You might be reading this article because you have a dishwasher that does smell like burning plastic, and you’re not sure why.
It’s important to understand the root cause of this problem before you start testing out solutions, so read on to learn about what I learned from my research.
Some people notice a burning smell coming from their dishwasher. This doesn’t always mean that there is something wrong with the appliance or that it is unsafe to use.
Many times, this smell comes from the water heater used for heating the water before it’s used in the dishwasher, which can have a high heat setting.
This can result in small amounts of plastic being released into the air, which may then be drawn back into your dishwasher and smell like burning plastic.
On the other hand, it probably comes from a variety of different sources. And those sources might not be what you think. Read on to find out why your dishwasher might be smelling like burning plastic, and what you can do about it.
The dishwasher smells like burning plastic
If your dishwasher smells like burning plastic, there are a few possible causes. First, check to see if any plastic items were accidentally left in the dishwasher. If so, remove them immediately.
Second, make sure that the dishwasher is properly ventilated. If not, open up the doors and windows to let some air in. Then, check the wiring to see if there are any frayed or exposed wires. If so, call an electrician to come and take a look.
Photo by Castorly Stock from Pexels
This can also happen if there’s a piece of food or grease buildup on the element. If this is the case, you’ll need to clean the element to get rid of the smell.
To clean the heating element, start by removing any food or grease buildup. You can do this by scrubbing the element with a stiff brush and some hot, soapy water. If there’s still a lingering smell, you can try soaking the element in a vinegar solution.
Once you’ve removed the source of the smell, be sure to keep your dishwasher clean to prevent any future smells. Regularly cleaning both the interior and exterior of your dishwasher will help to keep it smelling fresh.
The dishwasher burning smell stopped working
If your dishwasher smells like burning plastic, it’s likely because something is caught in the heating element.
This can be anything from food particles to pieces of plastic wrap. If you notice this smell, be sure to check the heating element for any debris.
To get rid of the smell, you’ll need to clean out the heating element and make sure there’s nothing caught in it. You can do this by unscrewing the heating element from the dishwasher and cleaning it with soapy water.
If there’s anything caught in the element, you’ll need to remove it and clean it off. Once you’ve done that, screw the element back into place and run a cycle with hot water to clear out the smell.
If you can’t find anything, the burned smell may be coming from the wires or the motor of the dishwasher. Most probably this will be the case if your appliance is stopped working too.
If the motor or wire is damaged or burnt out do not touch them with bare hands and just do a visual checkup to confirm the case. After that, it is most advisable, that you’ll need to call an electrician to have the dishwasher checked out.
The KitchenAid dishwasher smells like burning
If your KitchenAid dishwasher smells like burning plastic, there are a few possible causes. First, check the seals around the door and make sure they’re tight. If they’re not, heat can escape and cause the plastic to melt.
Also, make sure nothing is blocking the air vents on the dishwasher. If the vents are blocked, the dishwasher can overheat and cause the plastic to catch fire.
Then, make sure you’re using the right kind of detergent in your dishwasher. Some detergents can cause a chemical reaction that produces a burning smell. If you’re not sure which detergent to use, consult your dishwasher’s manual.
Another possibility is that the plastic coating on the wires inside the dishwasher has worn away, exposing the bare wires.
This can happen if the dishwasher is not used often, or if it is used to wash very greasy dishes. If you see any exposed wires, cut them off with wire cutters and tape over the ends with electrical tape.
The new dishwasher smells like burning plastic
If your new dishwasher smells like burning plastic, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the issue.
Check to make sure that all of the plastic components in the dishwasher are properly secured and not loose. If everything seems to be in place, then the next step is to check the electrical connections.
Make sure that all of the wires are properly connected and that there are no loose or exposed wires. Then, if the problem persists, you may need to call a professional to take a look at your dishwasher.
The dishwasher is new When you first start using a new dishwasher, it’s not uncommon for it to smell like burning plastic.
This is because the dishwasher is heating up for the first time and the plastic components are expanding. The smell should go away after a few uses.
