New Dishwasher Smells? (Here's What To Do)
Got a new dishwasher that smells? You’re not alone. It’s actually pretty common for a brand-new dishwasher to have a funky odor when you first start using it.
That’s because it’s still fresh from the factory and may have residue from packaging or materials used in manufacturing.
In this post, I’ll give you some tips to get rid of all the new dishwasher smells.
#1 Run A Hot Water Cycle
The first thing you’ll want to do is run a hot water cycle without any dishes inside.
This helps flush out any manufacturing residues or dust that may have built up inside.
Hot water will also help eliminate any lingering smells and give your dishwasher a fresh start. It’s an easy step, and it doesn’t take long.
Just set your dishwasher to its hottest cycle, hit start, and let it run. Afterward, the air inside should be fresher, and you’ll be one step closer to a smell-free dishwasher!
Also Read: How To Make Dishwasher Smell Better
#2 Use Vinegar Or Baking Soda
If the smell doesn’t disappear after the hot water cycle, it’s time to bring in some household cleaners—vinegar or baking soda. These are great deodorizers.
For vinegar, just grab a cup and place it in the top rack of the empty dishwasher.
Run a normal cycle, but don’t add any detergent.
The vinegar will clean out any leftover odors and help break down grease and grime that might be causing the smell. Plus, it’s natural and safe, which is a bonus!
Baking soda works the same way. Sprinkle a cup of baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher and run a quick cycle.
Baking soda is great at neutralizing odors, and it can also help with any lingering food particles stuck to the walls. Afterward, your dishwasher should be smelling a lot better.
#3 Check For Packaging Leftovers
New dishwashers often come with protective packaging that can easily be missed during installation.
Take a close look inside—there could be plastic film, zip ties, foam inserts, or even bits of cardboard still attached to the racks, spray arms, or sides.
Also Read: Dishwasher Not Cleaning Bottom Rack
Some dishwashers also have protective stickers on the heating element or filter area, which can cause a weird smell if left in place.
Run your hand along the interior to make sure nothing is stuck.
If you find anything, remove it completely before running a cycle.
#5 Clean The Filter & Drain
A lot of people forget that dishwashers have filters and drains that need to be cleaned regularly.
These parts can collect food scraps, grease, and debris, which can create odors over time.
Even in a new dishwasher, there may be some build-up from the manufacturing process.
To clean the filter, just pull it out (check your dishwasher’s manual for instructions if you're unsure) and rinse it under hot water. You can use a soft brush to scrub away any debris.
As for the drain, make sure there’s nothing blocking it. Sometimes, packaging materials or small bits of food can get stuck in there, causing the smell to linger.
Taking a few minutes to clean both the filter and drain can help prevent smells from sticking around.
#5 Air It Out
Once you’ve run the hot cycle, used vinegar or baking soda, and cleaned the filter, the next step is to air out your dishwasher.
After a few runs, it might still have some dampness inside, which can trap odors.
Leave the door open for a little while after each wash to allow the air to circulate.
You can even prop the door open slightly with a towel or dishcloth to help it dry out faster. This helps prevent any musty or moldy smells from developing.
Giving your dishwasher a bit of time to breathe can go a long way in keeping it smelling fresh.
#6 Use A Dishwasher Cleaner
If you’ve done all the above steps and there’s still a lingering odor, it might be time to bring out the big guns.
Dishwasher cleaners are formulated to tackle stubborn smells and tough grime that home remedies might not be able to handle.
You can find dishwasher cleaners at most grocery stores or online.
To use, follow the instructions on the packaging—usually, it’s just a matter of placing the cleaner in the bottom of the dishwasher and running a cycle.
These cleaners often contain powerful enzymes that break down grease and food particles that are hard to reach.
It’s a great way to freshen up your dishwasher and keep it running smoothly for the long term.
Need A Hand With Cleaning? Our Cleaning Ladies Can Help!
Bottom Line
New dishwasher smells aren’t unusual, and most of the time, they’re easy to get rid of.
Start with a hot water cycle, then try vinegar or baking soda to eliminate any odors. Don’t forget to check for packaging leftovers, clean the filter and drain, and air it out to prevent dampness.
If all else fails, a good dishwasher cleaner can handle even the most stubborn smells.
FAQs
Why Does My New Dishwasher Smell Like Sewage?
A sewage-like smell usually happens because the drain hose wasn’t installed properly or the filter is clogged. Check to make sure the drain hose has a high loop or air gap so dirty water doesn’t back up into the dishwasher.
Why Does My New Dishwasher Smell Like Wet Dog?
That wet dog smell might be from leftover food bits stuck in the filter or spray arms. Running a cycle with white vinegar and baking soda should do the trick to freshen things up.
Why Does My New Dishwasher Smell Like Rotten Eggs?
A rotten egg smell (yep, that’s sulfur) could mean bacteria are building up in the dishwasher or there’s standing water in the drain. Clean the filter, then run a hot wash with dishwasher cleaner or vinegar to get rid of it.
Why Does My New Dishwasher Smell Like Chemicals?
New dishwashers can have a chemical smell because of leftover manufacturing residues. Try running a few empty cycles with hot water and vinegar to clear that out.
Why Does My New Dishwasher Smell Like Fish?
That fishy smell might come from old food particles stuck in the filter or drain. Clean the filter, wipe down the interior, and run a deodorizing wash cycle to freshen it up!