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Published on March 27, 2025
Does an annoying odor disturb the ambiance of your kitchen every time you open your dishwasher? At Fair Appliance Repair Service, we have assisted several hundred Sacramento homeowners in solving this issue. In this guide, we discuss possible causes for the dishwasher smells and the recommended available solutions, especially for Sacramento’s particular kitchen environment.
The filter is your dishwasher's first line of defense against food particles. Sacramento's hard water, which averages 8.5 grains per gallon, increases the mineral depositions on filters conducive to bacteria reproduction.
The filter is your dishwasher's first line of defense against food particles. Sacramento's hard water—averaging 8.5 grains per gallon—accelerates mineral buildup on filters, creating an ideal environment for bacteria growth.
How to check and clean your filter:
👉 Locate your filter (typically at the bottom of the dishwasher)
👉 Remove it by turning counterclockwise.
👉 Use a soft brush on stubborn debris while rinsing under warm water.
👉 For mineral buildup from Sacramento water, soak in vinegar for 15 minutes.
👉 Rinse thoroughly and reinstall
Sacramento's older neighborhoods, like Land Park and East Sacramento, often have plumbing systems that make dishwashers more susceptible to drainage issues. When water can't correctly exit, it becomes stagnant and develops that tell-tale rotten egg smell.
The Martinez family called us complaining about a sewage-like odor from their dishwasher. Their 1960s Midtown home had a partially clogged drain hose—a common issue in Sacramento's established neighborhoods with aging plumbing.
Warning signs of drain hose problems:
👉 Water pooling at the bottom after cycles.
👉 Dishes remain wet long after washing.
👉 Gurgling sounds during drainage cycles
👉 Noticeable odor intensification after running the dishwasher
Sacramento's farm-to-fork culture means residents enjoy fresh, local produce year-round. While delicious, these foods can create specific dishwasher challenges.
The city's love for tomato-based dishes (thanks to our proximity to Central Valley farms) means acidic food particles often become trapped in spray arms and gaskets. Meanwhile, our region's affinity for rice dishes can lead to starchy buildup in hidden components.
Common hiding spots for food debris:
👉 Spray arm nozzles
👉 Door gasket folds
👉 The dishwasher ceiling
👉 Under the bottom rack
👉 Around the detergent dispenser
Sacramento's Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, damp winters, creates seasonal mold challenges. During our wet winter months (November-March), when average humidity rises to 73%, closed dishwashers become perfect breeding grounds for mold and mildew.
Sacramento-specific mold prevention:
👉 Leave the dishwasher door slightly ajar during winter months.
👉 Run a "rinse only" cycle if you won't use the dishwasher for several days.
👉 Use the heated dry setting during humid periods.
Water in Sacramento has elevated levels of minerals, especially magnesium and calcium. If not treated on a regular basis, this rich water leaves behind gradual deposits that produce layers that emit an odor.
We received a call from a family living in Natomas regarding a lingering odor coming from under their dishwasher. The smell wouldn’t go away after running cleaning cycles. Our diagnosis showed significant amounts of calcium buildup due to Sacramento's hard water and needed region specific cleaning solutions.
Avoiding issues before they arise is far more effective. These tips that are local to Sacramento will help you keep your dishwasher odorless.
Sacramento’s water challenges necessitate a higher servicing frequency than the maintenance recommendations that the manufacturer offers. From servicing thousands of local dishwashers, we suggest:
🔹Weekly Tasks:
👉 Run empty hot water in your sink before starting the dishwasher (particularly important in older Sacramento neighborhoods where pipes may hold cooler water)
👉 Wipe door gaskets with a damp cloth, paying special attention to the bottom corners.
👉 Remove visible food particles from the bottom filter area.
🔹Monthly Tasks:
👉 Clean the filter thoroughly using vinegar to dissolve Sacramento's mineral deposits
👉 Inspect spray arms for food particles or mineral buildup
👉 Check door gaskets for mold growth, especially during the winter months
🔹Quarterly Tasks:
👉 Run a vinegar cycle (critical during summer when the mineral concentration in Sacramento water typically increases)
👉 Inspect the drain hose connection.
👉 Clean around the detergent dispenser.
With regards to Sacramento homes especially in places like Land Park, Curtis Park, and East Sacramento, these households usually possess older plumbing that needs some extra care for proper drainage such as with the dishwasher.
Sacramento-specific drainage tips:
👉 Ensure your dishwasher drain hose forms a high loop before connecting to the drain.
👉 Check that your air gap (if installed) is clear of debris.
👉 Prior to using the dishwasher, make sure you run your sink hot water, so that the drainage pipes will be cleared.
