Maytag Dishwasher: bad smell, loud operation

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Maytag dishwasher is emitting a foul smell and producing loud mechanical noises such as grinding or buzzing during wash or drain cycles, it may indicate a buildup of food particles, grease, or even mold. These issues not only affect performance but can also lead to more significant problems if left unaddressed.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Maytag official guidance emphasizes regular filter cleaning and using affresh dishwasher cleaner to combat odors
  • Normal sounds like hums and swishes are expected per Maytag documentation; louder than usual may indicate issues

Possible Causes

Food particles, grease, and debris buildup in filter/spray arms/drain

How to Identify: Persistent bad smell from interior; visible food residue; slow draining water

Part: Dishwasher filter, spray arms, drain area

Mold/mildew growth in gasket seals or interior

How to Identify: Musty or mildew-like smell, especially near door seals; visible black/green buildup

Part: Door gasket and interior surfaces

Clogged or partially blocked drain hose or garbage disposal connection

How to Identify: Water backing up, lingering smell, and louder pump noise during draining

Part: Drain hose, garbage disposal connection

Worn or damaged circulation pump bearings

How to Identify: Loud grinding or droning noise during wash cycles often with reduced cleaning performance

Part: Circulation pump

Loose or obstructed spray arms

How to Identify: Rattling or thumping noise as arms rotate; possible food debris visible in arm holes

Part: Spray arms

Faulty water inlet valve or drain valve solenoid

How to Identify: Buzzing or high-pitched whining outside normal cycle phases; irregular water flow

Part: Water inlet valve, drain valve solenoid

DIY Solutions

Clean dishwasher filter and interior

Moderate 20–40 minutes
Tools Needed: warm soapy water, soft brush or toothbrush, sponge
  1. Remove bottom rack and locate filter
  2. Remove filter and rinse under hot water
  3. Use soft brush to scrub away trapped food/debris
  4. Wipe interior walls and gasket seals with warm soapy water
  5. Reinstall filter and run a hot rinse cycle
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure dishwasher is off and cool before cleaning

Run deep cleaning cycles with vinegar or dishwasher cleaner

Easy 1–2 hours including cycle time
Tools Needed: white vinegar or commercial dishwasher cleaner
  1. Place a dishwasher‑safe bowl with 1–2 cups white vinegar on top rack
  2. Run a hot water cycle without dishes
  3. Remove bowl and sprinkle baking soda on bottom then run a short hot cycle
  4. Optionally use manufacturer‑recommended dishwasher cleaner per instructions

Inspect and clear spray arms

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: soft brush or toothpick
  1. Remove racks to access spray arms
  2. Check arms for debris blocking holes
  3. Clear any debris with a soft brush or toothpick
  4. Ensure arms rotate freely before replacing

Professional Repairs

Replace circulation pump or motor bearings

Estimated Cost: $150–$400

Inspect and replace water inlet valve or drain valve solenoid

Estimated Cost: $80–$250

Clear major drain hose or disposal blockage

Estimated Cost: $100–$300

When to Call a Professional

No improvement after thorough cleaning and DIY noise checks
Loud grinding or metallic noises suggest internal wear
Water not draining and causing standing water after cycles

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean filter monthly: Food buildup and odors
    Frequency: monthly
  • Run a maintenance cycle with dishwasher cleaner: Odor buildup and residue accumulation
    Frequency: monthly
  • Inspect spray arms and gasket seals: Noise from obstructions and mildew development
    Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Dishwasher bad smell, loud operation?
Common causes include food particles buildup, mold in seals, clogged drain hoses, and worn circulation pump bearings.
How do I fix Maytag Dishwasher bad smell, loud operation myself?
Try cleaning the filter and interior, running a deep cleaning cycle with vinegar, and inspecting spray arms for debris.
How much does it cost to fix bad smell, loud operation?
Professional repair costs range from $100 to $400, depending on the issue, such as circulation pump replacement or drain blockage.
When should I call a technician for bad smell, loud operation?
Consider calling a technician if DIY solutions don't resolve the issue or if you suspect a major blockage or part failure.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Food debris buildup in the filter or drain
  • Faulty or worn-out motor bearings causing noise
  • Clogged drain hose leading to stagnant water

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Clean the dishwasher filter and drain. Remove the filter, rinse it under hot water, and check for any debris in the drain area. Reassemble and run a cycle with vinegar to eliminate odors.

  2. Inspect and replace motor bearings if they are worn out. This involves disassembling parts of the dishwasher to access the motor. If you're not comfortable, consult a professional.

  3. Check the drain hose for clogs or kinks. Disconnect the hose and clean it out or replace it if necessary to ensure proper drainage.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Maytag dishwasher smells / control board allegedly on back o...

Community Discussions

smells bad, louder than usual

Control board replacement needed due to inconsistent heating.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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