We’ve all been there. You run your dishwasher regularly, clean it when necessary, and you’re still getting a terrible odor inside. What can you do? 

There are a few things that can be causing this odor, so identifying the problem is going to be your first step. You can run multiple vinegar rinses through your machine, but if you don’t find the cause of the odor, it will keep coming back. 

Here are a few causes and solutions. 

• Your filter is clogged. Sometimes, food particles get into your filter or trap. If it’s not cleaned out regularly, it can lead to rotting food odors that may smell like fish, eggs, or the sewer. It’s simple enough to clean, so find out where the filter is on your particular model and clean it out.
• Your drain hose is bent. If your drain hose is bent or kinked at all, waste water may be flowing back into your dishwasher. Try to straighten your drain hose to stop the problem.
• Your drain hose is too low. If your drain hose is positioned too low, waste water could be flowing back into your dishwasher. You can try to reposition the hose by elevating and looping it so that water can drain as it should.
• Your dishwasher door is closed and not run for long periods. When you aren’t using your dishwasher, crack the door open slightly when it isn’t in use. This way, air can flow into the dishwasher and moisture can flow out, preventing mold growth.

You can also prevent these odors from happening in the first place by making sure that your dishwasher screen is cleaned regularly. Also occasionally run a dishwasher cleaning cycle with only dishwasher cleaner and no dishes to get the last of the odor-causing bacteria out of your dishwasher.

If you just can’t kick the smell, we’re always willing to help at All Brands Appliance Repair. Call us today if you’re having issues in the Wilmington area. We’re more than happy to offer advice!