We’ve had a KitchenAid 2-drawer dishwasher for several years and it’s worked great. For the last couple of months, however, we’ve noticed an odd odor coming from the machine when we open it. It’s not mildewy or anything like that — it’s more of a chemical smell. Sometimes it smells so bad that we need to wash our hands after opening the dishwasher door.

I’ve tried cleaning the machine with a cycle of vinegar and water, but the problem persists. Do you know what might be causing this? Thank you!

Hi Feather – Thank you for your question! We have had some calls about this situation so I will do my best to help you out. The first thing I would like to suggest is cleaning the drain pump filter and checking the drain hose for debris. The drain pump filter can be found on the bottom of your dishwasher by removing the silverware basket and removing a cap there. If this does not help with eliminating any foul odors, then there may be a leak in your dishwasher which would cause the odors you are experiencing. Below I have attached a link to our video on how to check your dishwasher for leaks. You will also find helpful links on how to check your drain pump

A common cause for a smelly dishwasher is food debris. Food debris can get stuck on the seals and cracks of your dishwasher, causing an unpleasant odor.

Step 1: Run your dishwasher through a hot-water cycle.

Step 2: Scrub the seals and cracks of your dishwasher with a toothbrush and bleach to remove any debris that may be causing odors.

Step 3: Wipe down the interior of your dishwasher with bleach to further remove any odors.

Step 4: Leave the door open to allow the inside of your dishwasher to air out completely.

When you open the dishwasher door, you might be greeted with an unpleasant smell. It’s a problem that happens over time and can be caused by food particles trapped in the filter, mold developing on the gaskets and other parts of the dishwasher or a dirty drain.

Here are some tips to help you get rid of that bad odour and keep your dishwasher smelling fresh.

Clean out the filter

The filter is located at the bottom of the dishwasher and catches food particles that are washed off the dishes. The food particles can trap bacteria that can cause a bad smell. Cleaning it regularly will help to reduce odors.

Be sure to clean both sides of the filter. If it looks particularly dirty, soak it in hot water with a few drops of dishwashing liquid for about 15 minutes before rinsing it well and replacing it in your dishwasher.

Water that’s been sitting in the dishwasher’s drain and filter for an extended period of time can become stagnant, which could cause an odor. This can especially be the case if you have hard water, which could cause minerals to build up in the dishwasher drain and filter. To clean out your drain, remove the filter and pull out any debris. Then, use a toothpick or similar tool to remove any buildup from the drain.

Another possible cause of odors is food particles left on dirty dishes that have been sitting in the appliance. When you load your dishwasher, scrape off any excess food but don’t pre-rinse the dishes, as newer dishwashers are designed to handle leftover bits of food. You should also run your dishwasher at least once a week to prevent odors from building up.

If your dishwasher still has an odor after trying these steps, it might be caused by a clog or leak somewhere else in your kitchen sink system. If this is the case, you’ll likely notice additional symptoms like standing water or slow drainage elsewhere in your kitchen sink or garbage disposal unit. To unclog your drains and eliminate odors from something besides your dishwasher, try using a plunger or liquid drain cleaner. You may also

There are several possible causes of foul dishwasher odors. Dishes, silverware and the interior of the dishwasher can harbor bacteria that causes a sour or putrid smell. A lack of cleaning and buildup of residue in the tub and filters can cause an odor problem as well. If these problems are not corrected quickly, they may develop into a more serious issue, such as an internal failure to the dishwasher.

Dishes

The dishes loaded into the dishwasher should be cleaned prior to loading. Food particles left on plates, pots and pans can cause a foul odor if they aren’t cleaned off before loading them into the machine. Wash all dishes by hand with soap and water to remove any food particles or grease prior to placing them into the washer.

If you have a dishwasher that has a separate cutlery basket, place all knives, forks, spoons and other utensils in the basket. This allows for better circulation of water around them during the wash cycle for cleaner results and less odor buildup.

Dishwasher odor is usually caused by bacteria and mold, which thrive in damp environments. You need to get rid of odors in your dishwasher and keep them from coming back.

Dishwashers are a sealed unit, which makes the environment ideal for growing bacteria and mold. In fact, it’s the perfect storm for the development of odor-causing microorganisms.

There’s generally a wet environment, with an ample supply of food debris to support their growth. The heat of the wash cycle can also encourage their growth and reproduction.

The good news is that you can get rid of odors in your dishwasher.

Dishwashers circulate water to remove food and other debris from the dishes. This means that there is plenty of opportunity for odors to build up in your dishwasher. These smells come from food and moisture that are trapped in the filter, traps, drain lines and even the water itself.

There are many ways to eliminate these odors from your dishwasher as well as prevent future odors from occurring.