Bosch Dishwasher Smells Bad [Quick Solution]

Bosch dishwashers are great devices that make doing the dishes far less tedious than it used to be. But as with any piece of technology, they can sometimes experience problems — and, unfortunately, a bad smell is one of those problems.

When you open your dishwasher, you might notice an unpleasant odor. This is usually because its drainage system is clogged with food leftovers. To be more specific, it’s trapped in a mesh filter or pump, or your drain hose has become blocked.

In some cases the odor stems from washing in cold water. A foul smell could also be caused by a faulty pump motor and motor fan or by thick detergent residue built up in various parts of your dishwasher’s drainage system, which may distract from the enjoyment of washing dishes at home.

Learn about how to fix your Bosch dishwasher that smells bad and keep your washing machine running smoothly.

Bosch Dishwasher Smells Bad – Troubleshoot And Diagnosis

When a poor-smelling dishwasher is running, it means food particles and debris are getting stuck in the filter. There are a few easy ways to get rid of that awful smell from your dishwasher once and for all.

1. Dirty filters

If your Bosch dishwasher smells bad, it’s likely because the filters are dirty. The filters are responsible for trapping food and debris, so over time, they can become clogged and start to smell. Fortunately, cleaning the filters is a relatively easy task that you can do yourself.

To clean the filters, first remove them from the dishwasher. Most models have two filters: a finer mesh pre-filter and a coarser mesh main filter. Rinse both filters under running water until the water runs clear. If the pre-filter is especially dirty, you may need to soak it in hot water for a few minutes before rinsing.

Once the filters are clean, put them back in the dishwasher and run a cycle with hot water to remove any lingering debris. You should clean your dishwasher’s filters at least once every few months to prevent them from getting too clogged and causing odors.

2. Build-Up Of Detergent And Soap Residue 

It could be due to a build-up of detergent and soap residue. Over time, this residue can become trapped in the dishwasher’s seals and gaskets, as well as the spray arm nozzles. As the residue accumulates, it can start to cause an unpleasant odor.

To clean the detergent and soap residue from your dishwasher, start by running a cycle with just hot water. If that doesn’t work, you can try using a mild acid like white vinegar or lemon juice. Add a cup of vinegar or lemon juice to the bottom of the dishwasher before starting a cycle.

If you have hard water, mineral deposits can also contribute to a bad smell coming from your dishwasher. To remove these deposits, run a cycle with a solution of 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water.

Finally, make sure that you’re using fresh dishwashing detergent and not overloading your dishwasher. Old detergent can lose its effectiveness and cause odors. And if your dishwasher is overloaded with dirty dishes, they may not come out as clean as they should be.

3. Dirty Spray Arm

One of the most common causes of a Bosch dishwasher smelling bad is a dirty or clogged spray arm. The spray arm is responsible for spraying water and detergent onto the dishes during the wash cycle, so it can easily become clogged with food and grease buildup.

If your dishwasher’s spray arm is clogged, it won’t be able to properly clean the dishes, which can leave them smelling bad.

To clean your dishwasher’s spray arm, simply remove it and soak it in a bowl of hot, soapy water.

Once it’s been soaked for a few minutes, use a soft brush to scrub away any stubborn dirt or grime. Rinse the spray arm thoroughly before putting it back on your dishwasher.

4. Growth Of Mold And Mildew

Mold and mildew are both fungi that thrive in moist environments. If your Bosch dishwasher smells bad, it’s likely because there is mold or mildew growing somewhere in the machine.

Mold and mildew can cause serious health problems if inhaled, so it’s important to clean your dishwasher regularly to prevent them from taking hold. Fortunately, there are a few simple things you can do to keep your dishwasher mold- and mildew-free.

First, make sure you’re using the right detergent. Some dishwashing detergents contain ingredients that help prevent mold and mildew growth. If you’re not sure which kind to use, ask your local home improvement store for advice.

Second, always run the dishwasher with hot water. This will help kill any mold or mildew spores that may be lurking in the machine.

