Fishwasher: Why Your Dishwasher Smells Like Fish

There's nothing less appetizing than opening your dishwasher and being hit with a strong, fishy odor. If your dishwasher smells like fish, there could be a few issues at play. Aside from a piece of fish making its way into the dishwasher after dinner, there may be food trapped in the filter, or you might be dealing with a mold or mildew issue.

This May Also Interest You: What Do You Do With an Old Appliance? How to Recycle Fridges, Washers, Ovens and More

Whatever the underlying cause, there are simple ways to eliminate the telltale fish odor and prevent it from returning.

Why Does My Dishwasher Smell Like Fish?

From trapped food to problems with the electrical components, there are various reasons your dishwasher could smell like fish. Here are some common causes of fishy odors emanating from a dishwasher:

• Dirty filter. A clogged or dirty dishwasher filter can occur when food debris builds up and creates a blockage. While your dishwasher may appear to work fine minus the fish odor, a clogged filter can eventually lead to issues like reduced water flow and poor drainage. Plus, any bacteria stuck in the filter could work its way onto your dishes, increasing your risk of illness.

• Decomposing food in spray arms or drain. Similar to buildup on the filter, if particles from protein-rich foods like fish or meat get caught in the spray arms or stuck in the drain, that can cause a fishy odor. The odor generally occurs as the meat or fish particles decompose, and it may be more noticeable at the end of your wash cycle.

• Dirty dishwasher interior. If you use your dishwasher on a regular basis, substances like food particles, kitchen grease and soap scum can collect on the interior walls. Over time, this can lead to mold or mildew growth, and you may notice a foul, fishy odor in the appliance. Excess moisture and buildup can also allow mold and mildew to develop on the dishwasher's seals and gaskets.

• Overheating electrical components. While it may sound strange that damaged electrical components can smell like fish, it's actually very common. The odor comes from heat-resistant materials that break down when wiring overheats, and it's a sign you should immediately unplug your dishwasher and contact a professional electrician.

More Related Articles:

• Should You Buy a Used Appliance? Weigh the Risks and Rewards

• 7 Ways Your Kitchen Will Evolve in the Next 10 Years

• What’s the Difference Between a Warranty and a Protection Plan for Appliances?

• When’s the Last Time You Replaced Your Appliances’ Hoses? Here’s How to Change All of Them

• How to Find the Serial Number on Your Appliances and Gadgets

How Do I Get the Fish Smell Out? And How Do I Prevent It From Coming Back?

The best way to eliminate the fish smell from your dishwasher depends on the underlying cause of the odor. If you're dealing with an electrical issue, you may need to replace the dishwasher. Trapped food and buildup often can be remedied with a thorough cleaning, but mold growth may require professional intervention.

To deep clean your dishwasher, follow these steps:

• Clean the filter. The first step in cleaning your dishwasher is to locate the filter and remove it. Run the filter under hot water, and be sure to remove any stuck-on food particles or debris. Once the filter is free of debris, scrub it with dish detergent and hot water. Rinse the filter thoroughly before placing it back inside the dishwasher.

• Clean the spray arms. Use a toothbrush or toothpick to remove any food particles or debris caught in the spray arms. If your dishwasher's spray arms are detachable, remove them and run them under warm water.

• Remove debris and clean the drain. Locate the drain and clean out any collected food particles or other debris. If the drain has visible mold or mildew, mix warm water with dish detergent and use a scrub brush to apply the mixture to the moldy spots. You can also use this technique to clean moldy seals and gaskets.

• Clean the interior. Wipe down the dishwasher interior with a mixture of dishwasher-safe detergent and warm water. It's never a good idea to use liquid dish soap in the dishwasher, as it can foam up and cause the appliance to leak suds.

• Run the rinse cycle. Once you've completed all the deep-cleaning steps, run the dishwasher on the rinse cycle. After the cycle completes, open the door and allow the interior to air dry.

• Towel-dry interior. Use a towel to dry up any remaining water.

Take Preventive Measures

To prevent fishy odors from returning, it's important to clean your dishwasher on a regular basis. Make sure your dishes are free of large food particles before placing them in the dishwasher, and use a towel to dry the appliance's interior after every wash cycle. If fishy odor returns, there may be an issue with an electrical component or the drain hose that should be addressed by a professional electrician or plumber.