Bosch dishwasher smells like burning rubber
If your Bosch dishwasher smells like burning rubber, there are a few potential causes. It could be the seals and gaskets around the door to make sure they’re not worn or damaged. If they are, replace them.
If the spray arm is obstructed, it can cause the dishwasher to overheat and smell like burning rubber.
A clogged filter can also cause the dishwasher to overheat and produce a burning smell. Finally, check the door seal to make sure it is tight and does not allow any heat to escape. If the door seal is loose, it can also cause the dishwasher to overheat and produce a burning smell.
Another potential cause is a build-up of food particles and grease on the heating element. This can happen if you don’t clean your dishwasher regularly.
To clean the heating element, remove it and soak it in a solution of vinegar and water. If neither of these solutions solves the problem, you may need to call a professional for further assistance.
Maytag dishwasher electrical burning smell
If your Maytag dishwasher smells like burning plastic, it could be due to a few different things. First, check the heating element to see if it’s damaged or burned out. If it looks fine, then the problem might be with the electrical wiring.
Inspect the wires for any signs of damage or fraying. If everything looks okay there, then the issue could be with the dishwasher’s control panel.
Try resetting the panel by pressing and holding the “Start” button for 30 seconds. If that doesn’t work, you may need to replace the control panel.
If the wiring looks good, then the problem may be with the heating element. This can be replaced by a qualified technician.
Whirlpool dishwasher smells like burning
Whirlpool dishwashers are known for their great performance and features. However, some users have reported that their dishwasher emits a burning smell. This is most likely due to the heating element in the dishwasher.
When the element gets too hot, it can start to emit a burning smell. If you notice this happening, you should try turning off the dishwasher and letting it cool down for a few minutes. You can also try running the dishwasher with nothing in it to see if the smell goes away.
If there is any food or grease build-up on the element, it can start to smell like burning plastic. The best way to clean the heating element is to use a vinegar and water solution. Spray the solution on the element and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it clean with a soft cloth.
If you notice a burning smell, be sure to check the filters and traps for any debris. If you can’t find anything, it’s best to call a service technician to take a look.
The Frigidaire dishwasher smells like burning plastic
After doing some research, We discovered that the Frigidaire dishwasher can sometimes smell like burning plastic. This is because the heating element in the dishwasher gets very hot and can melt some of the plastic parts in the dishwasher.
You might be interested in: Why Does My Dishwasher Smell Like Rotten Eggs?
If this happens, it is important to immediately turn off the dishwasher and unplug it. You should also contact Frigidaire customer service to see if they can send you a replacement part.
One reason could be that a small piece of plastic has fallen into the dishwasher and is being melted by the heat. Another possibility is that the dishwasher’s seals or gaskets are starting to degrade and release chemicals that smell like burning plastic.
Mostly, the Frigidaire dishwasher smells like burning plastic because the heating element is located near the bottom of the dishwasher.
When the heating element is turned on, it can cause the plastic to melt and give off a burning smell. If you notice this happening, you should turn off the dishwasher and call a repairman to come and fix it.
Samsung dishwasher smells like burning plastic
Many Samsung dishwashers have been reported to smell like burning plastic. The cause of this smell is unknown, but it may be due to the materials used in the dishwasher or the way that it heats the water.
Either way, it is a good idea to have your dishwasher checked by a professional if you notice this smell.
Moreover, there could be a few different causes. First, make sure that there are no plastic items in the dishwasher. If there are, remove them and clean the area to prevent the smell from coming back.
If the smell persists, it could be coming from the heating element. This is a common issue with dishwashers and is usually caused by a build-up of limescale. Cleaning the heating element can often get rid of the smell.
When we run my Samsung dishwasher, it smells like burning plastic. We contacted customer service and they said that it is a known issue with the dishwasher and that there is no fix.
They did say that you can try running the dishwasher with vinegar to see if that helps, but it didn’t work for me. The only thing that has helped is to leave the door open after the cycle is done so that the smell doesn’t build up.
