You might have noticed a weird smell coming from your dishwasher, and it smells just like a wet dog. That smell can make you feel uncomfortable when you open the dishwasher after washing your dishes. You want to know why it happens and how to stop it. The good news is that you can fix this smell by cleaning your dishwasher and checking for common problems that cause the bad odor. In this article, I will explain why your dishwasher smells like wet dog and show you easy ways to make it smell fresh again.
Check the Drain and Filter for Trapped Food and Water
One of the main reasons your dishwasher smells like wet dog is because food and dirty water get stuck in the drain or filter. When food stays in these places for a long time, it starts to rot and create a bad smell.
The wet dog smell can come from bacteria and mold that grow on the leftover food and water. If the dishwasher does not drain well, the water stays inside and causes the smell to get worse.
To fix this, you should look at the bottom of your dishwasher. There is usually a filter that catches food pieces and a drain that lets water out. Take out the filter carefully and clean it with warm water and soap. Remove any food bits stuck there.
Next, check the drain hole and clear it if you see anything blocking it. You can use a small brush or a toothpick to get rid of the gunk. Also, make sure your dishwasher is draining water fully after a cycle. If water stays, you might need to clean the drain hose or call a professional.
Cleaning the filter and drain regularly, about once a month, will help stop the wet dog smell from coming back. Also, avoid putting very dirty dishes or large food scraps directly into the dishwasher. Rinse dishes before loading to reduce leftover food in the machine.
- Food bits and dirty water stuck in drain/filter cause bad smell
- Bacteria and mold grow on leftover food, making wet dog odor
- Remove and clean filter with soap and water
- Clear drain hole of blockages carefully
- Check dishwasher drains fully after each use
- Clean drain hose if water stays inside
- Rinse dishes before loading to reduce food particles
- Clean filter and drain regularly to prevent smell
Clean the Dishwasher Door, Seals, and Spray Arms Well
The dishwasher door and its rubber seals can hold dirt, mold, and grime that cause the wet dog smell. When the dishwasher runs, water sprays inside, but some water can stay trapped in the door seals or corners. Over time, mold and mildew grow in these moist areas, causing a strong, unpleasant smell.
To clean the door and seals, start by wiping them down with a soft cloth soaked in warm water mixed with vinegar or mild soap. Make sure to clean all the folds and edges of the rubber seals, as mold likes to hide there. You can use a toothbrush to scrub gently in small areas.
Also, check the spray arms at the bottom and middle of the dishwasher. These spray arms have tiny holes that can get clogged with food bits or hard water deposits. Clogged spray arms reduce cleaning power and can cause smells.
Remove the spray arms according to your dishwasher’s manual. Soak them in warm water mixed with vinegar to dissolve any deposits. Then use a toothpick or small brush to clean the holes.
Rinse well and put them back. When everything is clean and dry, wipe the door and seals again to remove moisture. Leaving the dishwasher door open after a cycle lets the inside dry, stopping mold growth and smells.
- Mold and grime grow in door seals and corners
- Wipe door and seals with warm water and vinegar or soap
- Use toothbrush to clean small folds and edges of seals
- Remove and soak spray arms in vinegar water
- Clean spray holes with toothpick or brush
- Dry and wipe door and seals after cleaning
- Leave dishwasher door open after use to dry inside
Use Dishwasher Cleaner or Natural Cleaners to Remove Build-Up
Over time, soap scum, grease, and hard water deposits build up inside your dishwasher. This build-up can cause a bad smell like wet dog. Using a dishwasher cleaner helps break down these deposits and cleans the inside parts that you cannot reach by hand. Dishwasher cleaners are easy to find at stores and work well if you use them regularly.
If you prefer natural cleaners, white vinegar and baking soda work great. To use vinegar, place a cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe container on the top rack and run a hot water cycle.
The vinegar breaks down grease and kills some bacteria causing the smell. After this, sprinkle a cup of baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher and run a short hot water cycle. Baking soda helps remove stains and freshens the dishwasher.
Do this cleaning once a month or whenever you notice the wet dog smell. Regular cleaning stops the smell from coming back and keeps your dishwasher working well.
- Soap scum and grease cause bad smell inside dishwasher
- Dishwasher cleaners dissolve build-up and kill bacteria
- Use white vinegar in top rack, run hot water cycle
- Sprinkle baking soda on bottom, run short hot water cycle
- Clean once a month to stop smell and maintain dishwasher
- Natural cleaners are safe and effective alternatives
Check and Fix Dishwasher Drain Hose Issues
The drain hose is the tube that carries dirty water from your dishwasher to the sink drain or garbage disposal. If this hose is bent, clogged, or installed wrong, water can get stuck and start to smell bad. The wet dog smell can come from water that does not flow out well and sits inside the hose or dishwasher.
Look under your sink and find the drain hose connected to your dishwasher. Make sure the hose is not bent, twisted, or squashed. If it is, straighten it out so water flows easily. You can also remove the hose and flush it with water to clear any blockages. Sometimes food or soap scum builds up inside the hose, causing clogs and smells.
Check how the hose is connected to the sink or garbage disposal. It should have a loop or air gap to stop dirty water from flowing back into the dishwasher. If the hose is not installed correctly, water may return to the dishwasher and cause odors.
If you are unsure how to fix the hose or if problems continue, it is best to call a plumber or dishwasher technician.
