Burning Smell Coming From Dishwasher [Causes and Solutions]

A burning smell coming from your dishwasher can be a cause for concern. This type of smell can indicate a problem with the dishwasher’s heating element, motor, or other components. You should address it soon as possible. The burning smell could be due to a variety of issues such as electrical malfunction, overloading of dishwasher, blocked filters or arm, accumulation of food residue etc.

If you notice a burning smell coming from your dishwasher, it is important to take action to diagnose and fix the problem to avoid potential damage to the appliance or even fire hazards.

In this article, we will discuss some common causes of a burning smell in a dishwasher. We will also outline steps you can take to troubleshoot and fix the issue.

Common Reasons Your Dishwasher Smells Like it’s Burning

A burning smell coming from your dishwasher can indicate multiple problems, some of which are serious and require professional repair. Some common causes of a burning smell from a dishwasher include:

Clogged filters: The filters in a dishwasher are responsible for trapping food particles and other debris, and keeping them out of the wash and rinse water. If the filters become clogged, they can restrict the flow of water, which can cause the dishwasher to overheat. This is because the dishwasher’s pump needs a certain amount of water flowing through it to cool down. If the flow of water is restricted, the pump can overheat, which in turn can cause the dishwasher to overheat.
Blocked pump impeller: The pump impeller is responsible for moving water through the dishwasher. If it becomes blocked by food debris or other materials, it can cause the dishwasher to overheat. This is because the pump impeller can’t move enough water to cool down the dishwasher’s components, causing them to overheat.
Faulty thermostat: The thermostat is responsible for regulating the temperature of the water in the dishwasher. If it’s faulty, it can cause the water to become too hot, which can cause the dishwasher to overheat. A faulty thermostat can also cause the dishwasher to not reach the desired temperature. This causes the dishes to not be cleaned or sanitized properly, and also create a burning smell.
Wiring problems: Dishwashers have complex electrical systems that control their various functions. If there is a problem with the wiring, such as a short circuit or loose connection, it can cause the dishwasher to overheat. This can happen because the electrical current flowing through the dishwasher may be greater than it is designed to handle, causing the components to overheat.
Overloaded dishwasher: Overloading a dishwasher can cause it to overheat, this happens because the dishes are blocking the spray arm and not allowing enough water to circulate and cool the dishwasher components. The dishwasher’s motor and pump may have to work harder to move the water through the dishwasher, which can cause them to overheat.
Hard water buildup: Over time, hard water minerals can build up on the heating element, and can insulate it, making it difficult for the heat to be dissipated, causing the dishwasher to overheat. Additionally, these mineral can clog the spray arm, filters, and hoses, causing similar issues to the ones stated before.

If you’re unable to diagnose and fix the problem yourself, it’s best to contact a professional technician. They will be able to troubleshoot and fix any issues with your dishwasher. In addition, they can also advise you on how to prevent similar problems in the future.

Malfunctioning Heating Element

A malfunctioning heating element can be one of the reasons for a burning smell coming from your dishwasher. The heating element is responsible for heating the water that is used to clean the dishes. If the heating element becomes damaged, it can produce a burning smell. Some signs you have damage to your heating element include:

Dishwasher not reaching the correct water temperature: If the water in the dishwasher is not hot enough, it may indicate a problem with the heating element.
Dishwasher not drying dishes properly: If dishes are not being dried properly, it could be due to the heating element not working correctly.
Dishwasher making strange noises during wash cycle: If you hear strange noises coming from your dishwasher when it’s in use, it could be a sign of a problem with the heating element.

It’s possible that the heating element is causing the smell if the dishwasher still is working in terms of cleaning dishes and other functions, you can try cleaning the interior, the filters and hoses as mentioned before. Again, if the problem persists, it’s best to contact a professional repair technician. They can check for any visible damage on the heating element. Further, they are able to test if it’s working properly and if not, they can replace it.

It is important to note when a dishwasher overheats, it can cause damage that may cause safety hazards. With that, it’s essential to address the problem as soon as possible. If you suspect your dishwasher is overheating, you should contact a professional repair technician to diagnose and fix the issue.

Overheated Motor

An overheated motor is a common issue that can cause a dishwasher to malfunction. It can also be a cause of burning smell from dishwasher. The motor is responsible for driving the dishwasher’s various functions. These include the pump and spray arm, and if it becomes overheated, it can cause a variety of problems.