LG dishwasher smells like burning rubber
LG dishwashers have a strong burning smell when they are first turned on. The smell is caused by the heating element in the dishwasher that is used to sterilize the dishes. The burning smell should go away after a few minutes, but if it doesn’t, it could be a sign that the dishwasher needs to be cleaned.
If there is, clear it out and see if the smell goes away. If not, it could be that your dishwasher needs to be descaled.
Descaling is a process of removing built-up minerals from your dishwasher, and can often get rid of burning smells. You can buy descaling solutions at most hardware stores.
Finally, if none of these solutions work, there may be a problem with your dishwasher’s heating element. In this case, it’s best to call a repairman to take a look at it.
Furthermore, the best thing is that LG dishwashers come with a feature that is designed to prevent them from smelling like burning rubber.
This feature is called the “anti-smell” setting. When this setting is turned on, the dishwasher will release a small amount of bleach into the water. This bleach will neutralize any bad smells that might be present in the water.
GE dishwasher smells like burning
GE dishwashers are known for their quality and durability. However, many users have reported that their dishwasher smells like burning plastic.
This is most likely because the heating element is located near the plastic components in the dishwasher. When the heating element is turned on, it can cause the plastic components to emit a burning smell.
If your dishwasher smells like burning plastic, there are a few potential causes. Check the area around the dishwasher for any signs of burning. If you see any, unplug the dishwasher and call a qualified repair person to come and take a look.
It’s also possible that something is caught in the dishwasher’s drain pump. This can happen if you’re using a garbage disposal with your dishwasher.
Moreover, GE dishwashers have a self-cleaning cycle that helps to prevent the build-up of food and grease.
However, this cycle also uses high temperatures to clean the dishwasher. This can sometimes cause a burning smell. If your dishwasher smells like burning plastic, it is likely due to this self-cleaning cycle.
The grinding action of the disposal can cause small pieces of plastic to break off and get caught in the pump. If this is the case, you’ll need to remove the drain pump and clean it out.
Finally, if your dishwasher is new, the smell may be coming from the heating element. This is normal and should go away after a few washes. If the smell persists, however, contact the manufacturer for assistance.
The dishwasher smells burning and it tripped the electric breaker
If your dishwasher has started to produce a burning smell, it’s important to take action immediately. This is usually indicative of an electrical problem, and if left unchecked, it could lead to a fire.
If your dishwasher is located on an exterior wall, you may want to check the circuit breaker box to see if the breaker has tripped. If so, simply reset it and see if the dishwasher continues to produce the burning smell.
The motor is responsible for circulating water and detergent throughout the dishwasher, so when it starts to fail, the dishwasher isn’t able to clean dishes properly.
In addition to the burning plastic smell, you may also notice that your dishwasher isn’t draining properly or that it’s making strange noises, and it could also trip the breaker.
In this case, you’ll need to contact an electrician for further diagnosis. In the meantime, refrain from using the dishwasher until the problem can be resolved.
Possible causes of a dishwasher smelling like burning plastic
A dishwasher that smells like burning plastic can be caused by a few different things. One possibility is that there is something caught in the heating element. This can be a piece of plastic or food that has become lodged in there and is causing the smell.
Another possibility is that the washing cycle was not completed correctly and the dishwasher is still full of soap. This can happen if the water doesn’t reach a high enough temperature to fully dissolve the soap. In this case, the soap will become concentrated and start to smell like burning plastic.
If there is a foreign object caught in the drain, it can cause the dishwasher to smell like burning plastic, if nothing is blocking the drain, the next possible cause could be a problem with the dishwasher itself. If your dishwasher is new, it’s possible that the heating element is not properly seasoned and is causing the plastic smell.
Check the gasket around the door to see if it’s worn or damaged. If the gasket isn’t sealing properly, heat can escape and cause the plastic components of the dishwasher to melt and smell bad.
Finally, if none of these other causes seem to be the problem, it’s possible that there is something wrong with your home’s wiring and an electrician should be called to take a look.
