How to Remove Burnt Plastic Smell From a Dishwasher

Some plastics will melt in the dishwasher, leaving a burnt smell behind.

A burnt plastic smell in a new dishwasher is not uncommon. The parts may give off this odor during the first few cycles and then dissipate. A burnt plastic smell in an older dishwasher is typically caused by a plastic item falling and melting to your dishwasher’s heating element. Removing the parts and then cleaning your dishwasher will help reduce the smell, which does eventually burn off.

Things You'll Need

• Vinegar
• Measuring cup

Instructions

1. Examine the bottom of the dishwasher. If a plastic item that is not dishwasher-safe has been washed, it may be melted to the heating element. Small items can also get pushed off by the spray of water and melt to the bottom.

2. Allow the dishwasher to cool if it has just finished a cycle. The heating element will be extremely hot and may cause burns.

3. Scrape away any visible melted plastic with a non-metal utensil and remove. If there is no plastic present, there may be a small amount remaining on the element, causing the burning smell each time you run the dry cycle that will eventually dissipate.

4. Pour 2 cups of vinegar into a dishwasher-safe container or glass and place this on the bottom rack.

5. Turn on your dishwasher and run through a complete wash cycle using the air-dry or energy-saving dry cycle. Do not put other dishes in with the vinegar and do not use detergent.

6. Open the dishwasher and clean the interior thoroughly with a damp cloth. Run an empty cycle with detergent after cleaning.

7. Wash and rinse any dishes that also smell of plastic. Avoid using the heated dry option on your dishwasher. Instead use the air-dry or energy-saving option until the plastic smell dissipates.

Tips & Warnings

• Prevent melting plastic by ensuring that you place only items that are marked as dishwasher-safe into your dishwasher. If it doesn’t say this on the packaging or somewhere on the item, don’t assume it is safe.

• Avoid placing plastic items small enough to fall through the trays or light enough to be pushed off the rack into your dishwasher.

• If the burnt plastic odor does not dissipate after cleaning and running a couple of cycles, it is possible that there is a malfunction within the dishwasher’s motor or heating element. Contact a technician to inspect your dishwasher if the odor does not go away.

References

• Whirlpool: My Dishwasher Has an Odor
• Lowes: Dishwasher Repair Tips, DIY Help, and Information
• GE Appliances: Dishwasher: Odor/Burning Smell