Some common causes of an overheated motor include:

Blocked pump impeller: If the pump impeller becomes blocked with food debris or other materials, it can cause the motor to work harder to move water through the dishwasher. This can cause the motor to overheat and potentially fail.
Thermal fuse failure: The thermal fuse is a safety device that is designed to protect the motor from overheating. If the thermal fuse fails, it can cause the motor to overheat and potentially fail.
Wiring problems: If there is a problem with the dishwasher’s wiring, such as a short circuit or loose connection, it can cause the motor to overheat and potentially fail.
Hard water buildup: Hard water buildup on the motor can cause the motor to overheat and fail. The minerals can insulate the motor, making it difficult for heat to dissipate, which can cause the motor to overheat.
Age and wear and tear: Over time, the motor can wear out and fail, especially if the dishwasher is frequently used or not properly maintained.

When a motor overheats, it can cause the dishwasher to stop working, and can also create a burning smell, which can be a sign of an overheated motor. It’s important to address this issue as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the dishwasher and possible safety hazards. If you suspect that your dishwasher’s motor is overheating, it’s best to contact a professional technician to diagnose and fix the issue.

How Do I Get the Burning Smell Out of My Dishwasher?

There are a few things you can try to get the burning smell out of your dishwasher.

Run a hot water cycle
Clean the filters
Clean the spray arm
Clean the interior
Check detergent
Check hoses
Check Heating element

Run a hot water cycle

Running a hot water cycle with a cup of white vinegar added to the dishwasher can help to remove any food debris or other buildup that may be causing the smell. The acidity of the vinegar will help to dissolve any mineral buildup and food particles. The hot water also helps to clean and remove any stains, grime, or other residues.

Clean the filters

Cleaning or replacing the dishwasher’s filters can be an effective way to get rid of a burning smell. Dishwasher filters can become clogged with food particles and other debris, which can cause a burning smell. By cleaning or replacing the filters, you can remove the odor and also improve the dishwasher’s performance.

Clean the spray arm

Removing and cleaning the dishwasher’s spray arm can also help to get rid of a burning smell. The spray arm is responsible for spraying water on the dishes, and it can become clogged with food debris or mineral buildup, which can cause a burning smell. By removing and cleaning the spray arm, you can remove the odor and also ensure that the dishes are being cleaned effectively.

Clean the interior

Wiping down the dishwasher’s interior with a solution of white vinegar and water can remove debris causing the smell. The acidity of the vinegar helps to dissolve any mineral buildup and food particles, while the water helps rinse away any debris.

Check detergent

Make sure that you are using a detergent that is recommended for use in dishwashers and is not expired. Old or improper detergents can cause a burning smell, and they can also damage the dishwasher and leave a residue on dishes.

Check hoses

Verify the hoses are in good condition, not kinked and properly connected. If the hoses are worn out or damaged, it can cause leaks, which can lead to a burning smell and other issues.

Check heating element

A damaged heating element can produce a burning smell. It can also cause the water to become too hot, which can damage the dishwasher. It’s important to check the heating element to ensure it’s functioning properly and if not, it’s best to contact a professional technician.

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Is it Worth Replacing Your Dishwasher Motor?

Whether or not it’s worth replacing a dishwasher motor depends on a few factors. Those include, age and overall condition of the dishwasher, the cost of the replacement motor, and the availability of parts.

If your dishwasher is relatively new and in good condition, it may be worth replacing the motor. However, if your dishwasher is older and showing signs of wear and tear, it may be more cost-effective in the long run to replace the entire appliance.

When you looking for the cost, in general the dishwasher motor replacement can be relatively expensive and the cost of the replacement motor can vary depending on the make and model of your dishwasher. It will be best to check with the manufacturer or a repair professional for the specific cost of a replacement motor for your dishwasher.

Also, keep in mind the availability of the spare parts. It may be difficult to find a replacement motor for an older or discontinued model of dishwasher. In this case, you may be better off replacing the entire appliance.

In summary, it may be worth replacing a dishwasher motor if the appliance is relatively new. If the dishwasher is older and showing signs of wear and tear, it may be more cost-effective to replace the appliance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, do not take a burning smell coming from your dishwasher lightly. It can indicate a problem with the appliance that requires immediate attention. Common causes of this type of smell include problems with the heating element, motor, or other components. It could be also due to accumulation of food debris, electrical malfunction, overloading, or blocked filters and arms. If you notice a burning smell coming from your dishwasher, take action. It is important to diagnose and fix the problem as soon as possible. This will help avoid potential damage to the appliance or even fire hazards.

It’s always best to call a professional repair technician or the manufacturer customer service to check and fix the issue. They have the right tools and experience to help you troubleshoot and repair your dishwasher properly and safely. Additionally, keep in mind that it may be more cost-effective to replace an older dishwasher that has multiple issues.