how to clean smelly dishwasher

How to Clean a Smelly Dishwasher: A Detailed, Step-by-Step Guide

A dishwasher is a kitchen hero, tirelessly cleaning your dishes while you relax. But when it starts to emit a foul odor, it’s a clear sign that this hardworking appliance needs some TLC. Whether it’s a whiff of rotten eggs, a musty mold scent, or even a burnt plastic smell, a smelly dishwasher can turn your kitchen into an unpleasant space. Fortunately, with a few simple steps and common household items, you can banish those odors and restore your dishwasher to its fresh, efficient self. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the cleaning process, explore the causes of dishwasher smells, and share preventative tips to keep odors at bay—complete with expert advice from trusted sources.

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Why Does Your Dishwasher Smell?

Before diving into the cleaning process, it’s helpful to understand why your dishwasher might stink. According to the pros at Molly Maid, “Nothing makes your dishes seem dirtier than a weird smell every time you open the dishwasher—because how could something that smells so bad get your dishes clean?” Common culprits include:

Food Residue: Trapped food particles in the filter, spray arms, or crevices can rot and cause rancid odors.
Mold and Mildew: Moisture from poor drainage or infrequent use creates a breeding ground for mold.
Grease and Soap Scum: Buildup on the interior walls and seals can trap debris and stink over time.
Drainage Issues: A clogged hose or standing water can lead to sewage-like smells.
Burnt Plastic: If plastic items melt onto the heating element, you’ll notice a distinct burning odor.

Identifying the source helps you target your cleaning efforts effectively. Let’s get started.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning a Smelly Dishwasher

Step 1: Empty the Dishwasher and Inspect

Start with a clean slate. Remove all dishes, utensils, and racks from the dishwasher. Take a quick look inside for visible food debris, standing water, or anything unusual—like a melted plastic spoon stuck to the heating element. This initial inspection sets the stage for a thorough clean.

Step 2: Clean the Filter

“The most common cause of dishwasher smells is a clogged drain filter,” says Molly Maid. Located at the bottom rear of the tub in most models, the filter traps food particles to prevent drain clogs. Here’s how to clean it:

Remove the Filter: Pull out the bottom rack for easy access. Depending on your model, twist or lift the filter to remove it (check your owner’s manual if unsure).
Wash It: Rinse the filter under hot water in your sink. Use a soft brush—like an old toothbrush—or a bottle brush with dish soap to scrub away debris. “Make sure to clean both sides of the filter,” advises Mr. Appliance.
Check the Drain: Wipe away any gunk around the drain area with a sponge.

Reinstall the filter once it’s spotless. If your dishwasher has a self-cleaning filter (like some Maytag models with Dual Power Filtration), skip this step but still inspect for debris.

Step 3: Clear the Spray Arms

Your dishwasher’s spray arms distribute water to clean dishes, but clogged jets can harbor food and cause smells. Mr. Appliance explains, “If a spray arm becomes clogged with food, the dishwasher’s ability to clean your dishes diminishes greatly. The debris also leads to unpleasant dishwasher smells.” Here’s the fix:

Remove the Arms: Pull out the bottom rack, then gently twist or unclip the lower and upper spray arms (refer to your manual).
Rinse and Unclog: Hold each arm over the sink and run warm water through it. Use a toothpick, safety pin, or soft brush to clear debris from the nozzles.
Reattach: Secure the arms back in place.

Step 4: Wipe Down the Interior

Grime on the walls, door, and seals can contribute to odors. Homeaglow suggests, “Wipe down the interior walls using a sponge dampened with hot water. Next, use white vinegar and a sponge to remove stuck-on debris.” Here’s how:

Remove Racks: Take out the upper and lower racks and rinse them in the sink with hot water.
Scrub the Interior: Use a soft cloth or sponge with warm, soapy water to clean the walls, door, and bottom. Pay special attention to the door gasket (the rubber seal), where mold loves to hide. For stubborn spots, dip your sponge in white vinegar.
Dry It: Wipe everything with a clean cloth to remove excess moisture.

Step 5: Run a Vinegar Cycle

Vinegar is a natural deodorizer and grease-buster. The Spruce recommends, “Fill a small bowl with 1 cup of distilled white vinegar and place it on the top dish rack.” Here’s the process:

Set Up: Place a dishwasher-safe bowl with 1 cup of white vinegar (or 2 cups for a first-time clean) on the top rack. Add a few drops of essential oil if you dislike vinegar’s smell.
Run the Cycle: Run a full hot-water cycle with no dishes. “The vinegar will be blasted all over the interior of the dishwasher, and that is precisely the intention,” says wikiHow. It breaks down residue and neutralizes odors.
Alternative: If you don’t have vinegar, use lemon juice or citric acid powder (1-2 tablespoons in the detergent dispenser).

