Why Does My Bosch Dishwasher Smell – Here’s How To Fix

“Why Does My Bosch Dishwasher Smell?” Tired of your once-sparkling dishwasher emanating mysterious odors? 

We’ve all been there. More often than not, it’ll make you think twice before reaching for that clean plate. 

Bosch Dishwasher can smell for many reasons such as a clogged hose, short circuiting parts, belt issues, unclean spray arms or just simple stuff such as using the wrong detergent, not pre-cleaning the smellier items or being in an area with high moisture levels.

I’ve got your fix, though. 

In this guide, I’ll help you take care of all kinds of smells, so that your dishwasher can finally smell fresh again.

Let’s dive in and help you get rid of the stink once and for all.

Is It Normal For A Dishwasher To Smell?

No way! It’s not normal for a dishwasher to stink up your kitchen. Dishwashers are supposed to leave your dishes sparkling clean, without any disgusting smells. 

But hey, sometimes things go awry, and odors can creep in.

If you’re dealing with persistent or strong smells coming from your dishwasher, that’s a sign something’s off. 

But don’t sweat it, my tips are guaranteed to help you reduce these smells to a minimum if not get rid of them completely.

Unless you’ve just bought a dishwasher, that is – in that case, an odd smell is normal. Keep reading to get further details on that.

Why Does My Bosch Dishwasher Smell – Reasons And Fixes

Now, let’s get to the most important part. Here are all the solutions to your woes.

1. Bosch Dishwasher Smells Like Sewage – Clogging

Nasty sewage smells in your dishwasher are usually caused by a buildup of food particles and debris. 

This creates a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, resulting in the unpleasant odor.

Steps To Get Rid Of Sewage Smell

To banish the smell:

1. Turn off and unplug the dishwasher.
2. Give the filter, drain hose, and drain pump a good cleaning. Use warm water and vinegar or a dishwasher cleaning agent.
3. Make sure there are no clogs in the drain hose, and clear them if necessary.
4. Put everything back together and run an empty cycle with a dishwasher cleaner or vinegar to eliminate any lingering odors.

How To Prevent The Smell: Clean the filter, drain hose, and drain pump regularly to prevent food debris buildup.

2. Bosch Dishwasher Smells Of Burning Rubber/Plastic – Broken Parts

That burning rubber or plastic smell means trouble! 

It could be due to motor or belt issues, overheating, rubber items near the heating element, or loose wire connections inside your dishwasher short circuiting.

Steps To Get Rid Of Burning Or Plastic Smell

Follow these steps to make sure your dishwasher stays fine and dandy:

1. Turn off and unplug the dishwasher.
2. Remove any rubber items near the heating element that might be causing the smell.
3. Check for damaged rubber hoses and replace them if needed.
4. Inspect the motor and belt for visible issues. If you see damage, call in a professional for repair.
5. Clean the drain pump and tighten any loose wire connections.
6. If the smell persists, it’s time to get a thorough checkup at the service center.

How To Prevent The Smell: Avoid overloading the dishwasher. 

Ensure that no rubber or plastic containers or other items come into contact with the heating element.

3. Bosch Dishwasher Smells Like Asphalt – New Washer

Your dishwasher may start smelling oddly like asphalt right after you get it, but that smell is actually a coating used on the dishwasher’s shell. 

What Can You Do About The Asphalt Smell Then?

• No specific cleaning solution is needed. Simply wait, it’ll fade away over time.

4. Bosch Dishwasher Smells Like Wet Dog – Filter Issue

If your dishwasher smells like a soggy pooch, it’s likely because there is food debris or grease hanging out in the spray arms or filter. 

When your dishwasher kicks into action, the moisture mixes with the decomposing remnants, resulting in an odd wet dog odor.

