Why Does My Dishwasher Smell Like Burnt Metal?

Dishwashers are an essential appliance in many households, providing a convenient and efficient way to clean dishes. However, if your dishwasher starts to emit a burning or metallic smell, it can be a cause for concern.

Not only can this smell be unpleasant, but it can also be a sign of a malfunction or issue with the dishwasher.

In this article, we will explore the possible causes of a burning or metallic smell in a dishwasher and provide steps for troubleshooting and fixing the issue. It is important to address the issue of a burning smell in a dishwasher to ensure it is functioning safely and properly.

Why Does My Dishwasher Smell Like Burnt Metal?

It is possible that the burning or metallic smell you are experiencing with your dishwasher is due to a malfunctioning heating element. If the heating element is not functioning properly, it may cause a burning smell as it tries to heat up. This could potentially be a safety issue, as a malfunctioning heating element could also cause damage to the dishwasher or potentially start a fire.

Heating Element is Malfunctioning

If the heating element in your dishwasher is malfunctioning, it can cause a burning or metallic smell when the dishwasher is in use. The heating element is responsible for heating the water and drying the dishes in the dishwasher, and if it is not functioning properly, it can cause a burning smell as it tries to heat up.

There are a few potential reasons why the heating element may be malfunctioning:

1. The build-up of debris or grease on the heating element: If there is a build-up of food debris or grease on the heating element, it can cause the element to malfunction and emit a burning smell.
2. Wiring issues: If the wiring that powers the heating element is damaged or frayed, it can cause the element to malfunction and emit a burning smell.
3. Faulty heating element: In some cases, the heating element may simply be faulty and need to be replaced.

If you suspect that the heating element is malfunctioning and causing a burning or metallic smell in your dishwasher, it is recommended to have a qualified appliance repair technician inspect and diagnose the problem. They will be able to determine the cause of the malfunction and provide the necessary repairs to ensure the dishwasher is functioning safely and properly.

Other potential causes of a burning or metallic smell in a dishwasher could include:

1. Detergent residue: If the dishwasher is not rinsing properly, the detergent residue could build up and cause a burning smell when the dishwasher is in use.
2. Overloading: If the dishwasher is overloaded with dishes or detergent, it could cause a burning smell due to the increased strain on the heating element and other parts of the dishwasher.
3. Clogged drain: If the dishwasher drain is clogged, it could cause a burning smell as water and debris build up in the dishwasher.

Wiring Issue

If the wiring in your dishwasher is damaged or frayed, it can cause a burning or metallic smell. This can happen if the wires become exposed or if there is a short circuit in the wiring.

When the wiring in the dishwasher is damaged, it can cause an electrical current to flow through the wires that is greater than what they are designed to handle. This can cause the wires to overheat and emit a burning smell.

In addition to causing a burning smell, damaged wiring in a dishwasher can also be a safety hazard. If the wiring is damaged, it could potentially cause a fire or an electrical shock.

If you suspect that damaged wiring is causing a burning smell in your dishwasher, it is important to have a qualified appliance repair technician inspect and repair the issue as soon as possible. They will be able to properly diagnose and fix the problem to ensure the dishwasher is functioning safely and properly.

Detergent residue

If the dishwasher is not rinsing properly, detergent residue can build up inside the dishwasher and cause a burning or metallic smell when the dishwasher is in use.

Detergent residue can occur for a variety of reasons, such as using too much detergent, using the wrong type of detergent, or not rinsing the dishes thoroughly before loading them into the dishwasher. When detergent residue builds up, it can create a burning smell as the dishwasher heats up during the drying cycle.

To fix this issue, try the following steps:

1. Use the correct amount and type of detergent: Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the type and amount of detergent to use in your dishwasher. Using too much detergent or the wrong type of detergent can cause a burning smell.
2. Rinse dishes thoroughly before loading them into the dishwasher: Make sure to remove any food debris or grease from the dishes before loading them into the dishwasher. This can help prevent a build-up of detergent residue.
3. Clean the dishwasher: If you suspect that a build-up of detergent residue is causing the burning smell, try cleaning the dishwasher with white vinegar. To do this, start the normal cycle (with no dishes inside), wait a few minutes until the dishwasher fills up with water, then open the door and pour a gallon of vinegar inside. Let it sit for about 12 hours, then finish the cycle. Repeat this process if needed.

If these steps do not fix the issue, it may be necessary to have a qualified appliance repair technician inspect and diagnose the problem. They will be able to identify the cause of the burning smell and provide the necessary repairs to ensure the dishwasher is functioning properly.