[(( The Spruce ))]

Step 6: Follow with a Baking Soda Cycle

Baking soda neutralizes lingering odors and scrubs away residue. WikiHow advises, “Sprinkle a cup of baking soda over the bottom of the dishwasher… Run an additional cycle. This time the dishwasher should be run one of the shortest cycles available, and in order to dissolve all of the baking soda the water should be the hottest it can be.”

Sprinkle: Spread 1 cup of baking soda evenly across the dishwasher floor.
Run a Short Cycle: Use the hottest, shortest cycle to rinse it through.

This combo of vinegar and baking soda is a “popular (and organically approved) solution to cleaning and smell-removal problems,” per wikiHow.

Step 7: Final Touches (Optional)

For a fresh scent, Bailey Brothers suggests, “Save some lemon peels and put them in a bowl on the top rack of the dishwasher. Run the dishwasher empty, except the lemon bowl, for a full cycle. Smell the lemony freshness!” Alternatively, wipe the interior with a damp cloth and leave the door ajar to air-dry.

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Troubleshooting Persistent Odors

If your dishwasher still smells after cleaning, consider these possibilities:

Clogged Drain Hose: “If your dishwasher smells like sewage, it could be a sign of a clogged hose,” warns Mr. Appliance. Check the hose under the sink for kinks or blockages. A plumber may be needed for this fix.
Garbage Disposal Connection: If connected to a disposal, ensure the knockout plug is removed and the disposal is clean. Run it with ice and citrus peels to freshen it up.
Burnt Smell: Inspect the heating element for melted plastic. Stop the cycle, let it cool, and remove the item if found.
Hard Water Buildup: Mineral deposits can cause musty smells. Use a water softener or run a cycle with a dishwasher cleaner like Affresh.

If all else fails, call a professional to check for mechanical issues like a faulty pump or electrical problem.

[(( Mr. Appliance ))]

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Preventative Tips to Keep Your Dishwasher Fresh

Regular maintenance is key to avoiding future odors. Here’s what experts recommend:

Scrape Dishes: “Scrape excess food from dishes before loading them into the dishwasher to prevent food particles from getting trapped,” advises Better Homes & Gardens.
Run Regular Cycles: Use your dishwasher every few days to prevent stagnant water. If not, run a rinse cycle with partial loads, suggests KitchenAid.
Clean Monthly: “Add a reminder to your calendar monthly to clean the dishwasher,” says The Spruce. A quick vinegar or cleaner cycle keeps it fresh.
Leave the Door Ajar: “Leave the dishwasher door open after a cycle to air it out to dry,” recommends BHG’s cleaning expert, Jason Miller. This prevents mold growth.
Use Rinse Aid: Maytag notes, “Rinse aids help prevent water spots, enhance drying, and keep the dishwasher smelling fresh.”

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Bonus: Understanding Your Dishwasher’s Anatomy

Knowing your dishwasher’s parts can make cleaning easier:

Filter: Traps food debris (manual or self-cleaning).
Spray Arms: Distribute water and detergent.
Drain Hose: Removes dirty water.
Gasket: Seals the door, prone to mold buildup.
Heating Element: Dries dishes but can burn stray plastic.

Check your owner’s manual for model-specific details—some filters or arms vary by brand.

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FAQ: Common Questions About Cleaning a Smelly Dishwasher

Q: How often should I clean my dishwasher?
A: “Several brands recommend doing a thorough dishwasher cleaning on a monthly basis,” says The Home Depot. Adjust based on usage—every 1-6 months depending on how often you run it.

Q: Can I use bleach instead of vinegar?
A: Yes, but sparingly. “Run a cycle with a dishwasher cleaner that contains bleach to disinfect,” suggests The Local Guys Cleaning. Avoid mixing bleach with vinegar, as it creates toxic fumes.

Q: Why does my dishwasher smell like burnt plastic?
A: “This can happen when a loose food container lid or a piece of plastic silverware falls through the rack and onto the heater,” explains Maytag. Check the heating element and remove the item.

Q: What if the smell persists after cleaning?
A: It could be a clogged drain hose, garbage disposal issue, or mechanical fault. “If persistent dishwasher odors continue despite regular maintenance… it’s time to call a professional,” advises The Local Guys Cleaning.

Q: How much baking soda should I use?
A: “Sprinkle approximately one cup of baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher after running a vinegar cycle,” recommends Standard TV & Appliance.

[(( The Home Depot ))]

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Final Thoughts

A smelly dishwasher doesn’t have to ruin your kitchen vibes. With a little effort—cleaning the filter, wiping the interior, and running vinegar and baking soda cycles—you can eliminate odors and keep your appliance running smoothly. Regular maintenance and smart habits, like scraping dishes and airing it out, will ensure it stays fresh long-term. So, roll up your sleeves, grab that vinegar, and give your dishwasher the spa day it deserves!