Why does my dishwasher reek?

The Tickle Momster · 04-22-2015, 01:36 PM

It smells so bad. :shudder I cleaned out the filter/catch this morning.

And ran it empty on hot wash with extra soap and vinegar. I opened it when it was done and it smelled of bbq meat.

We have VERY hard water.

Any help or suggestions you can offer are appreciated.

houseforjoy · 04-22-2015, 04:29 PM

did you clean all around the doors/seal? also under the door where it sits on the inside part can get nasty. --it gets wet there, but it doesn't ever get "cleaned" by the dishwasher, neither do the seals /edges!

Findabhair · 04-22-2015, 04:55 PM

Ours had a bunch of algae in it. Smelled so bad! We have hard water too and were using a natural dishwasher detergent. When we switched to a more traditional detergent it smelled better but it really only lasted a month afterwards. It has since died though and gone to appliance heaven so I'm not sure about long term results.

The Tickle Momster · 04-22-2015, 05:40 PM

Ours is only a year old.

I use 7th Generation powdered detergent.

Someone recommended running an empty load with Tang crystals. The vitamin C is supposed to help.

DolphinMemae · 04-22-2015, 05:54 PM

We have the same problem from time to time. Dh does something that takes care of it and then it is fine for a while. I'll ask him what he does when he gets home.

Soliloquy · 04-22-2015, 06:35 PM

We have hard water in our new house. I was using natural detergent but, for the first time since 2006 I had to switch to mainstream detergent. I use Finish and it's no longer a problem. We're hoping to get a water softener in a year and then I can go back to natural.

I did run one cycle with Finish dishwasher cleaner before making the switch.

DolphinMemae · 04-22-2015, 07:07 PM

He said he used a cup of vinegar with or without a load of dishes. He said we also stopped putting canned dog food on plates being washed in the dishwasher, and also we changed the detergent we were using. I guess we aren't sure which thing resolved the issue with stinky dishwasher, but we aren't having the issue anymore. Hope this helps.

ShangriLewis · 04-22-2015, 08:20 PM

You can remove that part in the middle and try cleaning it out. We can't use natural detergent here. I have to use Cascade and lemi shine cleaner.

The Tickle Momster · 04-22-2015, 08:29 PM

We are also on septic, so I'm really hesitant to use a not so natural detergent.

I tried the vinegar today. Not much better.

I have noticed the plastic is all coated in white. :/

ShangriLewis · 04-22-2015, 09:39 PM

I wouldn't worry about it in the septic. Try taking apart the middle part. Many dw have grinders as well. There might be something stuck in there.

milkmommy · 04-22-2015, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShangriLewis

You can remove that part in the middle and try cleaning it out. We can't use natural detergent here. I have to use Cascade and lemi shine cleaner.

This

mom23sons · 04-23-2015, 06:04 AM

You could have some food particles that aren't getting out and those are rotting.

There might be a screen that needs cleaning in there somewhere??

The Tickle Momster · 04-23-2015, 07:49 AM

. I wonder about particles under something.

I'll go back in after today's load. Although, I'm going shopping this afternoon. Maybe I'll look before then.

squiddles · 04-23-2015, 10:33 AM

When I went digging for the source of our dw stench I removed the sprayer thing and found that there was bacteria/food grimy slimey stuff on the inside of holes that water sprayed out. Which makes sense if the dishwasher cycles the water over and over again, the tiny stuff that doesn't get caught in the filter can build up in the sprayer.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Soliloquy · 04-23-2015, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Tickle Momster

We are also on septic, so I'm really hesitant to use a not so natural detergent.

I tried the vinegar today. Not much better.

I have noticed the plastic is all coated in white. :/

We're on septic, too. It's not an issue. Finish does not have chlorine bleach and is septic safe.

04-22-2015, 01:36 PM	#1
The Tickle Momster Rose Garden previously mlrowley Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: NW WA Posts: 17,952	Why does my dishwasher reek? It smells so bad. :shudder I cleaned out the filter/catch this morning. And ran it empty on hot wash with extra soap and vinegar. I opened it when it was done and it smelled of bbq meat. We have VERY hard water. Any help or suggestions you can offer are appreciated. __________________ Michelle wife to Tom ('95) Momma to: DD (A) 21 and her DH (YM) 21 DS (T) 19 DD (C) 17 '07 DS (N) 14 Save Save

04-22-2015, 04:29 PM	#2
houseforjoy Rose Garden trying to live like olaf "this is the best day of my life!... and quite possibly the last!" Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: in the sunshine with my own personal flurry Posts: 9,563	Re: Why does my dishwasher reek? did you clean all around the doors/seal? also under the door where it sits on the inside part can get nasty. --it gets wet there, but it doesn't ever get "cleaned" by the dishwasher, neither do the seals /edges! __________________ Amanda, ENFJ Mommy to my bounty: ds 13 years, dd 12 years, dd 9 years , dd 6 and ds 4 Psalm 13 How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?How long will you hide your face from me? 2 How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day?....because I am shaken. 5 But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. 6 I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me.