- Drain hose carries dirty water away
- Bent or clogged hose causes water to stay and smell
- Check hose under sink for bends or kinks, straighten it
- Flush hose with water to remove blockages
- Make sure hose is installed with air gap or loop
- Incorrect installation causes water to flow back and smell
- Call a professional if unsure or problem continues
Avoid Leaving Dirty Dishes or Food in Dishwasher Too Long
One simple reason your dishwasher smells like wet dog is that dirty dishes or food sit inside for too long. When food is left to rot, it produces bad smells and bacteria. Leaving wet dishes in the dishwasher without running a cycle also creates a damp place for mold to grow.
Try to load your dishwasher only when it is full and run it soon after. Don’t leave food scraps or dirty dishes inside for many hours or days. If you need to wait, rinse the dishes first to remove big food pieces. This simple habit stops smells and keeps your dishwasher fresh.
Also, empty the dishwasher right after the cycle finishes. Letting clean dishes sit wet inside the machine can cause mold or smells. Open the dishwasher door to let air dry the inside.
- Dirty dishes and food left too long cause smells
- Run dishwasher soon after loading
- Rinse dishes before loading if waiting to run
- Don’t leave dirty dishes inside for days
- Empty dishwasher right after cycle
- Leave door open to air dry inside
Maintain Your Dishwasher Regularly for Long-Term Freshness
Keeping your dishwasher clean and working well needs regular care. When you clean your dishwasher often and check for problems, the wet dog smell will not return. Besides cleaning the filter, door, and spray arms, it’s good to look for leaks or broken parts. Leaks can cause water to stay in places it shouldn’t, leading to smells and mold.
You can set a reminder to clean your dishwasher every month. Use dishwasher cleaners, wipe down the seals, and check the drain hose. Running a hot water cycle with vinegar monthly keeps the inside fresh. Also, inspect the dishwasher’s drain pump or motor if it’s noisy or not draining well. Getting repairs done early can save money and stop smells.
If you live in a hard water area, use a water softener or dishwasher salt to prevent mineral build-up. Minerals can cause clogging and odors.
- Regular cleaning and maintenance prevent smells
- Check for leaks and broken parts
- Use dishwasher cleaner monthly
- Wipe seals and clean filter regularly
- Inspect drain pump or motor for issues
- Use water softener if needed to stop mineral build-up
- Set reminders for regular dishwasher care
Quick Guide
| What to Do | Why It Helps | How Often to Do It |
|---|---|---|
| Clean filter and drain | Removes food and water that cause smell | Every month |
| Wipe door seals and clean spray arms | Stops mold and grime build-up | Every month |
| Use dishwasher cleaner or vinegar | Breaks down grease and soap scum | Once a month |
| Check drain hose | Ensures proper water drainage | Check every 3 months |
| Run dishwasher soon after loading | Prevents food from rotting inside | Every use |
| Empty dishwasher after cycle | Stops mold and wet smells | Every use |
| Regular maintenance | Keeps dishwasher working well | Monthly |
Final Thoughts
A dishwasher smelling like wet dog is not fun, but you can fix it. The main causes are trapped food, water, mold, or poor drainage. By cleaning the filter, door seals, and spray arms, using natural or store cleaners, and checking the drain hose, you can make your dishwasher smell fresh again. Also, avoid leaving dirty dishes inside too long and keep up with regular maintenance. These simple habits help your dishwasher work better and keep your kitchen smelling clean and fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it normal for a dishwasher to smell like wet dog?
Yes, sometimes dishwashers can develop a wet dog smell because food, water, and mold build-up inside. It is not normal to have this smell all the time, but it happens if the dishwasher is not cleaned regularly. You can stop the smell by cleaning filters, seals, and drains and running cleaning cycles with vinegar or dishwasher cleaner. If the smell stays, there could be a problem with drainage or mold that needs more attention.
Can a clogged filter cause bad dishwasher smells?
Absolutely, a clogged filter is one of the biggest causes of bad smells in a dishwasher. The filter catches food scraps, and if it gets full or blocked, food stays trapped and rots, creating bad odors like wet dog smell. Cleaning the filter regularly is important to keep your dishwasher smelling fresh and working well.
Do I need to use special dishwasher cleaners?
You don’t always need special cleaners. Natural cleaners like white vinegar and baking soda work very well and are safe for most dishwashers. However, dishwasher cleaners from the store are made to break down grease and build-up faster and can be helpful if your dishwasher has a lot of hard water deposits or strong smells. Using cleaners once a month keeps the dishwasher fresh.
Is it bad to leave dirty dishes in the dishwasher overnight?
Yes, leaving dirty dishes in the dishwasher overnight can cause smells because food and moisture sit inside and start to rot or grow mold. It is better to rinse dishes and run the dishwasher soon after loading. If you can’t run it right away, at least rinse the dishes well and leave the door slightly open to let moisture escape.
Can a bent drain hose cause dishwasher smells?
Yes, if the drain hose is bent or twisted, water cannot flow out properly and can get stuck inside. This trapped water becomes a source of bad smells. Straightening the hose and making sure it is installed correctly with an air gap or loop helps water drain away and stops smells.
Do I need to clean the spray arms?
Yes, cleaning spray arms is important because clogged spray holes reduce washing power and can trap food and minerals. This can lead to smells inside the dishwasher. You can remove spray arms, soak them in vinegar, and clean the holes with a toothpick to keep them working well.
Is mold common in dishwashers?
Mold can grow in dishwashers if they stay wet and dirty for long times. The best way to prevent mold is to clean the dishwasher regularly, dry the door seals, and leave the door open after use to let moisture escape. Mold causes bad smells and can make the wet dog odor worse.
Can hard water make dishwasher smells worse?
Yes, hard water leaves minerals inside the dishwasher that build up over time. These minerals can clog parts and trap food, causing bad smells. Using dishwasher salt or a water softener helps reduce mineral build-up and keeps your dishwasher clean and smelling fresh.
