Why Does the Dishwasher Smell like Sewage?
Drainage problems inside the dishwasher can cause a foul smell, much like sewageSewage is wastewater containing biological and chemical cont... More. Service from a professional can eradicate the noxious odors, but homeowners can take steps to prevent the smells. Cleaning the dishwasher regularly is the primary way to rid the appliance of unwanted odors.
A dirty filter is the main culprit when the dishwasher reeks of sewage. The filter traps food particles, and a filter that is left uncleaned for prolonged periods of time will start to smell. A foul-smelling dishwasher is not the only outcome of a filter that is not regularly cleaned.
In addition to causing the sewageSewage is wastewater containing biological and chemical cont... More odors, the clogged filter is responsible for recirculating dirty water. What results is a dishwashing cycle that fails to properly clean the dishes. However, a simple remedy is available to avoid both a smelly dishwasher and one that doesn’t clean: clean the filter.
The first step in cleaning the filter is to consult the product manual for model-specific instructions to remove the part. Accessing the filter can be done by removing the lower rack of the dishwasher. Unscrew and remove the filter. Rinse with hot water and return it to the appliance.
Can the dishwasher cause illness?
Considering all the food particles, bacteria, virusesViruses are microscopic infectious agents that can only repr... More, and fungiFungi are a group of organisms, including mold, mildew, and ... More that teem inside the nooks and crannies of the dishwasher, it’s no surprise that some people wonder if they’ll get sick. MicrobesMicrobes are microscopic organisms, including bacteria, fung... More are everywhere in the environment, including inside common household appliances, like the dishwasher.
In short, getting sick from the dishwasher is a rare occurrence. Unless an individual suffers from a compromised immune system, becoming ill is unlikely. This is because the appliance is an extreme habitat—wet and dry, heat and cooler temps, low acidity and high acidity. Few microbesMicrobes are microscopic organisms, including bacteria, fung... More survive.
The most common bacteria that dwell inside the dishwasher include Pseudomonas, Escherichia, and Acinetobacter. FungiFungi are a group of organisms, including mold, mildew, and ... More that can live in the appliance are Candida, Cryptococcus, and Rhodotorula. These opportunistic pathogensPathogens are microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, or f... More are harmless to most people but can cause infections in people with compromised immune systems.
Can bleach be safely run through the dishwasher?
Eliminate odors from the dishwasher by cleaning the appliance once a month. Various cleaning tacticsTactics are the specific methods or actions used to achieve ... More are available, from using household vinegar to baking soda. Bleach, too, can be used for an effective clean. In fact, bleach offers a deep clean, removing tough stains, moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More, and mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More.
Cleaning the dishwasher with bleach requires pouring one cup of bleach into a bowl that is both dishwasher-safe and bleach-safe. Place the bowl on the top rack of the appliance. Run the dishwasher for a full cycle—and skip the dry cycle.
It’s important to note that bleach is only safe and effective if the dishwasher is not stainless steel and does not contain stainless steel parts. Bleach has the ability to damage a stainless dishwasher and its stainless steel parts. Use vinegar or baking soda inside a stainless steel unit, instead.
How is mold removed from dishwashers?
As mentioned, fungiFungi are a group of organisms, including mold, mildew, and ... More can grow inside the dishwasher. MoldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More is a type of fungiFungi are a group of organisms, including mold, mildew, and ... More, inhabiting spaces that are dark, damp, and offer an organic food source. A dishwasher provides the optimum conditions for moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More sporesSpores are microscopic reproductive units of fungi or mold t... More to thrive. Worry not, however, as moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More can be cleaned from the appliance.
MoldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More collects primarily on the rubber seal inside the dishwasher door. Sanitizing the gasket is as easy as scrubbing it with a toothbrush and soapy water. Add white vinegar to the cleaning solutionA solution is a homogeneous mixture of two or more substance... More for extra sanitizing power. Thoroughly dry the gasket to prevent moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More from recolonizing.
Cleaning the filter is also necessary to not only remove the sewage smell but eliminate moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More. Rotting food particles nourish moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More sporesSpores are microscopic reproductive units of fungi or mold t... More, so it’s essential to clean the filter once per week. Additionally, scrub the filter with soapy water at least once a month to keep moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More at bay.
Moisture attracts moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More, but a dry dishwasher keeps moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More away. Between cycles, ensure the dishwasher thoroughly dries. When choosing to air dry, leave the appliance door open after each cycle. If water gathers in the tub, it’s also recommended to open the dishwasher door to accelerate dryingDrying is the process of removing moisture from materials, s... More.
Another safe and effective moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More infestation preventionPrevention refers to actions taken to reduce the likelihood ... More tactic is to spray clean the dishwasher sides with a mixture of vinegar, baking soda, and water. Run the dishwasher on its hot cycle, while keeping a bowl of vinegar on the top rack and baking soda sprinkled on the bottom.
Cleaning the dishwasher on a regular basis prevents the sewageSewage is wastewater containing biological and chemical cont... More smell and moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More growth. Further benefits of keeping the dishwasher spotless include cleaner dishes and an increased lifespan. If the sewageSewage is wastewater containing biological and chemical cont... More smell is an indicator of a sewageSewage is wastewater containing biological and chemical cont... More backup, however, you’ll need a sewage cleanup expert.
Specially trained and certified technicians are skilled in disinfecting residential and commercial properties that have been damaged by sewer water. Their equipment and methods are designed to handle losses of any size.
Property owners who encounter a sewer backup must act fast. VirusesViruses are microscopic infectious agents that can only repr... More, bacteria, and disease-causing pathogensPathogens are microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, or f... More contaminate sewageSewage is wastewater containing biological and chemical cont... More water and pose a threat to the health of the building’s occupants. Structural materials that absorb the sewer water can also become permanently damaged.
Professional cleanup crews respond swiftly, arriving promptly and assessing the extent of the contaminationContamination is the presence of harmful or unwanted substan... More. Upon developing a restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More plan, technicians remove all sewageSewage is wastewater containing biological and chemical cont... More water using advanced machinery. They utilize powerful dryingDrying is the process of removing moisture from materials, s... More equipment, then clean and disinfect all affected parts of the property.
Once the damaged building is fully cleaned and disinfected, the odors caused by the sewageSewage is wastewater containing biological and chemical cont... More water also disappear. The health and safety of the property’s inhabitants are protected when you contact a sewageSewage is wastewater containing biological and chemical cont... More cleanup service as soon as possible after noticing the contaminationContamination is the presence of harmful or unwanted substan... More.
About Vince Sandri
Vince Sandri is a content writer and blogger with more than 12 years of experience. His expertise is in creating content related to disaster restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More, including information about preventing and reacting to natural disasters like floodingFlooding is the overflow or accumulation of water in areas t... More, water damage, fire and smoke damage, moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More growth, storm damage and more.
Vince has been the main contributor to RestorationMasterFinder.com since 2014. Over that time, he has written numerous service pages and blogs for disaster restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More providers featured on RestorationMasterFinder.com. Vince has done extensive research and covered a wide range of topics relating to disaster restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More to help homeowners, business owners, and property managers better protect their property. He understands the problems that disasters like floodingFlooding is the overflow or accumulation of water in areas t... More, fire, smoke, and moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More can cause as well as the best ways to respond to these issues to limit the damage.
Vince completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Aurora University and his master’s degree at DePaul University. He has been writing SEO website pages, blogs, and press releases since 2012. Vince is also a musician and can be seen playing in the Chicago, IL area.
