Lg Dishwasher: odor issue

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing unpleasant odors from your LG dishwasher? Common smells include rotten food, sewer-like, or mildew, often persisting even after wash cycles. This issue can stem from food debris buildup, bacterial growth, or clogged drains. Don't let foul smells linger; take action to restore freshness to your kitchen appliance.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Lg Models

  • LG official guidance suggests running an auto cycle without detergent to help with odors

Possible Causes

Food debris buildup in filter and drain area

How to Identify: Persistent rotten food smell; visible food particles in filter or drain; smell strongest at bottom of dishwasher

Part: Dishwasher filter and drain

Bacterial/mold growth due to moisture and residue

How to Identify: Musty or mildew-like odor; smell increases after cycles or in humid conditions

Part: Interior surfaces, gaskets

Clogged or poorly draining dishwasher drain and hoses

How to Identify: Standing water after cycle; sewer-like odor indicating drain trap issues

Part: Drain hose, drain line

Residual detergent or grease buildup

How to Identify: Soap or greasy smell; residue visible on interior parts

Part: Interior surfaces, spray arms

New dishwasher initial odors

How to Identify: Chemical or rubber/plastic odor in new machine that fades over early cycles

Part: Interior plastic and rubber parts

DIY Solutions

Clean the dishwasher filter and drain

Moderate 15-30 minutes
Tools Needed: gloves, soft brush, towel, warm water
  1. Locate and remove the bottom dishwasher filter according to your model’s manual
  2. Rinse the filter under warm water, use a soft brush to remove debris
  3. Check the drain area for trapped food debris and wipe clean
  4. Reinstall the filter and run a short rinse cycle
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off before removing filter

Run a cleaning cycle with dishwasher cleaner or vinegar

Easy 1 hour (cycle)
Tools Needed: Dishwasher cleaner or white vinegar
  1. Empty dishwasher
  2. Place dishwasher cleaner tablet or a cup of white vinegar on the top rack
  3. Run a hot water cycle to clean interior surfaces

Dry interior and gasket areas after use

Easy 1-2 minutes after cycle
Tools Needed: Dry cloth
  1. After cycle, open door to allow air drying
  2. Wipe gasket and interior surfaces with dry cloth
  3. Leave door ajar between cycles to reduce moisture

Professional Repairs

Deep drain and hose cleaning service

Estimated Cost: $100 - $250

Interior antimicrobial cleaning and inspection

Estimated Cost: $150 - $300

When to Call a Professional

Persistent odors after thorough cleaning and filter maintenance
Standing water remains after cycles
Foul sewer-like smell that may indicate drain trap issues

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean filter regularly: Food debris odor
    Frequency: monthly
  • Run a maintenance cleaning cycle: Bacterial and residue buildup
    Frequency: monthly
  • Dry interior after use: Mold and mildew growth
    Frequency: After each use

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my LG Dishwasher odor issue?
Common causes include food debris buildup, bacterial growth, and clogged drains.
How do I fix LG Dishwasher odor issue myself?
Clean the filter, run a cleaning cycle with vinegar, and dry the interior after use.
How much does it cost to fix odor issue?
Professional repairs range from $100 to $300, depending on the service needed.
When should I call a technician for odor issue?
Call a technician if DIY solutions don't resolve the issue, or if you suspect deeper plumbing problems.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

80%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Food debris trapped in the filter or spray arms
  • Standing water in the bottom of the dishwasher
  • Dirty or clogged drain hose

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Remove the bottom rack and clean the filter. Check the spray arms for blockages and clean them thoroughly. Run a cycle with a dishwasher cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to eliminate odors.

  2. Inspect the drain hose for kinks or clogs. Ensure it is properly installed and not obstructed. If necessary, detach and clean the hose with warm soapy water.

  3. Check for standing water in the bottom of the dishwasher. If present, investigate the drain pump and filter for blockages. Clear any obstructions and run a cycle to check for improvements.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Dishwasher smells like spoiled milk

Community Discussions

smells like spoiled milk

Clean the machine using citric acid and check for proper drainage setup.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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