A relatively minor but annoying problem many homeowners and apartment renters encounter is unpleasant dishwasher odors. It doesn’t necessarily mean your dishwasher is broken or that your dishes weren’t properly sanitized, but it does raise questions.

Fortunately, the solution is often easy and may not require a visit from our dishwasher repair service. If you do have any lingering concerns, though, feel free to give us a call at Morris County Appliance Service.

Resolving Bad Dishwasher Smells

Check the Filter: Although a lot of people don’t do it, cleaning your dishwasher filter is an important aspect of dishwasher maintenance. If you’ve never done it before, take a glance at your dishwasher manual to see how to remove, clean, and replace the filter. A quick internet search could help, too.

Clean Your Machine: If old food particles accumulate on the walls, racks, and gaskets of your dishwasher, unpleasant odors will eventually start emanating from it. One DIY approach involves scrubbing the interior of your dishwasher using a mixture of dish soap, warm water, and a little baking soda. Running your empty dishwasher on a hot cycle can rinse out any remaining residue.

Preventing Bad Dishwasher Smells

A few simple habits, like rinsing off your plates and pots before placing them in the dishwasher, can stop odors from developing in the first place. Checking and cleaning your machine’s filter every month or two can also help you stay ahead of the problem. Maintaining water softener levels is another tactic for keeping dishwashers odor free.

If this do-it-yourself approach doesn’t eliminate that “fishy” odor in your dishwasher, don’t hesitate to give us a call at Morris County Appliance Service!