How to Remove Burnt Plastic Smell From a Dishwasher

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.

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.

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Dishwashers