May 8, 2025

How to Get Burned Plastic Smell Out of Your Dishwasher

When it comes to unpleasant dishwasher odors, most people think of mildew or leftover food. But one persistent and hard-to-remove smell many homeowners encounter is the sharp, chemical scent of burned plastic. Not only can this odor fill your kitchen, but it can also cling to your dishes even after the cycle finishes. Thankfully, there are effective ways to resolve it. Below, we’ll walk you through the causes and the step-by-step process to eliminate that smell for good.

What Causes a Burned Plastic Smell in a Dishwasher?

The most common cause of a burned plastic odor is a plastic item that has melted on the dishwasher’s heating element. The heating element is typically located at the base of the unit, and if a lightweight plastic lid or container slips through the rack, it can come into direct contact with the element and melt during the wash cycle.

However, there is a more serious possibility to consider: faulty internal wiring. Here’s how to distinguish between the two:

• Melted Plastic: The odor is strongest when you open the dishwasher after a cycle, and you’ll often find the melted item at the bottom.
• Electrical/Wiring Issue: The smell arises while the dishwasher is running and may be accompanied by functional problems like overheating or poor cleaning performance.

How to Prevent Burned Plastic Odors

• Only use dishwasher-safe plastic items. If unsure, wash them by hand to avoid accidents.
• Always place plastic containers on the top rack, away from the heating element.
• Secure small plastic pieces (like bottle caps or small lids) in the cutlery basket to prevent them from falling through the rack.

5 Steps to Eliminate Burned Plastic Smell from Your Dishwasher

Step 1: Clean the Filter

1. Remove the bottom rack to access the filter.
2. Unscrew and remove the filter. Most models twist off counterclockwise—check your manual if needed.
3. Clear out food debris, rinse thoroughly, and scrub with warm water.
4. If odor persists, soak the filter in a white vinegar and water solution for 1 hour.
5. Clean the filter housing and reinstall the filter.

Step 2: Wipe Down the Interior

1. Mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 1 cup of water.
2. Using a cloth or sponge, wipe down all interior surfaces, focusing on the bottom where the heating element is.
3. If you spot melted plastic residue, gently scrub it off with a non-abrasive scouring pad.

Step 3: Run a Cleaning Cycle

1. Use a commercial dishwasher cleaner or place a dishwasher-safe bowl filled with 1 cup of white vinegar on the top rack.
2. Run the dishwasher on the hottest available cleaning cycle.
3. After the cycle, remove the bowl or cleaner and inspect for lingering odor.

Step 4: Deodorize with Baking Soda

1. Place a bowl of baking soda in the dishwasher and close the door overnight without running a cycle.
2. The next morning, run a hot wash cycle to flush out the absorbed odors.

Step 5: Dry and Ventilate the Dishwasher

1. As soon as the cycle finishes, open the door to let out steam and moisture.
2. Leave the door ajar for several hours to air out any remaining odor traces.

By following these steps, you can effectively remove burned plastic smells from your dishwasher and ensure your appliance remains fresh and odor-free. If the smell returns or performance issues persist, it may be time to contact a professional technician for a closer inspection.