Steps To Get Rid Of Wet Dog Smell

Here’s how to get that fresh scent back:

1. Turn off and unplug the dishwasher.
2. Roll up your sleeves and give those spray arms a good scrub with warm soapy water. Make sure all the spray holes are clear.
3. Rinse the filter under warm water and use a soft brush to tackle any stubborn debris.
4. Don’t forget to wipe down the interior of the dishwasher to remove any leftover food particles or grease.
5. Put everything back together and run a rinse cycle with a dishwasher cleaner or vinegar to kick those odors to the curb.

How To Prevent The Smell: Keep the mentioned parts free of food debris and you should be good to go.

5. Bosch Dishwasher Smells Like Soap – Wrong Detergents

Too much soap in the dishwasher can leave it smelling like a sudsy mess. 

Excessive detergent usage or using the wrong type of detergent can be the culprits.

Steps To Get Rid Of Soap Smell

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Make sure you’re using the correct dishwasher detergent recommended by Bosch.
2. Check the detergent dispenser for any clogs or excess detergent buildup. Give it a good cleaning.
3. Measure the detergent precisely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Run a rinse cycle without dishes or detergent to flush out any soapy residue.
5. If needed, use a dishwasher cleaner to eliminate any remaining soap residue and odors.

How To Prevent The Smell: Use the correct amount and type of dishwasher detergent, be careful of how much you use. 

If you want to ensure the soapy smell doesn’t come from using bad detergents, try using FINISH™ detergents, which are recommended by Bosch.

6. Bosch Dishwasher Smells Like Mold – Bad Ventilation

Moldy smells in your dishwasher are often caused by moisture buildup and food particles lurking in hard-to-reach spots like the door gasket, spray arms, or filter.

Steps To Get Rid Of Mold Smell

Follow these steps to kick that mold to the curb:

1. Turn off and unplug the dishwasher.
2. Show the door gasket some love by giving it a thorough cleaning using warm water and mild detergent or a vinegar solution.
3. Roll up your sleeves again and clean those spray arms and filter to remove any food particles or debris.
4. Wipe down the interior of the dishwasher with a sponge or cloth.
5. Run a cycle with a dishwasher cleaner or vinegar to eliminate any remaining mold or mildew odors.
6. Remember to leave the dishwasher door open after each use to allow for proper ventilation and prevent moisture buildup.

How To Prevent The Smell: Leave the dishwasher door slightly open after each use to promote proper ventilation. 

Don’t always do it, this is only because you live in a specific area that accelerates their buildup.

7. New Bosch Dishwasher Smells Like Fish – Leftovers

If your new Bosch dishwasher smells like the sea, it’s likely because you used it to clean dishes you ate fish or other seafood with. 

The leftovers have probably decomposed, creating a not-so-pleasant fishy smell.

Steps To Get Rid Of Fish Smell

Follow these steps to freshen things up:

1. Remove any remaining fish or seafood residue from the dishwasher.
2. Thoroughly clean the spray arms, filter, and interior of the dishwasher to get rid of any visible food particles.
3. Run an empty cycle with a dishwasher cleaner or vinegar to eliminate any lingering fish odor.
4. If the smell persists, sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher and let it sit for a few hours before running another cycle.

How To Prevent The Smell: Items like seafood stink so much that a dishwasher can’t handle them alone – you need to properly clean them beforehand. 

So make sure to pre-clean and rinse before you put them in.

How Do You Deodorize A Bosch Dishwasher?

Got rid of those funky smells and want your dishwasher to smell good? 

Follow these simple steps to deodorize your Bosch dishwasher and bring back that fresh scent:

1. Take out all dishes and utensils, and clear any visible food debris.
2. Rinse the filter under warm water and scrub away any trapped food particles.
3. Grab a sponge or cloth and wipe all the surfaces inside the dishwasher.
4. Use a toothpick or wire to clear any clogged spray holes in the arms.
5. Place a cup of white vinegar on the top rack and run a hot water cycle without dishes.
6. Sprinkle baking soda on the bottom and run a hot water cycle to neutralize remaining odors.
7. Leave the dishwasher door slightly open after each use to prevent moisture buildup.

