Ikea Odor / Bacterial Growth

Strong bad smell from inside the dishwasher, especially when opening the door after some time.

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Possible Causes

Food debris in filters and sump, Standing water in low spots of drain hose, Infrequent use, Grease buildup on tub walls

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Wear gloves when cleaning dirty filters and sump.

  • Deep clean filters and sump: Remove all filters and scrub them with hot soapy water. Clean the sump area thoroughly, removing trapped food.
  • Clean door seals: Wipe the door gasket and around the door edges with a mild bleach solution or dishwasher-safe cleaner.
  • Run cleaning cycle: Run the hottest program with a dishwasher cleaner or a cup of white vinegar on the top rack.
  • Improve drainage: Ensure the drain hose has a proper high loop and no sags where water can stagnate.

Regular monthly cleaning cycles help prevent odors. No parts typically need replacement unless there is a persistent drainage issue.

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Repair Difficulty

Very Easy 1/5
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