My Drinking Glasses Smell Funny After I Run the Washer

Standing liquid in glasses can lead to odors.

Drinking glasses may have a funny smell, even after you run them through the dishwasher. You should assume a glass with an odor remains dirty and wash it again before use.

The Dishwasher

Odors in the dishwasher may transfer to your dishes. The Iowa State University Extension suggests using a lemon-scented detergent to remove odors. The extension further advises that machines can be cleaned by using bleach or baking soda during a wash cycle.

Prevention

Allowing substances such as milk to stand in glasses before washing or waiting more than several days to wash dishes can allow odors to take hold. If the spray inside the machine is blocked by large dishes or the spray arm becomes trapped and cannot rotate, glasses may not get completely clean during the wash cycle.

Considerations

Glasses not properly seated in the upper rack of the dishwasher may tip and accumulate dirty wash water. The rinse and dry cycles may remove some of the water, but a film may be left behind to cause odors. Wash these glasses again by hand before storing them in the cabinet.

References

• Manage My Life: Frigidaire Dishwasher Use and Care Manual

Resources

• Tasting Wine: Tips on Wine Glassware