A dishwasher that smells of must, eggs or drains usually has trapped food and standing water, not a fault. It is almost always fixable with a clean. Here is how, and when to book professional dishwasher repair in Ottawa.
We hear this across the Ottawa area, from Kanata to Orleans. The smell points to where the buildup is.
In this article
Why a dishwasher smells
- Trapped food in the filter. The most common cause. Debris rots at the bottom of the tub.
- Grease and residue buildup. Fats coat the inside and drain and go rancid over time.
- Standing water. Water sitting in the base or a sagging drain hose goes stale.
- Clogged drain hose or air gap. A partial clog holds dirty water.
- Mould around the door seal. The gasket traps moisture and grows mildew.
People often ask: why does my dishwasher smell like rotten eggs?
A rotten-egg or sulphur smell almost always means trapped food rotting in the filter or a drain holding stale water. Cleaning the filter and running a hot cleaning cycle clears it.
How to get rid of the smell
- Remove and rinse the filter at the bottom of the tub.
- Wipe the door seal and edges where grime collects.
- Run an empty hot cycle with white vinegar or a dishwasher cleaner.
- Check the drain hose is not sagging and holding water.
- Scrape plates before loading so less food reaches the filter.
Save your money
Clean the filter every couple of weeks and run a monthly cleaning cycle. It costs almost nothing and prevents the buildup that causes odours, so you avoid a service call and your dishes come out cleaner.
How to keep it fresh
- Scrape plates before loading
- Clean the filter regularly
- Run a monthly hot cleaning cycle
- Leave the door ajar to dry out
- Use a rinse aid to cut residue
When it is more than a smell
If the smell returns fast after a deep clean, or comes with standing water, the drain or pump may be holding stale water. We service every brand, including Bosch dishwasher repair and Whirlpool, across Nepean and Ottawa.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my dishwasher smell so bad?
Trapped food in the filter and grease buildup are the usual causes, along with stale water in the drain. A filter clean and a hot cleaning cycle fix most odours.
Can I clean my dishwasher with vinegar?
Yes. Run an empty hot cycle with a cup of white vinegar on the top rack, or use a dedicated dishwasher cleaner, once a month to cut grease and odour.
Why does my dishwasher smell after every wash?
If the smell returns quickly, food is still trapped in the filter or the drain hose is holding water. Clean the filter thoroughly and check the hose for a sag or clog.
Is a smelly dishwasher a health risk?
The bacteria and mould behind the smell are best cleared promptly. It is rarely dangerous, but a clean machine is more hygienic and washes better.
Smell will not shift? Parliament Appliance Repair checks drains and pumps across Ottawa. Call (613) 509-1466 or request a free estimate.