👉 Consider a professional drain line inspection if your home is over 30 years old.
When odors develop despite preventative measures, these Sacramento-tested solutions provide effective remediation.
The Sacramento water has such a high mineral count that vinegar works well in our local dishwashers. Unlike other detergents, the acidic vinegar does break down calcium buildup.
Sacramento-effective vinegar treatment:
👉 Clear your dishwasher of its contents.
👉 Take a dishwasher-safe container and place it on the top rack, then add a cup of white vinegar.
👉 Run a hot water cycle (use the "heavy" or "sanitize" setting if available)
👉 When you're done, generously spread a cup of baking soda over the base of the dishwasher.
👉 Run a short hot water cycle.
👉 Leave the door open for an hour after completion.
This two-step approach is efficient for Sacramento's challenging water conditions, as the vinegar addresses mineral buildup while the baking soda neutralizes odors.
Some products may not work as effectively due to the water in Sacramento, as not all commercial cleaners are created equal. According to our Sacramento local service experience, homeowners particularly benefit from the following products:
👉 Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner (available at Emigh Hardware and Home Depot locations throughout Sacramento)
👉 Lemi Shine Dishwasher Cleaner (great for Sacramento's mineral content; available at almost all Raley's and Bel Air markets)
👉 Finish Dishwasher Cleaner Deep Clean (widely available and effective against Sacramento's specific mineral deposits)
👉 The active ingredients in these cleaners specifically target calcium and magnesium buildup, which is common in Sacramento water systems.
Seasonal shifts in weather for Sacramento mean that you need to change dishwasher service for the season throughout the year.
🔹Spring (March-May):
👉 Deep clean after the winter humidity season
👉 Inspect for mold growth that may have developed during damper months
👉 Check drain lines, as spring rains can affect drainage systems
🔹Summer (June-September):
👉 Raise the frequency of filter cleaning to once a month during the hottest period.
👉 Increase the amount of vinegar cycles run due to evaporation concentrating the minerals.
👉 Inspect the spray arms for increased clogging from mineral deposits.
🔹Fall (October-November):
👉 Prepare for holiday cooking with a deep clean
👉 Inspect drain hose connections before heavy use periods
👉 Clean filter thoroughly before seasonal entertainment increases dishwasher use
🔹Winter (December-February):
👉 Observe the area for mold growth on days that are humid.
👉 Keep the door slightly opened when possible to minimize moisture buildup.
👉 Examine the gaskets once every month for any signs of mold growth.
The performance and upkeep of your dishwasher will change with each season in Sacramento.
Summer Deep Clean: In the summer where the thermometer may reach above 90°F, water evaporates much quicker than usual which leads to faster mineral deposit formation. Deep cleaning in the summer should pay attention to:
👉 Clearing the mineral scale build-up with vinegar or citric acid
👉 Examining the heating element for scale buildup
👉 Making certain the fan vent is unobstructed.
Maintenance for Winter: Take note of the following after foggy winters while in Sacramento:
👉 Inhale freshness while preventing mold by ventilating more
👉 Look for mildew on door seals
👉 Increase the frequency of sanitation cycles
Even though performing DIY repairs can help, in some cases, one needs to take the assistance of a professional. Get in touch with Fair Appliance Repair Service if you see:
👉 Constant smell even after a clean has been done.
👉 Mold appearing after a clean has been done
👉 Water collecting at the bottom of the dishwasher
👉 Dishes still being dirty or having some residue after washing
👉 Strange sounds heard while working
👉 Ongoing issues with draining even after simple solutions were attempted
Our Sacramento-specific expertise allows us to address issues concerning our region's water composition and housing infrastructure.
Sacramento is faced with a different set of problems when it comes to dishwasher servicing due to its water composition and climate features, however, with the right methods and our regular maintenance, your appliance can be odorless. Prevention by regular maintenance is far more efficient than dealing with already set in smells.
At Fair Appliance Repair Service, we pride ourselves on maintaining an efficient and clean dishwasher for families living in Sacramento. Our expert technicians know the exact solutions to the problems our local water and climate pose to Sacramento homes.
Our skilled men will troubleshoot for more complicated solutions if your dishwasher still emits foul smells, even after following these instructions. For the best dishwasher repair and maintenance in Sacramento, call Fair Appliance Repair Service.
For the past decade, Fair Appliance Repair has happily catered to the residents of Sacramento. As a factory-certified technician, I work with all models and makes of dishwashers. Sacramento Appliance Experts know the distinctive challenges an appliance may face in this area and strive to fix it.
Contact us today for Sacramento's most trusted dishwasher odor solutions!
