Unraveling The Mystery: Why Does My New Stainless Steel Dishwasher Smell?

Stainless steel dishwashers are a popular choice for homeowners due to their durability, energy efficiency, and sleek appearance. However, some homeowners may notice an unpleasant smell coming from their new stainless steel dishwasher. This smell can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Manufacturing oils: New stainless steel dishwashers are often coated with a protective oil to prevent scratching during shipping and installation. This oil can cause an unpleasant smell when the dishwasher is first used.
• Food residue: Food residue can accumulate in the dishwasher’s drain and filter, causing an unpleasant smell.
• Bacteria: Bacteria can also grow in the dishwasher’s drain and filter, contributing to an unpleasant smell.
• Hard water: Hard water can cause mineral deposits to build up in the dishwasher’s interior, which can also cause an unpleasant smell.

Troubleshooting the Smell

If you notice an unpleasant smell coming from your new stainless steel dishwasher, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the problem:

1. Clean the dishwasher’s drain and filter. The drain and filter are located at the bottom of the dishwasher. To clean them, remove the lower dishrack and locate the drain cover. Remove the drain cover and clean it with a sponge and dish soap. Then, remove the filter and clean it with a toothbrush and dish soap.
2. Run the dishwasher with a vinegar and baking soda solution. Vinegar and baking soda are natural deodorizers that can help to remove unpleasant smells from the dishwasher. To use this solution, add one cup of vinegar and one cup of baking soda to the bottom of the dishwasher. Then, run the dishwasher on the hottest water setting.
3. Use a commercial dishwasher cleaner. There are a number of commercial dishwasher cleaners available that can help to remove unpleasant smells from the dishwasher. To use a commercial dishwasher cleaner, follow the instructions on the product label.
4. Contact a qualified appliance repair technician. If you are unable to remove the unpleasant smell from your dishwasher using the above methods, you may need to contact a qualified appliance repair technician. The technician can diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action.

Conclusion: Avoiding Future Smells

There are a few things you can do to help prevent unpleasant smells from developing in your stainless steel dishwasher:

• Rinse dishes before loading them into the dishwasher. This will help to remove food residue that can accumulate in the drain and filter.
• Clean the dishwasher’s drain and filter regularly. This will help to prevent food residue and bacteria from building up.
• Use a commercial dishwasher cleaner periodically. This will help to keep the dishwasher clean and free of unpleasant smells.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals in the dishwasher. Harsh chemicals can damage the dishwasher’s interior and contribute to an unpleasant smell.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your stainless steel dishwasher smelling fresh and clean.