One of the most common pet smells is that of a wet dog. Wet dogs often fight with other animals or get lost in the rain, and their fur gets soaked up with water and bacteria. As a result, their odor becomes intense and sickening.
Wet dog smell is a potent, unpleasant odor caused when your dog’s urine or feces gets wet and starts to ferment. This process creates methane and other organic compounds, making a foul-smelling mixture.
Cleaning your dishwasher multiple times weekly to eliminate that wet dog smell is repetitive work. This smell can be incredibly off-putting and is often the cause of bad moods and irritation. But don’t worry – there are ways to remove wet dog smell from The dishwasher quickly and easily. We’ll discuss six proven methods for removing wet dog smell from dishwashers. We’ve got you covered whether you’re using an industrial dishwasher or a regular one. So stay calm and smell like detergent – not a wet dog.
What Causes Your Dishwasher To Have An Odor Like A Wet Dog?
A few things can cause your dishwasher to have an odor like a wet dog. The most common one is soap scum buildup on top of the water in the dishwasher. This soap scum comprises fats, oils, and grease from your dishes. Over time, this soap scum will gradually accumulate and create an unpleasant odor.
Another cause of this smell is detergent buildup. Detergent is a liquid, used to clean dishes, and when it mixes with water in the dishwasher, it produces suds. These suds contain bacteria and other organic materials that can produce an unpleasant odor. Finally, sometimes heat or air conditioning ductwork in your home can leak into the dishwasher and cause a musty smell.
Remove Wet Dog Smell From In The Dishwasher: 6 Proven Methods
Dishwashers can be a nightmare when getting rid of a wet dog smell. Cleaning dishes can be tough after your dog has had too much fun in the park.
Thankfully, there are several ways to remove the wet dog smell from dishes in the dishwasher. Here are six proven methods that you can use to get rid of the smell fast:
1. Clean The Filter
When the dishwasher smells of wet dog, it’s probably time to clean the Filter. This removable and replaceable part can get clogged up with pet hair, which then causes odors in the dishwasher itself.
There are a few effective ways to clean this Filter: using a commercial dishwashing cleaner or vinegar. Once it cleans, you can test your machine by running only water. If the smell goes away, you’re good to go.
2. Clean The Drain Filter
If you notice an excess wet dog smell coming from your dishwasher, it might be time to clean the drain filter. This will help eliminate food particles and debris clogging up the Filter and causing water odor. First, remove any food particles or debris with a plunger to clean the Filter.
Next, pour a pot of hot water down the dishwasher drain and use the plunger to clear everything out. Once everything has settled, run your dishwasher again – this will ensure that all areas properly clean.
3. Clean The Door Seal
You can take a few easy steps to clean the dishwasher door seal and reduce smell buildup. First, remove all food and debris from the dishwasher before starting – this will help to eliminate any smells. Second, run the dishwasher with a full load of dishes to wash away any grease or water residue.
Third, use a degreaser like Dawn or vinegar on a cloth to clean the door seal – make sure it’s completely dry before replacing it! Fourth, replace the door seal every six months if it starts to deteriorate – this will help stop bad odors from entering your machine.
4. Clean The Spray Arm
If a wet dog smell comes from the dishwasher’s spray arm, it may be time to clean it. The spray arm helps water shoot out of the dishwasher and onto dishes. If it’s clogged with gunk, this process won’t work as well, and bad smells will accumulate. First, remove any food particles or debris with a plunger to clean the spray arm. Next, pour a pot of hot water down the dishwasher drain and use the plunger to clear everything out.
Finally, use a cleaning brush aggressively to scrub all deposits off the spray arm – make sure to remove all water, soap residue, and debris. Once the arm is clean, replace it and test the dishwasher’s cleaning abilities again – if there are still odor issues, take additional steps to clear the Filter or door seal.
5. Run A Cleaning Cycle
Sometimes cleaning the dishwasher isn’t enough – sometimes you’ll need to run a cleaning cycle. A cleaning cycle uses high water pressure and hot water to blast away built-up dirt, food particles, and grease – this will clean everything inside the machine and eliminate bad smells. To do a cleaning cycle, disconnect the dishwasher from the electrical grid and fill it with at least 3 full cups of water.
Turn on the dishwasher (ensure it sets on Wash/rinse) and allow it to run through its regular cycles. When it finishes, turn off the machine and empty all the water. Once the water goes, turn on the dishwasher and run a cleaning cycle. This will remove all of the built-up dirt, food particles, and grease.
