Has your trusty dishwasher turned into an air freshener for garbage disposal smell? Take heart: you’re not alone. Smelly dishwashers are a common household problem, and chances are good that any or more of the following causes may be responsible for the stink. Let us learn about them today with Avlar Services! (For the uninitiated, we are one of the leading homegrown companies in residential appliance repair in HRM.)
Food Residue and Grime Build-Up
One of the most frequent causes of a smelly dishwasher is decaying food particles and grime that has been collected inside it. Over time, debris from food, grease, and soap scum accumulate in various parts of your dishwasher, such as around the spray arm or in the filter. Even if you think you’re doing everything right by thoroughly cleaning your plates before loading them up—and using a rinse aid—small bits can still find their way into your dishwasher. To keep them from wreaking havoc on your nose–and overall enjoyment of life–take care to clean your dishwasher regularly.
Mold and Mildew Growth
Warmth plus moisture is a paradise for mould and mildew. Thus, it thrives within dishwashers, which generate both factors aplenty during each cycle. The door gasket is one common spot where growth occurs, but don’t neglect cleaning racks or walls surrounding the tub either—they get infected, too! As soon as they do, unpleasant, musty smells spread throughout the kitchen at lightning speed! Make sure to give us a call whenever this happens, and we will identify the underlying cause as quickly as possible. We have a wealth of knowledge in residential appliance repair in HRM.
The key lies in killing off any trace of mould and mildew before they have a chance to grow out of control—which happens fast once they set up shop inside damp appliances. Attack the grime with a disinfecting solution like white vinegar mixed with water or, better yet, a specialized mould/mildew-destroying dishwasher cleaner.
Stagnant Water and Drain Blockages
Water should never be allowed to sit inside your dishwasher when it’s not in use. The machine is designed to evacuate it completely, so if you catch any lingering around post-cycle, you know there’s a problem. That standing water is essentially an open invitation for bacteria to party in their favourite environment—the kind where they’re likely to reproduce like rabbits or something else that reproduces quickly!
Inspect your drain hose and filter for anything that may be blocking the water’s path. A quick test run of a dishwasher cleaner cycle should also do the trick, but some clogs may require professional help.
Forgotten Food and Dishes
Are you ready for this? One of the most common causes of a smelly dishwasher is simply leaving dirty dishes inside it for too long before running them through. The leftover food and gunk can start decomposing after sitting stagnant for mere days! Can you imagine what happens when weeks pass? So give your nose a break and clean those dishes out as soon as possible!
You should definitely run your dishwasher often, even if there are only a few dishes inside. It’s best to nip any stench in the bud before it gets bad. Also – once you’ve put a dirty dish in for a quick rinse, take it back out as soon as you can and don’t let it sit! Feel free to reach out to us when seeking professional assistance in residential appliance repair in HRM!