The Smell That Could Mean Trouble In Your Dishwasher (& When To Call For Help)

There are some smells in your kitchen that you probably don’t want to ignore. From a funky fridge to a stinky garbage, there are a few scents to watch for, as they are likely signs that something is wrong or needs a closer look. While some odors can be harmless and easy to fix, like a minor spill in your fridge or a full bag of garbage, others may indicate that something in your kitchen is malfunctioning. For example, if you’ve started to notice a burning plastic smell coming from your dishwasher, you’ll want to investigate further to figure out what’s causing it. Not only could this be a sign of your appliance losing its ability to do its job, but it could also be a warning of a safety hazard. Causes of the burnt plastic smell range from electrical issues to using the dishwasher to clean plastic items that aren’t dishwasher-safe.

Your standard dishwasher has a lot of moving parts, like the control panel, spray arms, pump and motor, and filter. Once you’ve determined that the burning scent is coming from the dishwasher and not another appliance in your kitchen, you can start looking into each section to pinpoint the source. While some issues can be fixed on your own, others may require professional help. If you’ve ruled out other possibilities and figured out the odor is coming from the electrical wiring, and the wires look damaged or frayed, it’s best to call in an expert instead of trying to fix it yourself.

From electrical issues to loading non-dishwasher-safe items, there are a few potential reasons your dishwasher could emit a burning plastic smell. Before you start to inspect the appliance, make sure to unplug it from its power source. One of the most common causes of that plastic-y odor is that your dishwasher is overheating. During the washing cycle, a dishwasher heats water to sanitize the items inside, and a temperature that’s too high can lead to this smell. The smell could also be caused by a malfunctioning pump. If you suspect an overheating issue, you’ll want to check the filter, which is usually located under the lower rack. Always ensure the appliance is completely unplugged and turned off before doing so.

You may also have placed plastic items into your dishwasher that aren’t dishwasher-safe. Some takeout containers, water bottles, plastic cutlery, and other plastic storage containers should be hand-washed, as exposure to the higher temperatures can cause them to burn or melt. You could also be dealing with blocked ventilation, which is when debris or food buildup traps heat from escaping the appliance. Cleaning the vent system is an easy way to rule out what could be causing the smell. If you’ve thoroughly inspected the basic functions and completed some deep cleaning but still notice a burning smell, you’ll need to call in a professional to determine the cause.