To clean a smelly dishwasher, first remove food particles. Then, clean the filter with warm, soapy water. Wipe the interior walls, gasket seals, and racks. Run a cycle with white vinegar. Then, run a baking soda cycle. This will remove odours and freshen it.
Why Does My Dishwasher Smell?
A dishwasher can start to smell for many reasons. The most common culprits are food particles, standing water, and mould growth. When food residue builds up inside, especially on the filter or the drain, it can create a rancid odour. Strong-smelling foods like fish and eggs only make things worse. Also, if the dishwasher door stays closed for long periods, mould and mildew can grow. This can cause a musty smell.
What You’ll Need to Clean a Smelly Dishwasher
Before you start, gather these cleaning tools and supplies:
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Dish soap
- A dishwasher-safe bowl
- A sponge or soft-bristled brush
- A clean towel
Step 1: Empty Your Dishwasher
The first step is simple—empty the dishwasher. Remove all dishes, glassware, and utensils so you have access to the dishwasher’s interior.
Step 2: Remove and Clean the Filter
A clogged filter is often the main cause of bad smells. Locate your dishwasher’s filter (usually at the bottom) and take it out. Wash it in your kitchen sink using warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Make sure to scrub off any stuck-on food particles or debris. Once it is clean, return the filter to the dishwasher.
Step 3: Clean the Interior Walls
Over time, soap scum and grime build up on the walls and door of the dishwasher. Wipe these areas down with hot, soapy water and a sponge or cloth. Be sure to also clean the racks and door gaskets, as these places can harbour mould and mildew.
Step 4: Clean the Gasket Seals
The gasket seals around your dishwasher’s door can trap moisture. This can cause mildew to grow. Use a sponge with warm, soapy water to wipe the seals clean. If necessary, scrub into the crevices where mould might be hiding. Dry the seals with a clean towel to prevent future moisture build up.
Step 5: Run a Vinegar Cycle
White vinegar is a natural cleaner. It breaks down grime and neutralizes dishwasher odours. Place a bowl filled with distilled white vinegar on the top rack of your empty dishwasher. Run a normal cycle with an air-dry or energy-saving setting to let the vinegar work its magic. This will help eliminate smells and clean the inside of the dishwasher.
Step 6: Run a Baking Soda Cycle
To finish off, sprinkle a cup of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher. Run another cycle to absorb any remaining odours. Baking soda is a great odour neutralizer and leaves your dishwasher odor-free.
Troubleshooting: What If My Dishwasher Still Smells?
If your dishwasher still smells after cleaning, the drain hose may be clogged. There could be a more serious issue. In this case, it’s best to consult a professional technician for a repair. Sometimes, the problem is more complicated and requires professional tools and expertise.
Preventing Future Dishwasher Smells
Your dishwasher is now clean. Here are some tips to prevent odours:
- Regularly clean the filter to stop the accumulation of food particles.
- Scrape and rinse the dishes before loading them.
- Run occasional vinegar and baking soda cycles to eliminate odor-causing residues.
- To keep your dishwasher working well, don’t use other hot water appliances while it’s running.
Tip: I used this step-by-step guide to clean my smelly dishwasher, and it worked perfectly! The vinegar and baking soda combo left my dishwasher smell-free and clean.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with a smelly dishwasher doesn’t have to be hard. With the right tools and a few steps, you can quickly restore your dishwasher’s peak performance. Keep up with regular maintenance, and you’ll avoid future odour problems. A clean dishwasher means cleaner dishes. No more unpleasant surprises when you open the door!
