The Virtual Repairman's Appliance Help

[RichV]

This machine is about 1.5 years old and works fine. I have noticed recently that when we open it after running a load it doesn't smell fresh, kind of a stale/musty smell. Is there a safe additive I can run thru it to freshen it up?

[Virtual Repairman]

HI Rich;

There's a couple of things which come to mind when I hear about smelly dishwashers. The thing I find most while out in the field is an improperly installed drain hose to the disposer. If your installer placed the drain hose down near the floor and ran it over to the disposer, chances are that dirty water is siphoning back into the dishwasher, since it is the lowest point in the drain run. To compensate for this oversight, the excess drain hose can usually be pulled out from behind the dishwasher from under the sink, then raised to a loop above the bottom of the nearest sink. This will create a high point which will act as an anti-siphon device. Use a plastic tie-wrap to secure the hose in the highest position to one of the nearby water lines or hoses.

For getting rid of the smell which has settled in the pump area, I recommend the Dishwasher Magic product which is mentioned on our website. It will first attack any residual crud down inside the pump & filter areas and dissolve it, plus it kills Salmonella bacteria & other pathogens which may have been introduced to your dishwasher via the drain line. Incidentally, if your disposer tends to back up when the dishwasher discharges, you may have other problems, such as a bad disposer.

For monthly maintenance, I recommend starting the empty dishwasher on the shortest wash cycle you have, then add a QUART of WHITE vinegar to the tub once you hear the water enter. Don't add soap, just let the vinegar go the whole cycle. Good for cleaning most normal detergent residues.

I have found exceptional value in the new Cascade 2 in 1 Action Tablets at home. Over the years, we have tried several leading detergent brands, and have found the Cascade & Electrasol brands to be far superior in many regards. Whatever you use, do not put liquid or gel soaps in these units, as trouble will soon follw. Read more on the dishwasher link at the website.