Why Does a Dishwasher Smell Like Fish? Guide to Getting rid of the pinching smell!

Dishwashers are meant to take the dishwashing responsibility off your shoulders. But let’s say you step into your kitchen, and a fish-like smell comes out of your dishwasher. As a result, you’ll have less peace of mind and more cleaning. You may wonder, “Why does Dishwasher Smell Like a Fish?”

Clogged drains and dirty filters in the filtration area cause dishwashers to smell like fish. Dishwashers usually get clogged after being used for a long time. Dishwashers with this recurring problem can emit a fishy odor.

An unpleasant odor in the dishwasher may make you feel bad/nasty. But don’t fret! We’re going to solve your problems. To explore more, read the sections below!

4 Potential Reasons for Fish-Like Smell in Dishwashers

Many prominent reasons can make your dishwasher lag the proper cleaning activity and smell maintenance. Some of these factors include:

1. Integration of Dirty Drain Filters

Dishwashers are considered the best innovations to get fresh & clean dishes in no time. Drain filters do this whole process. But, continuous usage without cleaning these filters can cause a fish-like smell in your dishwasher.

2. Clogged Drain

The drainage area of your dishwasher is responsible for removing unnecessary water after cleaning dishes. But, sometimes, a large particle of dust material can get stuck in the drain and cause a fishy smell in the whole dishwasher.

3. Growth of Mold & Mildew in Gasket Seals

Another probable reason for the unpleasant odor in your dishwasher is the unusual growth of molds and mildews. Where there is the cleaning of dirt and oil, molds and mildews always grow. Their occurrence can be the reason behind that fishy smell you just noticed.

4. Soap Scum Build-up

Dishwashers clean dirty dishes with an automatic flow of soap. But, with some blockage in the drain, soap scum builds up. This continuous build-up can lead to the distress of a fish-like smell in dishwashers.

How to Get Rid of Soggy Smell in Dishwasher?

An unpleasant smell in the dishwasher is no problem when you know how to get rid of it. To help you remove the smell, we have mentioned common practices:

1. Unlock the Clog

If there is any clog in the drain or inlet, remove it. You can use any unclogging tool (plunger) to do it. This will remove the stuck material causing the smell.

2. Clean Out the Filters

As discussed earlier, dirty filters can also cause problems. That is why try to remove the dirty filters or install new ones.

3. Remove Molds & Clean Properly

Maintaining hygienic conditions in your dishwasher can be hard. Try to clean the appliance regularly. But don’t let the molds & mildews grow in the soap scum or gasket seal.

4. Wipe Down Interior Parts 

Dust and other materials present in the inner parts of the dishwasher can also make it smell like something rotten. That is why you should keep a regular check on the cleanliness of the inner parts. If they are dirty, wipe them properly with soap. 

5. Clean Standing Water from the Bottom

When the dishwasher cleans the dishes, dirty water often comes to the lower part of the appliance. If this water remains in the lower area for longer, it will cause a bad smell. So, never forget to clean the standing water in your dishwasher. 

6. Treat with Baking Soda and Vinegar 

Sometimes, accumulating bacteria and other microbes in the dishwasher create a bad smell. That is why running the dishwasher with baking soda and vinegar solution is suggested. It will not only kill the bacteria but also clean the interior.

Bottom Line:

Simple cleaning habits can remove the problem of a smelly dishwasher. The above guide briefly discussed “Why Does Dishwasher Smell Like a Fish?”This guide may give answers to your concerns. So, implement the tips to never get any fish-like smell in your dishwasher.