If you own a dog as a companion, you’re familiar with the persistent unpleasant smell coming out of them on a warm day post-rain or pool play. Surprisingly, a dishwasher can emit a similar wet dog smell, though it poses no health risk due to thorough cleaning with detergents. Despite this, the Odors may discourage dish usage. The primary culprit is typically a filthy filter, trapping decomposing food particles in the presence of moisture. Combatting this issue involves routine maintenance.
Modern dishwashers feature a removable filter at the unit’s base. Locate it beneath the bottom injectors by pulling out the bottom bracket. Remove the covers at the dishwasher’s bottom for easy cleaning. If non-removable, gently wipe with a damp sponge, avoiding object insertion into the screen holes. For stubborn particles, a toothpick proves handy.
Wipe the spray arms, ensuring spray holes remain unclogged. Use a toothpick to delicately extract any lodged food particles. Regularly wipe around the door lip and seals to prevent accumulation of food, grease, and dirt, minimising Odors. Employ an approved dishwasher cleaner once a month, similar to giving your dog a bath, this practice removes bacteria, mould, mildew, and persistent Odors. Leave the dishwasher door slightly ajar post-wash to facilitate further evaporation, preventing mould, mildew and musty Odors.
If the smell persists despite diligent maintenance, inspect connected pipes, as dirty or clogged tubes can transmit Odors from the dishwasher drain. Habits like pouring hot grease down the drain or neglecting to clean the garbage can may also contribute to unwanted smell.
Reason for your dishwasher smells like wet dog
The unpleasant smell coming out of your dishwasher that gives you a wet dog smell experience is very common across the household. This issue often arises when food particles accumulate in the filter or other components, fostering bacterial growth which gives dishes smell like wet dog.
Food particles
The leftover food particles that do not break while washing your dishes is the primary factor for a bad smell coming out of your dishes that smells like your wet dog. An undesirable smell is due to these food particles that refuse to go out with the cleaning of dishes.
Stagnant water
Accumulated water at the dishwasher’s base, left undisturbed, imparts a smell reminding you of a wet dog. When water stagnates in the lower part of the dishwasher, it has the potential to develop a bad smell.
Mould and Mildew
The combination of humidity and warmth provides an ideal environment for the growth of mould and mildew, resulting in a persistent wet dog smell coming from the dishwasher that covers the entire house. The presence of moisture and heat creates conditions to the development of an unpleasant smell caused by mould and mildew in the dishwasher.
Clogged filter or drain
A filter or drain obstruction can clog your drainage, leading to stagnant water and unpleasant smell. Additionally, leaving dirty dishes unwashed in the dishwasher for an extended period fosters bacterial growth in food residues, resulting in an unpleasant smell.
How to get rid of the wet dog smell from your Dishwasher
It’s not uncommon to notice the wet dog smell coming out from the dishwasher but it can be quite frustrating. It becomes very difficult to get rid of this wet dog smell. There are several ways to remove the wet dog smell from the dishes in the dishwasher. The try and tested methods are:
Clean the filter
Maintain the filter’s cleanliness by following the manufacturer’s guidelines to detach it from the dishwasher. Rinse it under warm water to eliminate visible residue, and employ a gentle brush for persistent dirt. Reinsert the filter into the dishwasher after cleaning and run a wash cycle with dishwashing detergent or vinegar to eliminate lingering Odors. Consistent filter maintenance is crucial for preventing future Odors
Clean the drain filter
If you detect an additional damp Odors coming from the dishwasher, it might be advisable to attend to the drain filter. This aids in eliminating food remains and clutter the material that obstruct the filter causing an unpleasant Odors in the water. Initially, clear away any food or debris using a plunger to cleanse the filter.
Subsequently, pour a pot of hot water down the dishwasher drain, using the plunger to ensure thorough emptying. Once the procedure is complete, run the dishwasher once more to ensure comprehensive cleaning of all components.
Clean the door seal
Clean the dishwasher door to combat Odors effectively by following these steps:
- Firstly, clear all food and debris from the dishwasher before running it to eliminate any unpleasant smells.
- Secondly, load the dishwasher with numerous dishes to remove grease and water residue.
- Thirdly, use a degreaser such as Dawn or vinegar along with a cloth to clean the door seal, ensuring it is thoroughly dry before reinstalling.
- Lastly, replace the door seal every six months if signs of deterioration appear to prevent undesirable Odors from infiltrating the machine.
Clean the shower arm
To eliminate a foul smell coming from your dishwasher’s shower arm, follow these steps:
- Start by using a plunger to clear any food or debris obstructing the spray arm.
