Kitchenaid dishwashers have made a name for themselves owing to their long-lasting service and high functionality. With proper maintenance and care, you can enjoy a long-lasting service from this dishwasher.
This is why it is important to identify the reason behind the bad smell emitted from your kitchen aid dishwasher. We will also discuss how you can fix the problem.
Kitchenaid dishwasher smells bad
Your Kitchenaid dishwasher is likely to smell bad if there are leftover food residuals in the cleaning chamber of the dishwasher. This in turn leads to a bacteria buildup, which causes the bad smell. Make sure to clean the dishwasher every once in a while. Run some rinse cycles after a few loads.
Bad odor from dishwashers is pretty common. As unfortunate as it sounds, dishwashers often emit bad smells from their chambers. One of the most common reasons behind this is food residual.
Since you will be cleaning a lot of dishes in the dishwasher, it is possible that sometimes some dishes go inside the dishwasher carrying some food particles. This in turn leads to leftover food particles building up at the bottom of the cleaning chamber.
In addition, the food particles may sometimes block the filter of the dishwasher as well. You will have to pay special attention to the filter in order to make sure that the dishwasher is in healthy condition.
Moreover, issues with the motor coil and other parts of the dishwasher may also cause a bad smell inside the dishwasher as well. You can identify the cause of the smell depending on the type of smell that the dishwasher is emitting.
In the following section, we will discuss various types of bad smells that your Kitchenaid dishwasher may produce and the reason behind them. We will also discuss how you can solve the issue.
Musty
Food residue:
Your Kitchenaid dishwasher will emit a musty smell from its chambers if there are food residuals left inside. This is one of the most common problems in dishwashers and causes smell almost immediately.
The food residuals will cause a grease build-up inside the dishwasher. This in turn causes the smell.
Solution: If such a smell forms inside your dishwasher, then you will need to clean the chambers. In addition, make sure that you are checking in on the filter as well. Clean the dishwasher as often as you can.
Clogged filter:
If the filter of the dishwasher is clogged, it will cause the dishwasher to smell musty. So check the filter as well.
Solution: Clean the filter. The filter is usually located at the bottom of the dishwasher. It is advised that you clean the filter once every two weeks anyway. But if you notice a heavy clog, then you might want to replace the filter.
Fishy
Stuck food:
Food particles stuck in the filter may cause a fishy smell inside the dishwasher. If you find any such smell inside the dishwasher, then you should clean the filter.
Solution: When it comes to cleaning the filter, you will first need to take the filter out. Then you should soak the filter in warm water and detergent. This will help you get rid of any grease or food particles in the filter.
Rotten food in the bottom chamber:
Food particles at the bottom of the cleaning chamber.
Solution: If you notice that there are food particles stuck at the bottom of the cleaning chamber, then you will need to use a soft brush or a sponge to clean the chamber.
Get rid of any grease or food particles in the chamber. Then you should run a rinsing cycle inside the dishwasher but without the dishes.
Like wet dog
Bad water:
If your KitchenAid dishwasher smells like a wet dog, then you will have to check the water. It is highly likely that the water that is being supplied to the dishwasher is contaminated.
The reason behind this type of smell is that bacteria from the contaminated water inside the dishwasher and leaves this smell.
Solution: In order to solve this issue, you will need to check the water supply to the dishwasher. Make sure to supply clean water to the dishwasher in order to get rid of this strange smell. Otherwise, contaminated water will keep on bringing back this smell.
Sewage
Food build up:
Food residue will cause this problem as well. If your dishwasher smells like sewage water, it is likely that there have been a food residual build up inside the dishwasher.
Solution: Clean the dishwasher thoroughly. Check the filter as well. And make sure that the filter of the dishwasher is clean as well.
Clogged pipe and water:
Contaminated water supply to the dishwasher may also cause this issue. If you notice that your dishwasher smells like sewage water, make sure to check the water supply.
Solution: ensure supply of clean water to the dishwasher. Check the pipelines and whether there are any clogs inside them.
Rotten eggs
Grease:
Grease or food build-up inside the dishwasher chamber may cause a smell of rotten eggs inside the dishwasher. You should check the dishwasher cleaning chamber for any residue.
Solution: Clean the dishwasher and replace the filter if necessary. Run a few cleaning cycles inside the dishwasher, but do not insert any dishes yet.
Burning plastic
Motor oil:
The smell of burning plastic inside the dishwasher may be caused by a malfunction in the motor coils. In addition, if the insulation system of the dishwasher is not working properly, you will get a smell like burning plastic.
Solution: Check the motor of the dishwasher and replace any coil that is malfunctioning. Get professional help if necessary.
Garbage
Rotten food:
Now if your KitchenAid dishwasher smells like garbage, then it is a clear indication that there are food particles stuck at the bottom of the cleaning chamber. It is also possible that the filter of the dishwasher is clogged.
Solution: Check the bottom of the dishwasher as well as the filter. Make sure that you clean any grease build-up from the dishwasher. In addition, replace the filter of the dishwasher if you deem it necessary.
Like soap
Stuck cleaning element:
It is likely that there are cleaning particles stuck at the filter or the bottom of the dishwasher.
Solution: Run a few rinsing cycles inside the dishwasher without the dishes. This will ensure thorough cleaning of the dishwasher.
Like oil
Grease build up:
There is most possibly grease build up inside the dishwasher. Grease and food residue is likely to cause a smell like oil inside the dishwasher.
Solution: Clean the dishwasher and run a few rinsing cycles without the dishes.
Why does my kitchenaid dishwasher smell after cleaning?
If your kitchenaid dishwasher smells even after cleaning, then there must be some underlying issue with the filter. Make sure that you clean or replace the filter. Generally, it is advised that you clean the filter of the dishwasher every once in a while.
Unclog the filter if there are clogs. And if the filter has gotten too old, make sure to replace it before it causes further damage to the dishwasher.
How do I clean my Kitchenaid dishwasher drain?
Read ahead to find out how you can clean the Kitchenaid dishwasher drain.
Disconnect the power of the dishwasher:
Firstly, you will need to disconnect the power of the dishwasher.
Get rid of standing water:
Now you will need to get rid of any standing water. Also make sure that there is no excess water inside the dishwasher. Soak up any remaining water.
Clean the dishwasher drain:
Now you should get rid of any debris that might be stuck in the dishwasher drain. You should make a solution for this purpose.
Mix equal parts of vinegar and baking soda. And stir them well. Now you should pour the solution into the base of the dishwasher chamber.
Let it sit for about 15 minutes. Then use a sponge or an old piece of cloth to remove the solution and clean the drain.
Run a rinse cycle:
Now you should run a rinse cycle inside the dishwasher. Make sure that there are no dishes inside the dishwasher at this point.
Run this cycle at the highest heat setting. It would be most effective if you can run such a rinsing cycle after every load.
This will ensure thorough cleaning of the dishwasher drain. Make sure that the dishwasher filter is unclogged as well.
Final Thoughts
KitchenAid dishwashers may smell bad sometimes. There can be several underlying causes behind it, but the most common cause is food residue. If you come across a bad smell coming from your dishwasher, clean the dishwashing chamber, garbage disposal, and filter. Then run rinsing cycle without dishes.