04-22-2015, 04:55 PM	#3
Findabhair Rose Bouquet Join Date: May 2013 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 799	Re: Why does my dishwasher reek? Ours had a bunch of algae in it. Smelled so bad! We have hard water too and were using a natural dishwasher detergent. When we switched to a more traditional detergent it smelled better but it really only lasted a month afterwards. It has since died though and gone to appliance heaven so I'm not sure about long term results. __________________

04-22-2015, 05:40 PM	#4
The Tickle Momster Rose Garden previously mlrowley Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: NW WA Posts: 17,952	Re: Why does my dishwasher reek? Ours is only a year old. I use 7th Generation powdered detergent. Someone recommended running an empty load with Tang crystals. The vitamin C is supposed to help. __________________ Michelle wife to Tom ('95) Momma to: DD (A) 21 and her DH (YM) 21 DS (T) 19 DD (C) 17 '07 DS (N) 14 Save Save

04-22-2015, 05:54 PM	#5
DolphinMemae Rose Trellis (me holding my first granddaughter, Clara Ruth Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Madison, WI. Posts: 2,123	Re: Why does my dishwasher reek? We have the same problem from time to time. Dh does something that takes care of it and then it is fine for a while. I'll ask him what he does when he gets home. __________________ Elizabeth - Married my beloved friend, Clifford, on 6/11/99 Moms to Amii - DragonfliiMama and her beloved Jimi, Heather - ShiriChayim and her beloved Travis, Ryan ,Married to his sweetheart, Sara Kerith - PixieMama Married to her first love Eli and Benjamin Married to his Precious Gabby Memae to eleven wonderful grandchildren

04-22-2015, 06:35 PM	#6
Soliloquy Rose Garden Why climb a mountain? Because it's there! Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Selkirk Mountains Posts: 52,860	Re: Why does my dishwasher reek? We have hard water in our new house. I was using natural detergent but, for the first time since 2006 I had to switch to mainstream detergent. I use Finish and it's no longer a problem. We're hoping to get a water softener in a year and then I can go back to natural. I did run one cycle with Finish dishwasher cleaner before making the switch.

04-22-2015, 07:07 PM	#7
DolphinMemae Rose Trellis (me holding my first granddaughter, Clara Ruth Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Madison, WI. Posts: 2,123	Re: Why does my dishwasher reek? He said he used a cup of vinegar with or without a load of dishes. He said we also stopped putting canned dog food on plates being washed in the dishwasher, and also we changed the detergent we were using. I guess we aren't sure which thing resolved the issue with stinky dishwasher, but we aren't having the issue anymore. Hope this helps. __________________ Elizabeth - Married my beloved friend, Clifford, on 6/11/99 Moms to Amii - DragonfliiMama and her beloved Jimi, Heather - ShiriChayim and her beloved Travis, Ryan ,Married to his sweetheart, Sara Kerith - PixieMama Married to her first love Eli and Benjamin Married to his Precious Gabby Memae to eleven wonderful grandchildren

04-22-2015, 08:20 PM	#8
ShangriLewis Moderator in Vegetarianism & Veganism Arrange whatever pieces come your way. ~VW~ Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: North Dakota Posts: 16,446	Re: Why does my dishwasher reek? You can remove that part in the middle and try cleaning it out. We can't use natural detergent here. I have to use Cascade and lemi shine cleaner. __________________ Heather The Prophet 23yob, The Peacemaker 20yob, The Warrior 17, The Little Flower 11yog and The Surfer 9yob and our little birdie girl 4yo.

04-22-2015, 08:29 PM	#9
The Tickle Momster Rose Garden previously mlrowley Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: NW WA Posts: 17,952	Re: Why does my dishwasher reek? We are also on septic, so I'm really hesitant to use a not so natural detergent. I tried the vinegar today. Not much better. I have noticed the plastic is all coated in white. :/ __________________ Michelle wife to Tom ('95) Momma to: DD (A) 21 and her DH (YM) 21 DS (T) 19 DD (C) 17 '07 DS (N) 14 Save Save

04-22-2015, 09:39 PM	#10
ShangriLewis Moderator in Vegetarianism & Veganism Arrange whatever pieces come your way. ~VW~ Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: North Dakota Posts: 16,446	Re: Why does my dishwasher reek? I wouldn't worry about it in the septic. Try taking apart the middle part. Many dw have grinders as well. There might be something stuck in there. __________________ Heather The Prophet 23yob, The Peacemaker 20yob, The Warrior 17, The Little Flower 11yog and The Surfer 9yob and our little birdie girl 4yo.

04-23-2015, 06:04 AM	#12
mom23sons Rose Bouquet Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Maine Posts: 614	Re: Why does my dishwasher reek? You could have some food particles that aren't getting out and those are rotting. There might be a screen that needs cleaning in there somewhere?? __________________ Amie, wife to JB and mom to 3 amazing teenage sons. IT 19, CP 17 and EG 15. DON to the elderly . Living as simple as can be in Maine.

04-23-2015, 07:49 AM	#13
The Tickle Momster Rose Garden previously mlrowley Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: NW WA Posts: 17,952	Re: Why does my dishwasher reek? . I wonder about particles under something. I'll go back in after today's load. Although, I'm going shopping this afternoon. Maybe I'll look before then. __________________ Michelle wife to Tom ('95) Momma to: DD (A) 21 and her DH (YM) 21 DS (T) 19 DD (C) 17 '07 DS (N) 14 Save Save

04-23-2015, 10:33 AM	#14
squiddles Climbing Rose Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Beautiful PNW Posts: 1,409	Re: Why does my dishwasher reek? When I went digging for the source of our dw stench I removed the sprayer thing and found that there was bacteria/food grimy slimey stuff on the inside of holes that water sprayed out. Which makes sense if the dishwasher cycles the water over and over again, the tiny stuff that doesn't get caught in the filter can build up in the sprayer. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ homeschooling Mama, INFJ married to my BFF since 2006 A 2007, M 2009, K 2011 & E 2014

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