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ErrBase

Samsung Dishwasher Smells Bad: Causes and Fixes

Quick Answer

Samsung dishwasher smells: clean the drain filter and food trap at the bottom of the tub. Old food trapped in the filter is the #1 cause of dishwasher odor. Also run a hot cycle with a cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe cup on the top rack.

Samsung dishwasher smells bad has brand-specific causes related to Samsung's proprietary technology and component design.

SamsungDishwasherSeverity: mediumDifficulty: intermediate75% DIY Success
Time to Fix
15–90 min
Difficulty
intermediate
Parts Cost
—
Tools Needed
Multimeter, Screwdriver set

What Does the SMELLS Code Mean?

Samsung dishwasher smells bad - see the detailed diagnosis steps below for Samsung-specific causes and fixes.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Food in filter rotting30%
Spray nozzle bacteria20%
Door gasket food15%
Drain hose biofilm15%
Low-temp cycles10%
Dispenser residue10%

Symptoms You May Notice

  • Smells Bad on Samsung dishwasher
  • Performance degradation
  • Unusual sounds or behavior
  • Error code may appear

Can you reset a Samsung dishwasher to clear the SMELLS code?

Unplug for 60 seconds. Some Samsung models have specific reset sequences - check the diagnostic mode entry above.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

MultimeterScrewdriver setFlashlight

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

1

Check the most common Samsung-specific cause for smells bad on

Check the most common Samsung-specific cause for smells bad on Samsung dishwashers. See the detailed guide above.

2

Check secondary causes common across all dishwasher brands but

3

If basic checks do not reveal the cause, run the brand

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to fix a Samsung dishwasher smells bad?
Most Samsung dishwasher smells bad repairs cost $100-400 depending on the cause. Simple fixes (cleaning, resetting) are free. Part replacements range from $10-200 plus $100-200 labor.
Is it worth repairing a Samsung dishwasher smells bad?
If the dishwasher is under 8 years old and the repair is under 50% of replacement cost, repair is worthwhile. Samsung has a standard 1-year warranty.
Can I fix Samsung dishwasher smells bad myself?
Many Samsung dishwasher issues are DIY-fixable with basic tools. Water-related repairs may require turning off the water supply.

Same Fix Works on These Brands

Samsung shares the same hardware platform with these brands. The diagnosis and repair steps are identical.

Samsung washerSamsung Washer 3C2 Error Code: Motor StallSamsung washerSamsung Washer 3E Error Code: Motor FaultSamsung washerSamsung Washer 4C Error Code: No Water SupplySamsung washerSamsung Washer 4E Error Code: Water Supply Fault (Top Load)Samsung washerSamsung Washer 5C Error Code: Drain Error (Older Display)Samsung washerSamsung Washer 8C Error Code: Vibration Sensor Fault

Models Known to Experience SMELLS Errors

This repair applies to most Samsung dishwashers with this error code. Common model numbers include:

DW80R5061US, DW80R9950US

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 15, 2026