Chemical Smell in New Bosch Dishwasher

February 19, 2014, by Debra Lynn Dadd

Question from Melissa

Hi Debra,

We recently purchased a new Boesch dishwasher, model SHX65T55UC. Every time we run it, there is a strong chemical and somewhat plastic odor. The smell is very strong when you first open the dishwasher after it has been run -- so strong that the dishes smell too. We have been letting the unit sit open for 30 minutes or so after we run it and the smell eventually dissipates. I was hoping this was a new dishwasher smell that would go away in time, but after almost 3 weeks of use it has not.

The store that sold us the unit, had a 15 day exchange policy. So we called to complain on day 14 and they brought us another unit yesterday. Unfortunately, the new unit has the same unpleasant odor after it is run.

We have been using Seventh Generation Free and Clear powder dishwashing detergent. Bosch recommends using powdered detergent, so this should be fine. I don't think the detergent choice is a problem -- we get the odor when we use the detergent, and also when we run the dishwasher without any detergent. I tried rinsing the unit with a cup of vinegar on the top shelf and baking soda sprinkled on the bottom, but that did not seem to help. Such a shame because the dishwasher is otherwise perfect! (very spacious and the dishes come out super clean)

Have you ever heard of this problem before? I hate that these smelly fumes are getting into the air of our home. I try to keep my kids out of the kitchen while the dishwasher is running and while it is airing out after we run it, but, as you can imagine, this is not a workable long-term solution. I am also concerned about what it might be depositing on our dishes, particularly since they too have the odor for a while after they come out.

I would appreciate any insight you might have into this. If you think the odor might be harmful and if you think it might be making our dishes toxic.

Thank you,
Melissa

Debra's Answer

Update August, 2019: Read more about bitumen in dishwashers

Yes, I've heard of this many times. It's some plastic or rubber part, I don't know exactly, and I don't know how long it will take to gas out.

Readers, any suggestions? I personally haven't had this experience since I don't have a dishwasher at all.