5 Reasons Your Dishwasher Has a Burning Smell

If your nose is picking up a burning scent from your dishwasher, it’s important not to ignore it. While it’s definitely not normal, you can often quickly identify the source of the problem because only a few common culprits are behind this alarming odor. Some of these issues are relatively easy to fix, while others may require professional assistance.

To help you identify the cause of the burning smell, this article looks at the 5 most likely causes, offering tips to resolve the problem.

WARNING: If the burning smell is accompanied by smoke or flames, unplug the appliance immediately and avoid using it until it’s repaired. We highly recommend hiring a professional in extreme cases like this.

Reason 1: Objects touching the heating element

Most dishwashers, unless they’re newer models with a heat pump or condensation drying technology, have a heating element at the base of the tub.

This heating element heats up during a wash cycle to help the dishwasher clean and dry effectively. If a plastic spoon, food wrapper, or other item falls directly onto the heating element during the cycle, it can melt or burn, causing a burning smell.

It’s a good idea to check for foreign objects in the base of the appliance, especially near the heating element. Take out the bottom rack and thoroughly inspect the area, removing any debris you find.

Reason 2: The dishwasher needs cleaning

A dirty dishwasher can give off all kinds of odors, and burning smells can sometimes linger even after the source is removed. Giving the dishwasher a thorough cleaning can help remove these lingering odors, including those caused by items that may have burned on the heating element.

To clean the dishwasher, start with the filter. Remove it and rinse all of its parts separately—including the coarse and fine filters—under warm running water. Gently scrub them with a soft brush if needed to ensure they’re completely free of residue. Then place them back in the dishwasher.

Once the filters are clean, you should run a vinegar cycle followed by a baking soda cycle. These highly effective, natural cleaning agents both possess powerful deodorizing properties, and they won’t damage your appliance.

It’s best to do the vinegar cycle first. To do this, place a bowl of white vinegar on your dishwasher’s bottom rack, then run a hot water cycle without any detergent. Once the vinegar cycle is complete, sprinkle a cup of baking soda onto the base of the tub, and run another hot water cycle.

Reason 3: The motor is overheating

The dishwasher motor, which powers the circulation pump and the spray arms, can overheat if one of the pumps is clogged or its bearing is worn, resulting in a burning electrical smell.

You may be able to resolve this by checking the drain and circulation pumps and clearing any blockages or replacing them if they’re damaged. You can access the pumps by removing the lower access panel or kickplate. You may need to tilt the dishwasher so it sits on its back. Always turn off the power and water supply first when attempting any repairs.

If the motor itself is damaged or failing, such as if its bearings are worn, you’ll likely need the help of a professional to fix it as it’s a complex repair involving several electrical connections and a rubber gasket that must seal properly.

Reason 4: The heating element is faulty

While the most common issue involving the heating element that causes a burning smell is a plastic item that has fallen directly on it, a faulty heating element might also cause a burning smell. This can occur if the heating element has a break, leading to an electrical short and subsequent overheating.

You may be able to diagnose a faulty heating element by inspecting it for visible signs of damage such as cracks or burn marks. If you can’t find any visible damage, you’ll need to disconnect the heating element and test it with a multimeter.

Many people can replace a faulty dishwasher heating element themselves, although it does require some effort and DIY skills. You’ll need to remove the kickplate, disconnect the power, water, and drain lines, pull the dishwasher away from the wall, and lay it on its back. After that, you can disconnect the heating element, remove it, and install a new one in its place.

Reason 5: The wiring is damaged

A burning smell can also result from a wiring issue such as electrical arcing or a short circuit caused by a frayed or damaged wire. You may be able to disassemble the dishwasher and inspect the wiring yourself by looking in the junction box or other areas where wires connect to different components. However, it’s generally best to leave this to an expert as dealing with electrical issues can be dangerous.

Telltale signs of wiring issues include burn marks, melted insulation, or frayed wiring.

If the issue remains unresolved, consider hiring a professional

If you haven’t been able to diagnose or fix the cause of the burning smell by following our tips, we highly recommend hiring a professional at this point. A burning smell isn’t an issue to leave unresolved as it indicates something is overheating or a component is faulty. This could pose a safety risk or lead to significantly worse damage to your appliance if not fixed.