We’ve all noticed indicators that our dishwasher isn’t performing as effectively as it once did, but we ignore them until our eyes wet and we get a headache. This is because the dishwasher starts smelling like rotten eggs. It’s not unusual for a dishwasher to smell like the interior of a toilet bowl these days but why does it happen? That’s what most people want to know.
One of the most awful scents is rotten eggs. What causes the dishwasher to smell so bad? What choices do you have for resolving the problem? If you’re having this problem, you’ve come to the right place. Discover what creates dishwashing odors and how to eliminate them.
A soiled dishwasher not only stinks up your kitchen but also has the potential to spread throughout your house. Even though the smell is unbearable and you think you’re in for a cleaning struggle, getting rid of a strong dishwashing odor is straightforward.
Why does my dishwasher smell like rotten eggs
Dishwashers are known for their foul scents. You can notice a scent after a cycle that seems to be growing worse after years of using the same old dishwasher. But why does your dishwasher have such a foul odor?
Let’s get to the bottom.
1) High Loop
A high barrel is not standard on all dishwashers. This is the section of the dishwasher drain that is placed under the sink and makes a high loop. This is a natural component of the process. It can smell like rotten eggs if you don’t have a high circuit or it’s not put properly. If you don’t already have one, you may install one or create an air gap near the counter to remedy the problem. A kinked drain pipe or a low air loop can contribute significantly to the buildup of food particles that are not eliminated. The tube will not be able to generate the necessary effort to remove all of the food particles if it is too low. An unpleasant smell from the dishwasher might also be caused by a bend in the hose.
2) Faulty thermostat
A broken thermostat might also be the source of your dishwasher’s high cycle. Check your thermostat by running a heating cycle on your dishwasher and seeing whether it reaches at least 120 degrees. You may also test if the dishwasher has thoroughly cleaned the spoon by placing a little oil on it. If the spoon still has oil on it after the cycle, the thermostat may need to be changed. Replacing the thermostat will raise the water temperature and maybe reduce the oil and particle accumulation that causes the odour, but the problem will take some time to resolve.
3) Deposits in the filter
A clogged filter is another source of rotten egg odor in the dishwasher. Remove the filter and clean it using a detergent that is designed to get rid of grease deposits. After removing the filter, clean it well with Dawn cleaner. Remove accumulated dirt with a brush and hot water. The detergent you use may lead to dirt accumulation around the filter. You may also alter the detergent brand in this scenario. A rotten egg smell might be caused by a dirty filter. The dishwasher filter is normally found near the wash handles at the bottom of the machine.
4) Dirty seal in dishwasher
Another issue that might cause your dishwasher to smell like rotten eggs, according to Appliance Houz, is a clogged dishwasher seal. This region can also collect grease and food particles. Bacteria can grow up in this situation, giving off a rotten egg odour. The gasket for the dishwasher is found on the inside of the door. When the dishwasher door is closed, this is the material that seals it. Examine it carefully and thoroughly wash it with dish soap to ensure that no fat or tiny food particles have accumulated.
5) A dead parasite in the dishwasher
A parasitic infection, such as, is another possibility. A mouse or a huge bug, for example, that perished after getting into the dishwasher. If you have odour issues, dismantle the dishwasher and examine it for dead bugs on a regular basis. It’s worth looking at how pests may sneak into even the tiniest of spaces.
6) Blocked garbage disposal
The rotten egg smell in the dishwasher might be caused by blocked trash disposal. When the trash disposal drain line is linked to the dishwasher drain hose, the issue develops. When food or grease particles build up in the disposal, the dishwasher emits an unpleasant odor. Cleaning the garbage can is the only answer to this problem.
Ways to stop dishwashers smelling like rotten eggs
The rotten egg smell in the dishwasher might be caused by blocked trash disposal. When the trash disposal drain line is linked to the dishwasher drain hose, the issue develops. When food or grease particles build up in the disposal, the dishwasher emits an unpleasant odor. Cleaning the garbage is the answer to this problem. Plug the sink and filling it halfway with cold water is one of the most effective methods. 14 cups baking soda and 34 cups lemon juice are added to the water along with the ice cubes.
1. Wipe the Door Gasket
The black rubber seal surrounding your dishwasher door is called the door gasket. The gasket’s job is to keep water from seeping out during the cycle. Food particles can accumulate on the door gasket over time, causing a foul stench to emanate from the dishwasher. Cleaning the gasket with soap and warm water may be enough to fix the problem.
2. Use an Odor Neutralizer
Dishwashers also benefit from a clean now and again, especially when food particles accumulate over time. To clean out the dishwasher, there are several low-cost options. One option is to fill a bowl with one cup of white vinegar and set it in the dishwasher. Run a deep cleaning cycle after that. Another option is to cover the bottom of the dishwasher with one cup of baking soda and let it overnight. The stink should be removed if you run a cycle in the morning (with the dishwasher empty). Specific dishwasher cleaning chemicals are also available to eliminate scents such as rotting eggs.
3. Clean the Drain Filter
A stinky dishwasher is frequently caused by food particles accumulating in the dishwasher filter. The filter is usually found towards the bottom of the dishwasher, under the lower spray arm. To get to the filter, you’ll probably have to take off the bottom dishwashing rack and silverware basket. The filter may be cleaned with a sponge and warm soapy water. To avoid damage to the dishwasher pump and motor seals, a broken filter should be changed. While cleaning the filter, make sure the dishwasher’s bottom is free of any food particles that might be producing the stink.
4. Check and Clean the Garbage Disposal
Dishwashers will normally pump wastewater through a hose into the garbage disposal if you have one. Cleaning the trash disposal and hose may help to eliminate odors from the dishwasher. When you disconnect the hose that links the dishwasher to the trash disposal, you should be able to smell the garbage disposal. Clean the waste disposal hose using a bottle brush and a towel, then finish the process by pouring white vinegar through it. To clean out the garbage disposal, chop up some lemons and run them through it.
5. Check the Air Gap or Drain Hose
Dishwashers require an air gap or a high-loop drain pipe. These characteristics are in charge of preventing the discharged wastewater from returning to the dishwasher. Typically, the air gap is a sink-mounted fitting. The air gap works by allowing fresh air into the hose, removing the suction force that pulls wastewater back into the dishwasher. The high loop method involves looping the drain hose up and under the sink before dropping it to the sink drain pipe above the P-trap.
Bottom Line
With the above-mentioned reasons, we hope that you got the answer that why does my dishwasher smell like rotten eggs. Dishwasher manufacturers recommend cleaning your dishwasher once a month. You can do this by applying either the white vinegar or baking soda solution mentioned above. Cleaning the filter regularly and removing any food particles from the bottom of the dishwasher will prevent your dishwasher from developing its smells like rotten eggs.
