A dishwasher is a fast and convenient way of washing your dirty dishes and keeping safe in terms of hygiene and health.
But despite the many advantages of using a bosch dishwasher to wash your dishes like saving you water, and doing a better job of cleaning your dishes better than handwashing, the dishwasher can sometimes smell like a wet dog.
We shall talk about some of the possible reasons why your dishwasher smells like a wet dog and what you can do to get rid of the smell and how to prevent your dishwasher from smelling like cigarette smoke, or your dishwasher smelling like sour milk.
Table of Contents
Why Your Dishwasher Smells Like Wet Dog:
A dishwasher smelling like a wet dog can be quite unpleasant, but it’s a relatively common issue and can be attributed to several factors.
However, the most common or obvious reason why your dishwasher smells like a wet dog is because of remnants of food particles that are trapped in the dishwasher.
Over time these food particles or organic matter will begin to give out a bad smell in your dishwasher.
Another reason why your dishwasher may be smelling like a wet dog is because of stagnant contaminated water that has not drained out completely from your dishwasher.
This could be due to a bad or faulty drainage system or if there is a blockage in the drain hose of your dishwasher.
Also, dishwashers can be a breeding ground for mold and mildew due to the warm and moist environment.
If you leave the dishwasher closed for an extended period between uses, especially when it’s not completely dry inside, or you don’t allow it to air dry by opening the dishwasher door, it can promote mold growth and create a foul odor.
Lastly, the dishwasher’s filter and spray arms can accumulate residue and debris over time. Including the rubber seals and gaskets around the dishwasher door, which can trap moisture and debris.
If these areas are not cleaned and dried properly, they can develop a musty odor.
How do I get the wet dog smell out of my dishwasher?
If your dishwasher smells like a wet dog, it can be unpleasant and frustrating to use.
Fortunately, there are several things you can do to get rid of the odor and prevent it from returning.
Clean the dishwasher:
The first step in getting rid of the smell is to clean the dishwasher thoroughly. Remove any food debris or residue from the dishwasher’s filter, spray arms and interior.
You can use a dishwasher cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to clean the dishwasher. Run the dishwasher on a hot cycle with no dishes in it.
Check the drain:
A clogged or dirty drain can cause odors in the dishwasher. Check the dishwasher’s drain and clean it if necessary. You can use a pipe cleaner or a toothbrush to remove any debris.
Run hot water before starting the dishwasher:
Running hot water before starting the dishwasher can help flush out any debris or food particles that may be causing the odor.
Use the right detergent:
Using the wrong detergent can also cause odors in the dishwasher. Use a high-quality dishwasher detergent that is designed to remove food debris and odors.
Use your dishwasher regularly:
Operating the dishwasher regularly can help to prevent odors from developing. If you don’t use the dishwasher often, run it on a hot cycle with no dishes in it at least once a week.
By following these simple tips, you can get your dishwasher smelling fresh and clean again.
How to prevent dishwasher wet dog smell:
It is not enough for you to just get rid of the smell coming from your dishwasher you need to know how to prevent any kind of odor from coming out of your dishwasher.
Fortunately, there are several ways to prevent this odor from developing in the first place.
Use The Right Detergent:
One of the most important steps you can take to prevent dishwasher wet dog smell is to use the right detergent. Look for a high-quality detergent that is specifically designed for use in dishwashers.
Avoid using regular dish soap, as it can create excessive suds that will lead to unpleasant odors.
Run The Dishwasher Always:
Running your dishwasher regularly can help prevent the buildup of bacteria and other contaminants that can cause a wet dog smell.
Aim to run your dishwasher at least once every two days, even if it isn’t completely full.
Clean the dishwasher regularly:
Regular cleaning of your dishwasher can help prevent wet dog smell. Start by removing any food scraps or debris from the bottom of the dishwasher.
Then, wipe down the interior of the dishwasher with a damp cloth and a mild cleaning solution.
Be sure to clean the dishwasher’s filter as well, as this can become clogged with food particles and other debris.
Use Vinegar:
Vinegar is a natural cleaning agent that can help eliminate odors in your dishwasher. To use vinegar, simply pour a cup of white vinegar into the bottom of your dishwasher and run a cycle.
This will help remove any lingering odors and leave your dishwasher smelling fresh.
Check Your Plumbing:
If you’ve tried all of the above steps and you’re still experiencing dishwasher wet dog smell, it may be time to check your plumbing.
A clogged or damaged drain line can cause water to back up into your dishwasher, leading to unpleasant odors.
If you suspect that your plumbing may be the problem, contact a plumber to have it inspected and repaired immediately.
Final Thoughts:
It is important to regularly clean the dishwasher and its components, such as the filter and spray arms, to prevent any buildup of food particles or debris that can cause odors.
Additionally, using a dishwasher cleaner or running a cycle with white vinegar can help to remove any lingering odors.
By following these tips and solutions, you can effectively eliminate the unpleasant wet dog smell from your dishwasher and enjoy clean and fresh dishes every time.
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