Your dishwasher is an essential appliance that simplifies your kitchen creativity cleanup, which is why it’s important to regularly maintain it.Your dishwasher is supposed to help you clean, not leave your dishes smelling like they haven’t been washed. If your dishwasher is causing trouble, it’s time to give it a thorough cleaning.If you have started to notice odors coming from your dishwasher, use this guide to troubleshoot the problem and get your dishwasher back to its optimal performance.
Why Does My Dishwasher Smell?
Before we get to the cleaning, it’s helpful to understand what’s causing the odor. Based on insights from top-ranking articles on Google, such as those from Whirlpool, Maytag, and The Spruce, the most common culprits are:
- Food Debris: Tiny bits of food get trapped in the filter, spray arms, or crevices, where they rot and create a foul smell.
- Mold and Mildew: Dishwashers are warm, moist environments—perfect for mold and mildew to thrive, especially on gaskets or in hidden corners.
- Grease and Soap Scum: Over time, grease and detergent residue build up, acting like a magnet for food particles and bacteria.
- Standing Water: If your dishwasher doesn’t drain properly, stagnant water can lead to musty or sewage-like smells.
- Hard Water Deposits: Mineral buildup from hard water can clog components and contribute to odors.
Each of these issues can be addressed with regular maintenance and targeted cleaning, which we’ll cover in detail below.
6 Reasons Why Your Dishwasher Smells
1.Dishwasher filter is clogged
A dirty filter is usually the primary culprit behind unpleasant smells coming from your dishwasher. The filter in your dishwasher can accumulate food debris, which, without regular cleaning, can cause unwanted odors. A clogged filter can also hinder proper cleaning of your dishes by recirculating dirty water.
2.Grease accumulation
Another issue that can cause an unpleasant odor in your dishwasher is grease build-up. Grease can accumulate in the drain and filter as well as the interior of the dishwasher.
3.Drain hose cracked or leaking
The drain hose in your dishwasher plays a vital role in disposing dirty water and food particles into the sink’s disposal unit. A malfunctioning drain hose can be the reason behind the unpleasant smell emanating from your dishwasher.
4.Leftover food
Odors may occur from dirty dishes and food soils that fall into the tub or other parts of the dishwasher. Scraping dishes before loading, running regular cycles and cleaning leftover food out of the dishwasher can help ensure that it smells fresh and your dishes come out clean.
5.Water accumulation
Standing water in the dishwasher can cause a sewage smell. This can occur if your dishwasher has drainage problems. If this is the case, you might notice that the smell also comes from your kitchen sink drain since dishwashers are often connected to the same drain.
6.Mold
The warm and moist environment created by your dishwasher can cause mildew. One area that is particularly susceptible to mildew growth is the gasket seal on the dishwasher door.
Step-by-Step Guide to Eliminate Dishwasher Smells
Here’s a comprehensive, hands-on approach to deodorizing your dishwasher. This process is inspired by practical advice from sources like Merry Maids, KitchenAid, and Cascade, ensuring you tackle every possible odor source.
Step 1: Empty and Inspect the Dishwasher
Start by removing all dishes, utensils, and racks to get full access to the interior. Check for any visible food particles or debris at the bottom of the tub, around the door, or in the corners. Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe away anything you see. This initial sweep sets the stage for deeper cleaning.
Step 2: Clean the Filter
The filter is often the primary source of dishwasher odors because it traps food particles. Most dishwashers have a removable filter at the bottom center of the tub. Here’s how to clean it:
- Locate and Remove: Pull out the bottom rack and find the filter (check your owner’s manual if you’re unsure). Twist or unclip it to remove.
- Clean Thoroughly: Rinse the filter under warm running water. Use a soft brush, like an old toothbrush, to scrub away stuck-on debris. Avoid abrasive scrubbers, as they can damage delicate filters.
- Soak for Tough Buildup: If the filter is particularly grimy, soak it in warm, soapy water for 10–15 minutes before scrubbing.
- Reinstall: Ensure the filter is completely clean before locking it back in place.
Pro Tip: If your dishwasher has a self-cleaning filter (sometimes called a hard-food disposer), skip this step, as these don’t require manual cleaning. Check your manual to confirm.
Step 3: Clear the Spray Arms
Spray arms distribute water and detergent to clean your dishes, but their tiny nozzles can get clogged with food or mineral deposits, leading to odors and poor performance. Here’s how to clean them:
- Remove the Arms: Pull out the bottom rack to access the lower spray arm, and check if the upper arm is removable (some models don’t allow this). Gently twist or unclip them.
- Rinse and Scrub: Rinse under warm water, using a toothpick or small brush to clear debris from the nozzles.
- Reattach: Ensure they’re securely back in place before running a cycle.
Step 4: Clean the Gasket and Door Seals
The rubber gasket around the dishwasher door is a hotspot for mold and mildew. Inspect it closely for black spots or slimy buildup. Wipe it down with a sponge dipped in warm, soapy water, then dry it thoroughly with a clean cloth. For stubborn mold, use a 1:1 mixture of water and white vinegar, but avoid bleach, as it can damage stainless steel components or rubber seals.