- Next, pour a pot of hot water down the dishwasher drain and use the plunger to ensure thorough drainage.
- Then, vigorously scrub the shower arm with a brush to remove any residue, including water, soap scum, and debris. After cleaning, replace the handle and test the dishwasher’s cleaning performance.
- If the Odors lingers, consider emptying the filter or checking the door.
Run a cleaning cycle
Occasionally, regular dishwasher cleaning might not be sufficient for getting rid of smell, necessitating the initiation of a cleaning cycle. This specialised program employs elevated water pressure and hot water to dislodge accumulated debris, food, and grease, effectively cleansing the internal components and eliminating unpleasant smell.
To execute the cleaning cycle, disconnect the dishwasher, pour a minimum of three cups of water into it, and activate normal cycles. Upon completion, switch off the machine, drain the water, and initiate the cleaning cycle once more to effectively eliminate accumulated dirt, grease and food particles.
Contaminated water
If traditional dishwasher cleaning and running a cleaning cycle prove ineffective in addressing the smell issue, it’s advisable to explore further measures. Contaminated water, often originating from impurities in tap water, can contribute to unpleasant smells in dishwashers as it interacts with dishes during the cleaning process. To tackle this, run a hot wash with detergent on a regular cycle to control the impact of polluted water. If the foul smell persists despite detergent use, consulting a plumber may be necessary for additional assistance in resolving the issue.
Maintenance tips to keep your dishwasher smelling fresh
Consistent and regular upkeep plays a crucial role in maintaining a pleasant, Odors-free environment within your dishwasher, preventing the unpleasant wet dog smell. Adhering to these routine maintenance guidelines ensures a fresh-smelling dishwasher. Consider the following tips to preserve a clean and Odors-free dishwasher
Ensure the filter is spotless: Unpleasant Odors may arise if food and debris accumulate in the dishwasher filter. Periodically clean the removable filter as per the manufacturer’s guidelines to prevent clogs and maintain freshness.
Maintain interior cleanliness: Wipe the inside of the dishwasher with a gentle cloth or damp sponge, focusing on spots where debris may gather. Employ a solution of vinegar and water or utilise a specialised dishwashing detergent crafted for Odors removal during the cleaning process.
Vinegar cleaning: Initiate the vinegar process by placing a cup filled with white vinegar on the upper rack of an unoccupied dishwasher. Run a hot water cycle to aid in eliminating persistent Odors.
Clean the seals and gaskets: With time, these areas may accumulate dirt, leading to unpleasant Odors. Regularly wipe them using a damp cloth or sponge.
Clear out and sanitise the drain: Eliminate any food particles trapped in the dishwasher drain to prevent unwanted Odors. Ensure the drain hose area is free of debris by running both hot and cold water through it.
DIY tips to clean your dishwasher
Neutralise Dishwasher Odors naturally by yourself by use of white vinegar, a natural and safe Odors eliminator, to refresh your dishwasher:
- Clear the dishwasher of dishes.
- Place a stable bowl with one cup of white vinegar on the top rack.
- Run the hottest cycle to break down deposits and leave a fresh scent.
Another widely used option is to employ baking soda:
- Sprinkle baking soda on the dishwasher floor.
- Run a short, hot cycle to dissolve the baking soda, eliminating any lingering Odors.
Conclusion
To prevent lingering smells in your dishwasher that resemble your wet dog smell, use a dishwasher cleaner regularly to prevent hard water marks and maintain a clean interior. Run a monthly dishwasher cycle with Dishwasher Cleaner to ward off unpleasant smells.
Avoid using other hot water appliances simultaneously to ensure the dishwasher’s hot cycles effectively eliminate bacteria and deter mould. Practise proper dishwasher loading, ensuring thorough scraping and pre-rinsing for heavily soiled dishes. Clean your dishwasher every three months for optimal performance. Refer to the dishwasher manufacturer’s manual for guidelines on routine maintenance to enjoy an Odors-free dishwasher.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can one eliminate dishwasher Odors effectively?
To eliminate dishwasher Odors, perform cleaning cycles using vinegar and baking soda. Clean your dishwasher every three months for optimal performance
Why do Odors develop in dishwashers?
Over time, residual food particles accumulate in the machine’s filter, emitting an Odors that can be transferred to dishes during the drying process.
What is the typical lifespan of a dishwasher?
Dishwashers generally last for around 10 years. You can easily maintain a smell free dishwasher by regular cleaning and maintenance.