6. Contaminated Water
If cleaning the dishwasher and running a cleaning cycle doesn’t solve the smell issue, it may be time to take additional steps. Contaminated water is one of the most common causes of bad odor in dishwashers – if there’s food or dirt in the water supply, it will end up on dishes and create bad smells.
To test for contaminated water, run a hot wash with detergent on a normal cycle. Contamination is present if a bad odor occurs, and you’ll need to take additional steps to cleanse the machine. If washing with detergent still doesn’t help, it may be time to call a professional.
How To Prevent Your Dishwasher From Smelling Like A Wet Dog
One of the worst things that can happen is for your dishwasher to emit a disgusting smell. Thankfully, you can take a few easy steps to prevent this from happening. You can do a few things to prevent your dishwasher from smelling like a wet dog.
The first step is to make sure the Filter is clean. Dirty filters absorb flavors and smells, releasing them into the water and dishwasher as it cleans dishes. To check if the Filter is clean, open the door and look inside. If there’s a lot of dirty water on the floor, then the Filter may need to replace.
Another way to prevent your dishwasher from smelling like a wet dog is to avoid loading it with dishes. Overloading your dishwasher will result in more dishes being washed at once, increasing the chances of them getting wet and smelly. Instead, load it only half-full so that each dish gets a fair chance at being cleaned properly. And finally, make sure you close the door properly after each cycle – this will prevent moisture and smells from escaping into the kitchen environment.
Conclusion
Dishwashers are useful appliances that every household should have. They help to quickly and easily clean your dishes, making them easier to store and eat. Wet dog smell is a bad smell that can come from any animal. But it’s most commonly associated with dogs. The moist environment in a dog’s coat and its digestive system combine to create a powerful odor known as a wet dog smell.
This odor is caused by the mix of bacteria, yeasts, and enzymes produced during digestion. There is a simple solution if you’re experiencing an odor like a wet dog in your dishwasher. Check out our blog for tips on removing the smell from your appliance. From cleaning the dishwasher interior to using one of the many proven methods, you will be able to get rid of that wet dog smell in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Can I Do To Rid My Dishwasher Of The Wet Dog Smell?
There are a few things that you can do to rid your dishwasher of the wet dog smell.
- Start by running a cycle with hot water and vinegar. Vinegar is a natural cleaner that will help to eliminate odors and bacteria.
- Use a solution of baking soda and water to scrub the dishwasher interior. Baking soda is an alkaline cleaner that removes grease and grime from the dishwasher’s interior.
- Clean with a mixture of lemon juice and salt. The lemon juice acts as an odor eliminator, while the salt helps to deodorize the dishwasher.
- Check the door seal for signs of mold or mildew and clean it as needed. Mold and mildew can cause bad smells in the dishwasher, so it’s important to clean them regularly.
2. How Can I Prevent My Dishwasher From Smelling Like A Wet Dog?
One way to prevent your dishwasher from smelling like a wet dog is to clean it regularly with a mixture of water and baking soda. This will help to reduce the amount of moisture left in the dishwasher after each cycle. Additionally, use a rinse aid to reduce the moisture left on dishes after they are washed. Finally, ensure all dishes are completely dry before putting them in the dishwasher.
3. Can Soaking Dishes In A Pot Of Water Help Eliminate The Wet Dog Smell From My Dishwasher?
Yes, soaking dishes in a pot of hot water and white vinegar can help eliminate the wet dog smell from your dishwasher.
First, fill the pot with hot water and add 1/2 cup white vinegar. Place the dishes in the pot and let them soak for 30 minutes.
After soaking, clean the inside of the dishwasher with a sponge and vinegar solution. Run an empty cycle to further remove any odors.
4. What Should I Do If The Odor Persists After Trying All These Solutions?
If the odor from your dishwasher persists even after trying all of the solutions listed, it may be time to replace the dishwasher. Dishwashers typically have a life expectancy of 10-15 years and may need to replace if the odor persists. To check the seals and gaskets around your dishwasher’s door for any signs of wear or tear, you can use a water hose to spray water onto all sides of the dishwasher and check for leaks. You can also try cleaning the filters and spray arms.
5. Is There Anything Else In My Dishwasher That Might Contribute To The Smell?
There could be many potential sources of bad dishwasher odor, including food remnants, mold, mildew, and bacteria. To get to the bottom of the smell, start by cleaning out any debris that may stick in the Filter or drain. Check for any standing water or food particles that may have been left behind after a cycle. Finally, replace your dishwasher’s odor filter if it is no longer doing its job effectively.
