where mold and mildew thrive, and they leave behind a strong musty smell.

How to Get Rid of the Smell And Keep It Gone

You can try a few things at home to get your dishwasher smelling fresh again. Here’s what we recommend:

• Clean the filter thoroughly – Take it out, rinse it under hot water, and scrub off any stuck debris with a toothbrush.
• Run a vinegar wash – Place a cup of white vinegar on the top rack and run the hottest cycle possible.
• Use baking soda after – Sprinkle some baking soda on the bottom and run a short hot rinse cycle. It helps absorb lingering odors.
• Wipe the door gasket – Open the door and carefully wipe inside the rubber seal with vinegar or diluted bleach water.
• Let it dry between uses – Leave the door cracked open after each cycle to allow air to flow and prevent mold buildup.

When Cleaning Isn’t Enough

If you’ve cleaned everything and your dishwasher still smells bad, the issue might be deeper. Grease or gunk in the drain hose, mold behind panels, or a failing drain pump can all cause a recurring odor that won’t go away with surface cleaning.

This is where we come in. Our experienced techs can take your dishwasher apart safely, clean the hard-to-reach areas, and fix any hidden causes. We also make sure your machine is draining properly and not slowly building up moisture where it shouldn’t.

Charlotte’s Trusted Team for Dishwasher Smell Repairs

Bad smells don’t mean you need a new dishwasher. It usually just needs a little maintenance or repair. If your dishwasher smells odd, sour, moldy, or just gross, don’t look the other way. It’s less expensive and easier to fix now than when it creates water damage or total breakdown.

At Just Call Appliance Repair, we repair all kinds of dishwasher problems, including odor. Our technicians service the Charlotte and surrounding areas with experienced, affordable dishwasher repairs.

We’ll get your appliance fresh-smelling and running great for years to come. Call to schedule today, and we’ll take care of it.

FAQ: Dishwasher Odor Solutions

Is a smell in my dishwasher normal?

It’s normal, but not something you can ignore. Odors usually mean there’s buildup or bacteria somewhere in there. A clean dishwasher doesn’t smell.

How often should I clean my dishwasher filter?

Ideally, weekly if you use it daily. At least, look at it every month. A dirty filter is one of the top causes of smell.

Can a smelly dishwasher be fixed without replacing parts?

Most of the time, yes. Deep cleaning, better drainage, and a few minor repairs are usually all that’s required to fix the problem.