Finally, clean the seals on your dishwasher door regularly. Mold and mildew love to grow in dark, moist places – like the seals on a dishwasher door! – so keeping them clean will go a long way towards preventing a smelly dishwasher.

5. Dirty Dishwasher Tub

There are a few reasons why your Bosch dishwasher might start to smell bad. One reason could be that food particles and grease are building up on the inside of the dishwasher tub. Over time, this can create a musty smell. Another reason could be that the dishwasher’s drain is blocked, causing dirty water to build up and creating a foul smell.

If your Bosch dishwasher smells bad, it’s important to clean it regularly to prevent the problem from getting worse. Start by cleaning the inside of the tub with a mild detergent. You can also use a specialty cleaner designed for dishwashers. If your dishwasher has a self-cleaning cycle, run it occasionally to help keep the tub clean.

6. Drain Is Clogged

If the line becomes clogged, water can back up into the dishwasher and cause an unpleasant smell.

To clean a clogged drain line, you’ll need to remove the dishwasher’s drain hose from the garbage disposal or sink and clear any blockages in the hose.

You can use a drain snake or a plunger to remove the blockage. Once the hose is clear, reattach it to the garbage disposal or sink and run a cycle of hot water through the dishwasher to flush out any lingering bad smells.

7. Leaks In The Dishwasher

There are many possible causes for leaks in your dishwasher, but the most common reason is a worn or damaged door gasket. Over time, these gaskets can become brittle and develop cracks, which can allow water to leak out.

If you suspect your dishwasher is leaking, check the door gasket for any signs of damage.

Another possible cause of leaks is a clogged drainage hose. If your dishwasher isn’t draining properly, water can back up and leak out through the hose. To check for a clog, disconnect the drainage hose from the dishwasher and see if water flows freely through it. If not, there may be a blockage somewhere in the hose or in the drain connection.

If you have ruled out both of these potential causes, then it’s possible that your dishwasher has a faulty seal or gasket around the tub. This is a more serious problem that will require professional repair. However, if you’re still seeing water leaks, it’s best to call a Bosch service technician to diagnose and fix the problem.

How to Clean a Bosch Dishwasher

If your Bosch dishwasher smells bad, there are a few things you can do to clean it and get rid of the foul odor.

First, make sure to clean the dishwasher’s filters on a regular basis. To do this, simply remove the filters and soak them in hot, soapy water for about 15 minutes. Then, rinse the filters thoroughly and replace them back into the dishwasher.

Another way to clean your Bosch dishwasher and eliminate bad odors is to run it through a cycle with vinegar. To do this, simply add one cup of vinegar to the bottom of the dishwasher before starting a cycle. The vinegar will help break down any build-up that may be causing the bad smell.

If you have tried both of these methods and your Bosch dishwasher still smells bad, you may need to call a technician to come take a look at it.

How to Prevent a Bosch Dishwasher from Smelling Bad

If your Bosch dishwasher smells bad, there are a few things you can do to prevent it.

First, make sure that you’re using the right type of detergent. If you’re using a powder detergent, it can leave behind a film that can cause the dishwasher to smell bad. Try using a gel or liquid detergent instead.

Second, clean your dishwasher regularly. Over time, grease and food particles can build up in the dishwasher and cause it to smell bad. Run an empty cycle with vinegar once a month to help remove these buildup.

Third, keep the door of your dishwasher open when it’s not in use. This will allow air to circulate and prevent musty odors from developing.

By following these tips, you can prevent your Bosch dishwasher from smelling bad.

Final Thoughts

Bad smells emanating from your dishwasher can be attributed to a number of different causes. If you have recently installed your dishwasher, it is likely that the smell is due to new rubber seals or plastic components. This is perfectly normal and should dissipate within a few days.

If you have an older dishwasher, the problem may be due to food particles or grease build-up inside the machine. In this case, it is best to consult a professional for advice on how to clean your dishwasher and get rid of the bad smell.