How to clean a dishwasher to reduce smells and dirt

When you open the dishwasher, there's nothing that makes your dishes feel dirtier than an odd odor. After all, how can something with such a strong odor clean your dishes? Although the last step in the instructions below, which involves using vinegar and baking soda to eliminate dishwashing Odours, can offer a temporary solution, professionals advise a thorough cleaning to address the underlying issue. Here's how to properly and thoroughly clean a dishwasher.

Helpful Products You Might Like

Finish Dual Action Dishwasher Cleaner

Finish Dual Action Dishwasher Cleaner

Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets

Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets

Dishwasher Cleaner And Deodorizer Tablets for Dish Washer Machine

Dishwasher Cleaner And Deodorizer Tablets for Dish Washer Machine

"(Paid Links)" ▶ As an Amazon Associate, We earn from qualifying purchases.

Why Does My Dishwasher Smell?

Before we get to the instructions, consider why your dishwasher smells. First, standing water could be causing mold to grow inside the dishwasher. This can also happen if you leave the dishwasher door closed for an extended time, such as while on vacation.
Food particles accumulate in the drain filter, drain hose, spray arm, or elsewhere in the dishwasher. The odor could be especially rancid if the particles are comprised of fish, eggs, or other strong-smelling foods.

Why-Does-My-Dishwasher-Smell

Fortunately, you can clean your stinky dishwasher in a few easy steps.

Step 1 

Empty the dishwasher

To make it easier to access the interior of your dishwasher, remove any leftover dishes, glasses, and utensils before you start.

Step 2

Remove and clean the filter

Remove and clean the filter

Remove the filter from your dishwasher by pulling out the bottom dish rack. Please refer to your product handbook before attempting to remove the filter, as specific instructions may differ based on the model. After clearing the filter of any dirt, soak it in warm, soapy water to clean it. You can take a soft-bristled brush to gently scrape the filter for any particles that have become lodged. Put the newly cleaned filter back in the dishwasher.

Step 3

Clean the dishwasher interior

Place a dishwasher-safe bowl in the bottom rack of your empty dishwasher after adding two cups of white vinegar to it. Press start after choosing an energy-saving dry or air-dry dishwasher cycle. To assist remove odours and clean your dishwasher, the vinegar will combine with the wash water during the cycle. You can use your dishwasher normally after the wash cycle has finished.

Step 4

Clean the gasket seals

Mold and mildew can develop in the nooks and crannies of your dishwasher's gasket seals without routine maintenance, giving it a musty smell. Wipe any accumulation from the gasket seals with a sponge and warm, soapy water, then pat dry with a fresh towel.

how to clean a dishwasher to reduce smells and dirt

Step 5

Take help of a service with a licensed technician

After trying the preceding troubleshooting steps, if the smell of your dishwasher persists, you might have a blockage in the drain line. This is a more complex need expert attention to fix it.

How to Avoid a Stinky Dishwasher in the future

Maintaining frequent cleaning will help you permanently eradicate the issue of the smelly dishwasher. Clean the filter once a month and inspect the door lip and spray arms every two months if you use your dishwasher frequently or everyday. For a temporary solution or to get rid of sporadic strong odours, try the vinegar and baking soda technique.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top