Are There Any Cleaning Products Recommended For Eliminating Odors In Dishwashers?

Looking for effective cleaning products? These options are highly recommended for eliminating odors in your dishwasher:

• Dishwasher Cleaner: Choose a specialized cleaner designed to remove odors and residue. Follow the instructions on its packaging for optimal results.
• White Vinegar: This natural wonder acts as a fantastic deodorizer. Use it in a cycle or as a rinse aid for a fresh-smelling dishwasher.
• Baking Soda: Known for its odor-absorbing properties, baking soda is a fantastic choice to neutralize unwanted smells.
• Citrus-based Cleaners: Opt for cleaners with a citrus scent to combat grease and leave a refreshing aroma in your dishwasher.

Tips to Stop Bosch Dishwasher from Stinking

Now, it’s time to make sure you never have to deal with that again. I’ve got some ingenious tips you can try out and put an end to those smells

• Clean That Filter: Take out the dishwasher’s filter every once in a while and rinse it with water to get rid of any gunk stuck in there.
• Check The Drain: Make sure nothing is clogging up the drain. If you see anything, just give it a gentle brush or wipe.
• Give It A Good Scrub: Always keep the insides clean! Grab a sponge, warm soapy water, and scrub away on the walls, racks, and door seals.
• Vinegar Is Your Friend: Simply put a cup of white vinegar on the top rack and initiate a hot water cycle. This vinegar magic will tackle the odor and residue.
• Baking Soda To The Rescue: Sprinkle some baking soda on the dishwasher’s bottom and leave it overnight. Then, run a hot water cycle to wash away the baking soda and zap those smells.
• Use Citrus: Grab a few lemon or orange quarters, toss them in the utensil basket, and let the dishwasher run a hot water cycle. Your dishwasher will thank you with a nice citrusy aroma.
• Stick To Dishwasher-friendly Cleaners: Make sure to use dishwasher detergent and rinse aid that are specifically designed for Bosch dishwashers. Regular dish soap or hand soap might leave behind residue and make the smell worse.
• Empty It Promptly: Don’t let the dishes sit in the dishwasher for too long after a cycle. Empty it right away to prevent moisture buildup and smells.
• Leave The Door Slightly Open: Give the dishwasher some fresh air. After using it, keep the door ajar for better airflow and to prevent mold and mildew growth.

These simple tips will have your Bosch dishwasher smelling fresh and clean in no time. 

To avoid future stinks, scrape off food bits, rinse greasy items, and clean the filter and drain regularly. 

You can also consider using dishwasher cleaning tablets for that extra freshness.

FAQs

Do all Bosch dishwashers smell?

No, Bosch dishwashers usually don’t smell. Odors can vary depending on factors such as food debris, maintenance, and specific issues.

Can I use dishwashing powder in my Bosch dishwasher?

Yes, dishwashing powder can be used in Bosch dishwashers. They are compatible with both powder and detergent tablets.

Why does Bosch recommend Finish detergent?

Bosch recommends Finish detergent for its effective stain removal and thorough cleaning capabilities, which have been tested and approved for optimal performance in their dishwashers.

How often should I clean the filter in my Bosch dishwasher to prevent odors?

Clean the filter in your Bosch dishwasher every 2-3 months or as needed to prevent odors caused by food particles and debris.

Will Bosch customer service assist you with stubborn smells in your dishwasher?

Yes, Bosch customer service can provide assistance in addressing persistent odors in your dishwasher. Contact them for troubleshooting and potential solutions.

Final Thoughts

Your Bosch dishwasher should be a reliable and odor-free ally in your kitchen, not a source of funky smells wafting through your nose.

By implementing the tips and solutions provided in this guide, you can restore its freshness and ensure clean, delightful meals without any lingering unpleasant odors. 

Don’t let weird scents spoil your kitchen experience. 

Take charge of your dishwasher’s aroma and enjoy the confidence of clean and fresh-smelling dishes.