How to troubleshoot a burning smell in a dishwasher?
If your dishwasher smells like burning plastic, it could be due to a few different issues. Here are a few troubleshooting tips to help you figure out the cause of the smell and how to fix it.
- Check the heating element. If the heating element is damaged or defective, it could be causing the burning smell. Replace the element if necessary.
- Check for food particles or grease build-up on the heating element. If there is food or grease build-up, clean it off with a vinegar solution.
- Make sure the dishwasher is properly ventilated. If the dishwasher is not properly ventilated, it could cause a burning smell. Make sure nothing is blocking the ventilation openings and that the venting hose is not kinked or blocked.
- Check for any loose wires. Loose wires can cause a burning smell as well. Tighten any loose connections and replace any damaged wires.
- Have a professional inspect and service the dishwasher if you cannot identify the cause of the burning smell or if you cannot fix the problem yourself.
How to prevent your dishwasher from smelling like burning plastic
If your dishwasher smells like burning plastic, it is likely because food particles and grease have built up on the heating element.
The best way to prevent this from happening is to clean your dishwasher regularly. You can do this by running it empty with vinegar and water, or using a commercial dishwasher cleaner.
Use a detergent that is designed for use in dishwashers, and make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how much to use. You should also clean your dishwasher regularly to remove any built-up detergent or food particles that could be causing the smell.
Furthermore, if you accidentally leave a plastic item in your dishwasher, be sure to remove it immediately. You can also prevent your dishwasher from smelling like burning plastic by regularly cleaning it with a vinegar solution.
How to clean your dishwasher if it does smell like burning plastic
If your dishwasher smells like burning plastic, it is likely because there is food or grease build-up on the heating element. To clean your dishwasher and remove the burning plastic smell, follow these steps:
- Remove everything from your dishwasher, including the racks.
- Wash the racks in hot, soapy water to remove any grease or food build-up.
- Clean the interior of your dishwasher with a mixture of white vinegar and water. Wipe down the sides, bottom, and door seal with this mixture.
- Run a cycle with just hot water to rinse away any residue.
- Replace the racks and run a normal cycle with detergent to finish cleaning your dishwasher.
Is it safe to use a dishwasher with a burning smell?
If you notice a burning smell coming from your dishwasher, it is important to take action immediately. This could be a sign of a serious problem that could result in a fire.
If your dishwasher is emitting a burning smell, the first thing you should do is turn it off and unplug it from the power outlet. Then, open up the door and take a look inside. If you see any flames or sparks, call the fire department right away.
If there are no flames or sparks, but you still see smoke or steam, this could be a sign of an overheated motor. Do not attempt to fix this yourself; instead, call a qualified technician to come and take a look.
In some cases, the burning smell may be due to something as simple as food residue on the heating element. If this is the case, simply cleaning the element will solve the problem. However, if you are unsure of what is causing the burning smell, it is always best to remain on the side of caution and call a professional.
Conclusion
If you’ve recently noticed that your dishwasher smells like burning plastic, it’s important to take action right away. This problem can be caused by a variety of factors, but the most common culprit is an electrical issue.
If you suspect that your dishwasher’s electrical system is to blame, it’s best to call a professional for help. In the meantime, be sure to keep an eye on the dishwasher and make sure it doesn’t start smoking or catch fire.
To prevent this from happening, be sure to clean your dishwasher regularly and remove any food debris after each use. If you notice the smell getting stronger, call a technician to come to take a look at it as there may be a more serious problem.
After reading this article, you should now have a better understanding of why your dishwasher smells like burning plastic. In short, it is most likely due to an electrical issue within the dishwasher itself.
So, what are your thoughts on how to get rid of the burning plastic smell in your dishwasher? Do you have any tips or tricks you’d like to share? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Fancy reading more of such interesting articles?
» Does a Dishwasher Need a Dedicated Circuit?
» High Loop VS Air Gap for Dishwashers
Leave a Reply