Overloading

If the dishwasher is overloaded with dishes or detergent, it can cause a burning or metallic smell due to the increased strain on the heating element and other parts of the dishwasher.

When the dishwasher is overloaded, it can be difficult for the water and detergent to circulate properly. This can cause a build-up of food debris or grease on the heating element or other parts of the dishwasher, which can create a burning smell when the dishwasher is in use.

To fix this issue, try the following steps:

1. Load the dishwasher properly: Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for loading the dishwasher, including the types and sizes of dishes that can be washed together and the placement of the dishes in the dishwasher.
2. Use the correct amount of detergent: Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the amount of detergent to use in your dishwasher. Using too much detergent can cause a burning smell.
3. Clean the dishwasher: If you suspect that a build-up of food debris or grease is causing the burning smell, try cleaning the dishwasher and heating element with white vinegar. To do this, start the normal cycle (with no dishes inside), wait a few minutes until the dishwasher fills up with water, then open the door and pour a gallon of vinegar inside. Let it sit for about 12 hours, then finish the cycle. Repeat this process if needed.

If these steps do not fix the issue, it may be necessary to have a qualified appliance repair technician inspect and diagnose the problem. They will be able to identify the cause of the burning smell and provide the necessary repairs to ensure the dishwasher is functioning properly.

Clogged Drain

If the dishwasher drain is clogged, it can cause a burning or metallic smell as water and debris build up in the dishwasher. When the drain is clogged, the water may not be able to flow through the drain properly, which can cause a build-up of water and debris inside the dishwasher.

To fix this issue, try the following steps:

1. Check the dishwasher filter: The dishwasher filter is located at the bottom of the dishwasher and is responsible for trapping food debris and other particles. If the filter is clogged, it could cause a burning smell. To clean the filter, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for removing and cleaning the filter.
2. Use a dishwasher cleaning product: There are several dishwasher cleaning products available that can help remove build-up and debris from the dishwasher and drain. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using the cleaning product.
3. Use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar: Mix equal parts of baking soda and vinegar and pour the mixture down the dishwasher drain. Let it sit for a few hours, then run the dishwasher on a normal cycle to rinse away the mixture.
4. Have a qualified appliance repair technician inspect and diagnose the problem: If these steps do not fix the issue, it may be necessary to have a qualified appliance repair technician inspect and diagnose the problem. They will be able to identify the cause of the clogged drain and provide the necessary repairs to ensure the dishwasher is functioning properly.

If the burning or metallic smell persists after trying these steps, it is important to have a qualified appliance repair technician inspect and diagnose the problem. They will be able to identify the cause of the smell and provide the necessary repairs to ensure the dishwasher is functioning safely and properly.

How to troubleshoot and fix the issue?

Here are some additional steps you can take to troubleshoot and fix a burning or metallic smell in your dishwasher:

1. Check for visible signs of damage or malfunction: Inspect the dishwasher for any visible signs of damage, such as a frayed wire or a damaged heating element.
2. Clean the dishwasher: If you suspect that a build-up of food debris or grease may be causing the smell, try cleaning the dishwasher and heating element with white vinegar. To do this, start the normal cycle (with no dishes inside), wait a few minutes until the dishwasher fills up with water, then open the door and pour a gallon of vinegar inside. Let it sit for about 12 hours, then finish the cycle. Repeat this process if needed.
3. Check the detergent: Make sure you are using the correct type and amount of dishwasher detergent. Using too much detergent or the wrong type of detergent can cause a burning smell.
4. Check for clogs: If the dishwasher drain is clogged, it could cause a burning smell as water and debris build up inside the dishwasher. You can try using a dishwasher cleaning product or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to clear any clogs.

If you are unable to determine the cause of the burning or metallic smell or if you are unable to fix the issue, it is recommended to have a qualified appliance repair technician diagnose and repair the dishwasher. They will have the knowledge and expertise to identify the problem and fix it properly.

Conclusion

A burning or metallic smell in a dishwasher can be caused by a variety of issues, such as a malfunctioning heating element, a build-up of food debris or grease, wiring issues, detergent residue, overloading, or a clogged drain. The smell might be like an electric fireplace burning plastic.

It is important to properly diagnose and address the issue in order to ensure the dishwasher is functioning safely and properly. If you are unable to fix the issue on your own, it is recommended to have a qualified appliance repair technician inspect and diagnose the problem.

They will have the knowledge and expertise to identify the cause of the smell and provide the necessary repairs to ensure the dishwasher is functioning properly.

By addressing the issue of a burning or metallic smell in your dishwasher, you can help ensure it is working safely and efficiently.