AEG dishwasher smelling bad inside

A bad drain smell from inside an AEG dishwasher is often caused by stagnant water, a drain hose issue, or residue trapped where the filter clean alone won’t reach.

Before checking anything internal, isolate the dishwasher from the mains.

1. Check for standing water After a cycle finishes, look in the sump area under the filter. A little is normal, but dirty water sitting there can cause smells. If it is not draining fully, the pump area or waste connection may be partly restricted.

2. Clean beyond the main filter Remove the filter assembly and check the sump well for grease, soft food, glass, labels or sludge. Also remove and rinse the spray arms, making sure the jet holes are clear. Smell can build up in hidden debris.

3. Check the drain hose routing Make sure the drain hose has a proper high loop under the sink and is not pushed too far down the standpipe. If it is laid low, sink waste water can run back into the dishwasher and cause a drain smell.

4. Inspect the sink waste spigot If it drains into the sink trap, disconnect and check the spigot for grease or sludge. This is a common smell source, especially if the dishwasher drains slowly.

5. Run a hot maintenance wash Use the hottest programme with a proper dishwasher cleaner. Avoid overusing rinse aid or short cold washes, as grease can build up.

6. Check the door seal edges Wipe around the bottom of the door seal and hinges where residue often collects.

If the smell remains, it may need the drain pump/sump inspected more closely. Any mains-related checks should be left to a qualified appliance engineer.

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