Do you dread opening the dishwasher door to a wave of fishy odors every time you do the dishes? Are you wondering how to fix a dishwasher that smells like fish? If your dishwasher smells more like a seafood market than a kitchen appliance, don’t worry—you’re not alone.
It’s a surprisingly common issue and usually easy to fix. After all, your dishwasher is a key player in your kitchen, working hard to keep your dishes sparkling clean. But sometimes, it needs a little TLC too. So, let’s roll up our sleeves, get to the bottom of this fishy situation, and return your dishwasher to its fresh-smelling glory!
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to identify the source of the smell, tackle it head-on, and ensure it doesn’t come back.
Identifying the Source of the Smell
To begin, you’ll need to identify the source of the smell. Dishwashers can produce fishy odors for a variety of reasons. Here are some of the most common causes:
Food Particles
When we load our dishes, sometimes bits of food get left behind. Now, if these were hanging out on your plate, they’d dry up and wouldn’t smell too much. But in your dishwasher’s warm, damp environment, they start to break down and decompose. And guess what? That process doesn’t smell too rosy.
In fact, certain foods can create particularly pungent odors as they break down. Have you ever noticed how fish, even when it’s fresh, has a strong smell? Well, when tiny pieces of it are left in your dishwasher and begin to decompose, that smell can get amplified. The result? Your dishwasher ends up smelling like a day-old fish market. Not exactly the refreshing scent you were hoping for, right?
Drain Hose Issues
The dishwasher drain hose is designed to carry away all the water your dishwasher uses during a cycle, including the bits of food and grease that wash off your dishes. But, just like a busy highway during rush hour, things can get congested.
If your drain hose becomes blocked or kinked, the water can’t flow out as it should. It gets backed up, creating a mini pool inside the hose. This stagnant water, mixed with food debris and detergent residue, can smell funky over time. And since the hose is connected to your dishwasher, guess where that smell ends up? You got it – right inside your kitchen appliance, making it smell like a fish market.
Water Issues
Stagnant water often occurs when there’s an issue with the dishwasher’s drainage system. If water isn’t draining properly after each cycle, it can pool at the bottom of your dishwasher. Over time, this water becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and mold, which can emit some pretty foul odors. And yes, one of those odors can be eerily reminiscent of fish.
But that’s not the only water issue that can cause your dishwasher to smell. Hard water could also be a contributing factor. Hard water is rich in minerals such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals, although not detrimental to our health, can accumulate in your dishwasher over a period of time, resulting in a hard, white deposit. This residue can trap food particles and moisture, leading to—you guessed it—unpleasant smells.
So, if your dishwasher has been giving off that fish market vibe and you’ve ruled out food particles and drain hose issues, it might be time to look closer at your water.
Clogged Dishwasher Filter
Do you know that little cylinder thingy at the bottom of your dishwasher? That’s your dishwasher filter, and it’s an important part of your appliance. Its job is to catch all those bits of food and debris that come off your dishes during a wash cycle. But, like a sink that’s too full of dishes, it can get clogged occasionally.
When the filter gets blocked, the water and debris have nowhere to go. And since we know what stagnant water and food particles smell like by now, you can probably guess what happens next. Yup—fishy odors!
So if you’re wondering how to fix a dishwasher that smells like fish, the first step is to identify the source of the fish smell. Once you’ve done that, it’s time to get to work on tackling it head-on!
Basic Cleaning of the Dishwasher
Cleaning your dishwasher might seem daunting, but it’s quite simple and can be broken down into a few easy steps. Here’s your step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Clear out any debris
The first step is to check the dishwasher for any visible debris. You’d be surprised at the bits of food that can get trapped in the corners and crevices of your dishwasher! So, before you do anything else, give your dishwasher a once-over and clear out any food particles or other debris that might be lingering.
Step 2: Clean the Dirty filter
Next up is the dishwasher filter. This is typically located at the bottom of the dishwasher and can usually be unscrewed and removed. Wash it thoroughly with warm running water once you’ve taken it out. If it’s particularly grubby, you can use a soft toothbrush to scrub away any stubborn grime gently.
