DISHWASHER. Burnt plastic smell.

[Ryan]

Did a load of dishes a few weeks ago. Had a plastic piece fall through the rack and sat on the heating element on the bottom of the washer. When it was done with the cycle there was a really bad burning plastic smell. Saw the plastic object melted around the heating element. It is a super hard plastic. I needed a set of pliers and bolt cutters to get the plastic object off. I used sand paper to get the residual plastic off the heating element. Have done about 4 loads since this and still has the plastic smell. Not only smell but the smell transfers to all the dishwashers contents. Any ideas?

Kenmore.
Plastic object was a sink screen so utensil don't fall into the garbage disposal.

 

[charlief1]

Take the heating element out and either replace it or take it outside and heat it up with a propane torch.

 

[Pronto]

Replace the element if that doesn't work. Stuff like that is annoying as hell.

 

[Ryan]

Thanks, Ill try cleaning it one more time. Does it simple pull out like the burners on a stove?

 

[charlief1]

Each one's a little different but that's basically how it comes out. It may have a screw holding it in place.

 

[87 Drop top]

I happen to work at the worlds largest dishwasher plant in Findlay Ohio, Lol. Plug for the company! Whirlpool, we make whirlpool, maytag, Amana, Kitchen Aid, and some Kenmore's, sears uses multiple manufacturers. Worked on the line for a while, have been a millwright for 10 years now, the element is a piece of cake to take out. Remove the two wires on the underside, there are two plastic long 3/4" nuts that need unscrewed, when they are off, take out bottom dish rack and just lift up and pull it straight out. Be careful not to lose the rubber washers. Clean and reinstall. If its one of ours, you got one made in America! Enjoy. Would be glad to try and help anyone out on dishwasher issues, if I don't know the answer, I can get ahold of someone who does! Good luck!

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