this post was submitted on 29 Feb 2024
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How do you get rid of "wet dog" smell in a dishwasher? (lemmy.ml)
submitted 9 months ago* (last edited 9 months ago) by makeasnek@lemmy.ml to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml
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This is a thing with every dishwasher I've had, some models seem better than other. You wash the dishes and when they dry, they have a musty odor I can only describe as "wet dog". Other people often don't seem to notice this, so maybe I am just sensitive to it. Though if I point it out, then they smell it.

I have tried:

  • Cleaning every nook and cranny of the dishwasher and filter
  • Running with orange kool-aid/citric acid/lemishine in dispenser after each wash (works decently well)
  • Running a rinse w white vinegar after each cycle (this works the best so far)
  • Making sure dishes air dry instead of dry inside the dishwasher (always do this, helps a bit)

In all instances where this happens, the dishes are clean and don't have food stuck to them or floating around in the water.

Has anybody else fought this problem? What worked for you?

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[–] jkibble@lemmy.ca 113 points 9 months ago (3 children)

Oh oh, finally something I can comment on!

I've replaced a number of dishwashers and in every case like this the drain hose, under the dishwasher, had a low spot where water then mold collected.

It's usually pretty easy to check. Most dishwashers are secured with a couple of screws to the counter top or sides. Once those are removed it should be easy to slide it out. Probably best to look up a YT video on it. But if that's the problem the drain hose is a dime a dozen, don't try and clean it. You'll know if it's the source of the smell pretty quickly.

[–] makeasnek@lemmy.ml 34 points 9 months ago (1 children)

Now this is a suggestion I haven't heard before, thank you I will look into this!

[–] doc@kbin.social 10 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) (1 children)

This is so close to being right. You want your drain hose to have a high loop before it connects with the drain pipe. This site has more info and clear pictures.

https://homeinspectiongeeks.com/what-is-a-dishwasher-high-loop-and-why-do-you-need-one/

[–] jkibble@lemmy.ca 4 points 8 months ago

Oh, I hadn't heard of that. Of course that makes perfect sense though.

[–] fjordo 10 points 9 months ago

Saving this for future me with wet dog smelling dishwasher. Thanks for the tip!

[–] marketsnodsbury@lemm.ee 7 points 8 months ago (1 children)

This is awesome! So I get replace the hose, but then do you prop up the new one so there’s no low point for water to collect? Or will it just be an ongoing issue and need periodic replacement?

[–] jkibble@lemmy.ca 6 points 8 months ago (1 children)

I can really depend on how the hose can be situated. Oftentimes the hose runs into a cabinet next to it and into the sink drain. Frequently just adjusting that under the sink is enough.

Also the hoses are intentionally too long so you can attach the hose before putting the washer under the cabinet. Making sure to take up the slack is the important part

But sometimes yeah you can't and just have to replace the hose every once and a while. If you use the washer frequently enough, like at least once a week it should be fine for years

[–] averyminya@beehaw.org 1 points 8 months ago

Sounds like we need a string tied to it attached to a lever!