Step 3: Run a cycle with vinegar
For this step, you’ll need some distilled white vinegar. Place a dishwasher-safe bowl on the top rack and fill it with one cup of vinegar. Then, run a hot-water cycle. The vinegar will help to wash away grease and grime, and it will also help to neutralize any odors.
Step 4: Run a cycle with baking soda
Once the vinegar cycle has finished, distribute a cup of baking soda evenly on the floor of the dishwasher. Follow this up by running a brief cycle with hot water. The baking soda will help further eliminate odors from your dishwasher and contribute to its overall brightness and cleanliness.
Step 5: Clean the seals
Finally, don’t forget about the door seals! These can often harbor mold and mildew, so give them a good wipe-down with a damp cloth and some mild detergent.
Dealing with Hard Water Issues
Hard water can be a real nuisance for homeowners. It’s water that has high mineral content, usually consisting of calcium and magnesium, and it can cause various problems, from soap not lathering properly to build-up on your appliances.
Recognizing the Problem
First, you need to determine if you have hard water. You might notice a white, scaly residue on your faucets or showerheads, spots on your dishes after washing, or your clothes feeling stiff and dull after laundry.
Managing Hard Water
Boil Your Water: If you are dealing with temporary hardness caused by dissolved bicarbonates of calcium or magnesium, boiling can help. This method precipitates the bicarbonates into carbonates, which can be easily removed.
Use a Hard Water Cleaning Aid: There are cleaning aids specifically designed to remove soap scum and mineral build-up caused by hard water. They can clean your bathroom fixtures, tiles, and even glassware.
Invest in a Water Softener: The optimal solution for handling hard water is to set up a water-softening system. These systems operate by swapping the hardness-causing calcium and magnesium ions with sodium or potassium ions, thereby successfully ‘softening’ the water.
Regular Maintenance and Cleaning: Regularly clean fixtures, appliances, and surfaces that frequently come in contact with hard water. Vinegar, being an acid, is particularly effective at dissolving mineral deposits. Running a cleaning cycle with vinegar can also help keep your dishwasher free from build-up.
Use Specific Detergents: Consider using detergents specifically designed for hard water. These products are formulated to produce a good lather even in hard water conditions.
Checking and Cleaning the Drain Hose
Next up is the drain hose. Here’s how to check and clean it:
Step 1: Locating the Drain Hose
The first step is finding the drain hose. In most dishwashers, this is a flexible tube at the back of the machine. You’ll likely need to remove your dishwasher from under the counter to access it. Remember to disconnect the power and water supply before you start.
Step 2: Checking for Blockages
Once you’ve located the drain hose, look it over. Check for any kinks or bends in the hose that could block the water flow. If the hose looks fine externally, you’ll want to check inside for blockages. To do this, you’ll need to disconnect the hose. Place a bucket or pan underneath to catch any water that might spill.
Step 3: Cleaning the Drain Hose
Now it’s time to clean the hose. You can use a long brush, like a bottle brush, to scrub inside the hose and dislodge any debris. If there’s a stubborn blockage, you can try running a stream of water through the hose to remove it.
Once you’ve cleaned the hose, reattach it to the dishwasher and make sure it’s secured tightly. You may want to run a short rinse cycle to check the water is draining properly. If not, there might be a blockage elsewhere in the system.
Regular Maintenance to Prevent Future Smells
Every appliance needs a bit of TLC from time to time, and your dishwasher is no exception. The key to keeping it smelling fresh is regular maintenance. Here are a few tips:
Regular Cleaning
As a general rule of thumb, aim to give your dishwasher a deep cleaning once a month. This should include cleaning the filter, wiping down the spray arms, door seals, and the inside walls of the dishwasher. It’s also a great time to run a cleaning cycle with a commercial dishwasher cleaner or a DIY solution like vinegar.
But remember, every dishwasher and every household is different. If you use your dishwasher multiple times a day or have particularly hard water, you should clean it more frequently.
Proper Loading
Properly loading a dishwasher is an art and a vital part of regular maintenance. It ensures that your dishes get cleaned efficiently, prevents damage to the dishwasher, and helps avoid unpleasant odors. Here’s how to do it:
Pre-Rinse (When Needed): While modern dishwashers are designed to handle bits of food, large chunks can cause issues. So, scrape off large particles but skip pre-rinsing under the tap – it’s usually unnecessary and wastes water.
