Amana Dishwasher: unpleasant odor

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Amana dishwasher is emitting an unpleasant odor, such as a musty or sour smell, it may indicate underlying issues. Common causes include food debris accumulation in the filter and drain, mold growth on seals, and grease buildup. This persistent odor can linger even after washing dishes and might require attention to restore freshness.

Urgency: Low

Important Tips for Amana Models

  • Amana recommends cleaning filters periodically and running rinse cycles with affresh® Dishwasher Cleaner or white vinegar to remove odor‑causing soils

Possible Causes

Food debris accumulation in filter and drain

How to Identify: Foul odor mostly right after opening door or after cycle; visible food particles or sludge at bottom of tub near filter

Part: Dishwasher filter and drain area

Mold and mildew growth in interior surfaces and seals

How to Identify: Musty or mold‑like smell especially when first opening; possible visible black/greenish spots

Part: Door gasket, tub walls, low‑moisture areas

Standing water due to partial drainage/clog

How to Identify: Smell plus water remaining in bottom after cycle or slow draining

Part: Drain hose and sump area

Grease and soap scum buildup

How to Identify: Greasy film visible on interior surfaces and smell persists despite filter cleaning

Part: Interior walls, spray arms

DIY Solutions

Clean dishwasher filter and drain area

Easy 15-30 minutes
Tools Needed: rubber gloves, soft brush, dish soap
  1. Remove bottom rack and locate filter
  2. Twist and lift out dishwasher filter
  3. Scrub filter and drain area with hot soapy water
  4. Inspect and clear any debris from sump and drain
  5. Reinstall filter and run a hot cycle
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure dishwasher is off during filter removal

Deep clean interior and seals

Moderate 30-45 minutes
Tools Needed: vinegar, baking soda, soft cloth
  1. Wipe down interior walls and door gasket with warm soapy water
  2. Place a cup of white vinegar on top rack and run a hot cycle
  3. Optionally sprinkle baking soda on bottom and run another rinse cycle
⚠️ Safety First: Do not mix vinegar with bleach

Check and clear standing water/clogs

Moderate 30-60 minutes
Tools Needed: bucket, plumber’s snake or brush
  1. After a cycle, check for water remaining at bottom
  2. Disconnect drain hose under sink and inspect for blockages
  3. Clear any debris and reattach securely
  4. Run a short rinse cycle to test drainage
⚠️ Safety First: Turn off power and water supply before disconnecting hoses

Professional Repairs

Drain hose or pump cleaning/replacement

Estimated Cost: $100 - $300

Seal or gasket replacement

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150

When to Call a Professional

Persistent odor after thorough cleaning and drainage checks
Visible mold growth that returns quickly after cleaning
Standing water remains after drainage clearing

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean filter: food buildup and odor
    Frequency: monthly
  • Run vinegar rinse cycle: grease and residue buildup
    Frequency: monthly
  • Wipe door gasket: mold/mildew growth
    Frequency: weekly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Amana Dishwasher unpleasant odor?
Common causes include food debris in the filter, mold growth, standing water, and grease buildup.
How do I fix Amana Dishwasher unpleasant odor myself?
Clean the filter, deep clean the interior with vinegar, and check for standing water.
How much does it cost to fix unpleasant odor?
Professional repairs for unpleasant odors range from $100 to $300, depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for unpleasant odor?
Consider calling a technician if DIY solutions don't resolve the odor or if you find major drainage issues.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

85%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Food debris trapped in the filter or spray arms
  • Mold or mildew buildup in the door seals and interior
  • Improper drainage leading to stagnant water

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Clean the filter and spray arms: Remove the filter and clean it under running water. Check the spray arms for blockages and clean any food debris. Reassemble and run a short cycle.

  2. Inspect and clean door seals: Wipe down the door seals with a vinegar solution to remove mold or mildew. Ensure they are dry before closing the door.

  3. Check drainage: Ensure the drain hose is not kinked or clogged. If necessary, remove and clean the hose. Run a cycle with a dishwasher cleaner to eliminate odors.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Amana dishwasher has a chemically smell…

Community Discussions

strong chemically smell

Using Lemishine cleaner and vinegar may help reduce the smell.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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