Step 5: Run a Vinegar Cycle
White vinegar is a natural, eco-friendly cleaner that neutralizes odors and breaks down grease and mineral deposits. Here’s how to use it:
- Prepare the Vinegar: Place a dishwasher-safe bowl or mug filled with 1–2 cups of distilled white vinegar on the top rack.
- Run a Hot Cycle: Select the hottest wash cycle (no dishes) and let it run. The vinegar will disperse, cleaning the interior and dissolving buildup.
- Alternative Options: If you don’t have white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, or citric acid powder can work, though white vinegar is the most effective.
Step 6: Follow with a Baking Soda Cycle
Baking soda is excellent for absorbing lingering odors and scrubbing away residue. After the vinegar cycle:
- Sprinkle Baking Soda: Evenly spread 1 cup of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher.
- Run a Short Cycle: Use a short, hot cycle to let the baking soda work its magic. This step leaves your dishwasher smelling fresh.
Optional Citrus Boost: For a pleasant scent, place a cup of lemon juice in a dishwasher-safe container on the top rack and run a final hot cycle. Lemon juice is acidic like vinegar and adds a fresh, citrusy aroma.
Step 7: Check the Drain Hose
If odors persist, a clogged or kinked drain hose could be the issue. This step is a bit more advanced, so proceed with caution:
- Inspect the Hose: Remove the lower access panel (unplug the dishwasher first for safety) and check for water damage or leaks under the unit. A wet floor suggests a drainage issue.
- Clear Blockages: If accessible, detach the drain hose and rinse it with warm water to remove debris. Smooth out any kinks.
- Seek Professional Help: If you suspect a serious clog or damage, contact a professional technician, as this may require specialized tools.
Check out our related content:Why Does My Dishwasher Smell?
Preventing Dishwasher Odors in the Future
Once your dishwasher is odor-free, regular maintenance can keep it that way. Here are practical tips drawn from sources like Asurion and Puracy:
- Clean the Filter Monthly: Set a calendar reminder to clean the filter every 4–6 weeks to prevent food buildup.
- Scrape Dishes Before Loading: Remove large food particles to avoid clogs. You don’t need to pre-rinse, but scraping helps.
- Avoid Overloading: Overcrowded racks block water flow, leaving food residue behind. Run two smaller loads if needed.
- Use Rinse Aid: Rinse aids reduce water spots and help the dishwasher dry faster, preventing moisture-related odors.
- Leave the Door Ajar: After a cycle, crack the door open for an hour to let the interior air-dry, reducing mold growth.
- Run Regular Cleaning Cycles: Use a commercial cleaner like affresh® or Cascade Dishwasher Cleaner monthly, or repeat the vinegar-and-baking-soda routine every 3–6 months.
- Check Water Temperature: Ensure your water heater is set to at least 120°F (49°C). Hot water kills bacteria and improves cleaning. Use a thermometer to check the tap water temperature if you suspect it’s too low.
How do I clean my dishwasher trap?
Use the steps below to clean your dishwasher’s trap. Consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions as they may vary by brand, model and dishwasher design:
- Turn the upper filter assembly ¼ turn counterclockwise and lift it out.
- Grasp the lower filter in the circular opening, lift slightly and pull forward to remove.
- Rinse the filter under running water until most soils are removed. If you have hard-to-remove soils or calcium deposits from hard water, a soft brush may be required.
- Replace the filter by placing the lower filter under the locating tabs at the bottom of the dishwasher so the round opening for the upper filter assembly lines up with the circular opening in the bottom of the tub.
- Insert the upper filter assembly into the circular opening in the lower filter.
- Slowly rotate the filter clockwise until it drops into place. Continue to rotate until the filter is locked into place. If the filter is not fully seated (still turns freely), continue to turn the filter clockwise until it drops and locks into place.
Why does it stink when I run my dishwasher?
It stinks when you run your dishwasher because there is probably trapped food in the appliance’s filter that needs to be removed.
Is vinegar bad for the dishwasher?
Distilled white vinegar is an eco-friendly, non-toxic ingredient that is safe for the dishwasher.
Can I run bleach through my dishwasher?
Bleach is corrosive and not recommended for a stainless steel dishwasher or appliance with any stainless steel parts. The bleach can damage the internal parts of the appliance.
How do I deodorize my dishwasher without vinegar?
To clean your dishwasher without vinegar, use baking soda by sprinkling a cup on the bottom and running a hot water cycle. Alternatively, use a commercial dishwasher cleaner following the manufacturer’s instructions.
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve followed these steps and the smell persists, you might be dealing with a mechanical issue, such as a faulty drain pump or a persistent clog. A sewage-like smell could indicate a problem with the connection to your garbage disposal or plumbing. In these cases, it’s best to schedule a service with a professional technician to diagnose and fix the issue safely.
Final Thoughts
A smelly dishwasher doesn’t have to ruin your kitchen vibe. By cleaning the filter, spray arms, and gaskets, running vinegar and baking soda cycles, and adopting simple maintenance habits, you can keep your dishwasher fresh and functional. I’ve used these steps on my own dishwasher, and the difference is night and day—no more cringing when I open the door! Try this routine, and you’ll have a clean, odor-free dishwasher ready to tackle your dishes.