Load Plates in the Bottom Rack: Plates should be loaded in the bottom rack, facing towards the center. This allows the spray arm to clean them effectively.
Place Glasses and Mugs on the Top Rack: These items should go on the top rack where the water pressure is gentler, reducing the risk of damage. Face them downwards so they don’t collect water.
Utensils Go in the Cutlery Basket: Avoid nesting spoons or forks together as they might not get thoroughly cleaned. Mix knives, forks, and spoons to prevent this. Point sharp items downwards for safety, but other utensils upwards for better cleaning.
Position Pots and Pans Correctly: These should also go on the bottom rack, turned upside down. If heavily soiled, they should be at the sides or back, not front, so they don’t interfere with the detergent dispenser.
Don’t Overload: While it’s tempting to fit in just one more dish, overloading can prevent water and detergent from reaching all surfaces, resulting in poorly cleaned dishes.
Check Dishwasher-Safe Labels: Not all items are dishwasher-safe. Check labels or manufacturer’s instructions to avoid damaging your belongings or the appliance.
Secure All Items: Ensure all items are secure and won’t fall over during the wash, which could block the spray arms.
Regular Inspections
After each wash cycle, inspecting the dishwasher for any signs of damage is a good idea. Look out for leaks, extra noise, or any other abnormalities, and contact a professional if needed.
Another important step is regularly checking the door seals. Worn-out door seals can allow moisture to escape – leading to bad odors – so make sure they’re clean and in good condition. To further help you, here’s a quick video guide on properly checking a dishwasher.
When to Call a Professional
Knowing when to call a professional for your dishwasher can save you time, money, and potential headaches. When in doubt, it’s always best to call a certified technician. They can help with issues like:
Leaking: If your dishwasher leaks, you may need a professional to replace the gasket or fix other mechanical parts.
Regular Smells: A bad odor that doesn’t go away could be caused by a clogged drain, faulty door seals, or a malfunctioning pump.
Noise: A loud noise coming from the dishwasher is usually caused by a part that needs to be serviced or replaced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is my new dishwasher smells like fish?
A: Fishy odors can be caused by a few different things. If you’ve recently installed a new dishwasher, it could emanate from the rubber door seal. Some off-gassing is normal when installing new appliances and should disappear within a few days.
Q: Can the garbage disposal cause a smell in the dishwasher?
A: Yes, it’s possible. The garbage disposal can send particles up into the dishwasher’s drain hose, which can cause odors and blockages. To prevent this, clean the garbage disposal regularly to avoid any build-up of debris and food particles.
Q: Do I need to use dishwasher detergent to clean my dishwasher?
A: While you can use regular dishwasher detergent, many commercial cleaners are specifically designed for cleaning the inside of a dishwasher. These cleaners often contain special enzymes and surfactants that break down stubborn residues and effectively remove smells.
Q: Do I need to replace my filter regularly?
A: Yes, it’s important to replace the filter regularly. Most dishwashers come with a mesh filter that needs to be cleaned or replaced every month. This will help keep your dishwasher running efficiently and avoid any unpleasant odors.
Q: How can I fix the standing water in the bottom of my dishwasher?
A: Standing water can be caused by several things, such as a blocked drain hose or pump. If you suspect an issue with your dishwasher, contact a professional for help. They can diagnose and fix the problem quickly and safely.
Final Words
Dealing with a dishwasher that smells like fish isn’t exactly a walk in the park, but it’s definitely something you can tackle with the right approach. From using vinegar to neutralize odors to ensuring your drain hose and filter are clean and clear, you can freshen up your trusty kitchen helper in several ways. Remember, prevention is key – regular maintenance, inspections, and proper loading techniques can go a long way in keeping those unpleasant smells at bay.
But if you’ve tried everything and the smell persists, don’t hesitate to call in a professional. After all, your dishwasher deserves the best care possible to keep it running smoothly and odor-free. Here’s to clean dishes and a fresh-smelling kitchen!
