Siemens Dishwasher: foul smell

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Siemens dishwasher emits a foul smell, you're likely dealing with food debris accumulation, grease buildup, or even mold growth. This unpleasant odor can be particularly noticeable when the door is opened, often described as musty or rotten. Fortunately, understanding the causes and solutions can help restore freshness to your kitchen appliance.

Urgency: Low

Important Tips for Siemens Models

Siemens recommends regular cleaning of filters and interior via Machine Care programme every 1-2 months and descaling yearly to prevent odours and ensure optimal performance

Possible Causes

Accumulation of food debris and residue in filter and sump area

How to Identify: Bad smell strongest when opening dishwasher, visible food residue when inspecting filter/sump area

Part: Filter assembly and sump

Grease and organic buildup on interior walls and spray arms

How to Identify: Greasy or slick interior surfaces and clogged spray arm holes with odor present

Part: Interior walls and spray arms

Mold or bacterial growth due to moisture retention

How to Identify: Musty odor, possible visible mold spots on seals or corners

Part: Door seals, crevices, and interior surfaces

Standing water due to poor drainage or clogged drain hose

How to Identify: Water pooling in bottom after cycle and lingering foul smell

Part: Drain hose and drainage system

Limescale and mineral residues in hard water areas

How to Identify: White-ish mineral deposits and less effective rinsing with odor

Part: Interior surfaces and water passages

DIY Solutions

Clean the dishwasher filter and sump

Moderate 10-20 minutes

Tools Needed: gloves, soft brush or toothbrush

Turn off and open the dishwasher.
Remove bottom rack to access filter assembly.
Twist and lift out the filter and rinse under warm water.
Scrub filter mesh and sump area to remove trapped debris.
Reinstall filter and run a hot rinse cycle.
Inspect for any lingering odors.

⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power off when accessing internal components.

Run a hot cleaning cycle with dishwasher cleaner

Easy 2-3 hours

Tools Needed: Dishwasher cleaner tablet/powder

Remove all dishes.
Place dishwasher cleaner product according to instructions.
Run the hottest available cycle.
Optionally leave dishwasher door open slightly after cycle to air out.

⚠️ Safety First: Follow cleaner manufacturerâ€™s safety instructions.

Wipe down door seals and interior surfaces

Easy 5-10 minutes

Tools Needed: damp cloth, mild detergent

Open dishwasher.
Wipe door gasket and inner door edges with damp cloth.
Clean interior walls to remove visible residue.
Run one short rinse cycle if needed.

⚠️ Safety First: Avoid harsh chemicals that may damage materials.

Professional Repairs

Inspect and clear drain hose or replace if damaged

Estimated Cost: $80 - $200

Deep machine service including sump and pump cleaning

Estimated Cost: $150 - $300

When to Call a Professional

Persistent foul smell after thorough cleaning and filter maintenance

Standing water remains after proper drainage cleaning

Suspected damage to drain hose or pump causing odor retention

Preventive Maintenance

Clean filter: Food debris buildup and associated odours
Frequency: monthly
Run machine care or cleaning cycle: Grease and organic residue buildup
Frequency: 1-2 months
Descale dishwasher: Mineral buildup and bacterial growth in hard water areas
Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Siemens Dishwasher foul smell?

Common causes include food debris in the filter, grease buildup, or mold due to moisture retention.

How do I fix Siemens Dishwasher foul smell myself?

Clean the filter, run a hot cleaning cycle, and wipe down door seals and interior surfaces.

How much does it cost to fix foul smell?

Professional repairs can cost between $80 to $300 depending on the issue.

When should I call a technician for foul smell?

If DIY solutions fail or if there's persistent foul odor, consider calling a technician.

References & Sources

Siemens Dishwasher Maintenance and Care Guidance Official
General Dishwasher Smell Causes and Fixes Repair-Blog

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 drain area
Mold or mildew buildup inside the dishwasher
Improper drainage leading to stagnant water

User Suggested Solutions

Clean the filter and drain area thoroughly. Remove any food debris and rinse the filter under hot water. Ensure the drain is clear of obstructions.
Run a cleaning cycle with a dishwasher cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to eliminate mold and odors.
Check and repair any drainage issues. Ensure the drain hose is not kinked or clogged, and inspect the air gap if applicable.