Question

I wondered what the foul stink from my dishwasher and on my hands after I handled it was and found it was the soap capsules themselves that stunk. Is this normal?

Answer 1

Foul odors from dishwasher soap capsules or detergent can indeed occur, and it is not entirely uncommon. There are several reasons why this might happen:

1. Old or Expired Capsules: Dishwasher soap capsules, like any other product, can go bad over time or lose their effectiveness. If you've had the capsules for a long time or they have passed their expiration date, they might not clean as well and could develop a foul odor.

2. Inadequate Sealing: Improper sealing of the detergent packaging can lead to exposure to moisture, air, or other elements, causing the capsules to degrade and emit a bad smell.

3. Humid Environment: If the storage area for your dishwasher soap is humid, it can lead to moisture getting inside the capsule packaging, resulting in the soap breaking down and emitting a foul odor.

4. Low-Quality Detergent: Some low-quality or generic dishwasher detergents might not have the same level of protection against odor buildup as reputable brands, leading to unpleasant smells.

5. Residue Accumulation: Sometimes, detergent residue can accumulate in the dishwasher's detergent dispenser or around it, leading to unpleasant smells on your hands when handling the capsules.

To address this issue, you can take the following steps:

1. Check Expiration Dates: Make sure the dishwasher capsules are not past their expiration date, and if they are, consider replacing them with a fresh batch.

2. Store Properly: Keep the dishwasher capsules in a cool, dry place, away from moisture and humidity, and ensure they are adequately sealed between uses.

3. Clean the Dishwasher: Regularly clean your dishwasher, including the detergent dispenser, to remove any residue or buildup that could be contributing to the foul smell.

4. Switch Brands: If you notice that a particular brand of dishwasher detergent consistently emits a bad odor, consider trying a different brand or a higher-quality product.

5. Ventilate the Dishwasher: After running a wash cycle, leave the dishwasher door slightly ajar for a while to allow moisture to evaporate and reduce the chances of mold or odor development.

If the issue persists despite these measures, it might be worth contacting the manufacturer of the dishwasher capsules or the dishwasher itself to seek further advice or assistance.