Because it cleans—that is, sanitizes—dishware, glasses, and other silverware, the dishwasher is one of the most frequently used household appliances. However, if your dishwasher smells, it can quickly defeat the purpose of washing your dishes. That’s why it’s essential to know how to clean a smelly dishwasher effectively.
Unpleasant odors and signs of poor cleaning are more than just annoying—they’re a sign that something’s wrong. In this guide, YCS teaches you how to clean a smelly dishwasher quickly and easily, so your kitchen smells fresh and your dishes come out sparkling clean. Remember, Yorleny’s Cleaning Service is your go-to local option if you’re having trouble with lingering odors or just want to keep your house spotless.
Why Does Your Dishwasher Smell Bad?
Let’s start with the root of the issue. Before you eliminate the odor, it’s important to understand the answer to the question “why does my dishwasher smell?” in the first place. That way, you can prevent future issues and avoid repeating the cleaning process over and over.
Common Causes: Food Debris, Mold, and Standing Water
A smelly dishwasher is usually the result of food residue buildup, which creates a breeding ground for bacteria. This is a top cause of dishwasher odor. The fix? Regular maintenance—especially cleaning the filter every few months—goes a long way in preventing this.
Other culprits include standing water, which can make the dishwasher smell bad, as well as clogged drains and moisture buildup. Airing out the appliance after each wash helps reduce mildew and mold growth.
Why Florida’s Humidity Makes It Worse
The issue gets worse in humid regions such as Florida. Knowing how to clean a smelly dishwasher is especially crucial if you live in a damp climate since the moisture promotes the growth of germs and mold. To avoid these problems, regular ventilation and thorough cleaning are essential.
What You’ll Need to Clean and Deodorize Your Dishwasher
Here are some tips on how to clean a smelly dishwasher. They’re simple and within everyone’s reach:
Natural Ingredients: Vinegar, Baking Soda, Lemon
- Use vinegar: As a disinfectant and cleaner, pour it into the dispenser and run a full wash cycle at the highest possible temperature. Obviously, the dishwasher must be empty.
- Use citrus peels: lemons, oranges, tangerines, grapefruits, etc. Their rinds make excellent air fresheners. Put them in a bag or place them in the cutlery compartment. You can do this trick every two months. And don’t forget to remove the peel after washing!
- Use baking soda: It also works to clean and disinfect appliances. Just pour a couple of tablespoons into the bottom of the dishwasher before putting it in the dishwasher and voilà! It neutralizes odors and won’t damage the appliance.
Commercial Products: Odor Eliminators and Cleaning Tablets
If you’re wondering how to clean a smelly dishwasher effectively, several commercial products are designed to do just that. Odors from dishwashers can be successfully eliminated with a number of specialized cleaners. Products like PurOne Dishwasher Cleaner & Deodorizer, NATRUTH Dishwasher Cleaner & Deodorizer Tablets, and Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner are excellent solutions when your dishwasher smells persistently bad. These cleaners target odor-causing residue, mineral buildup, and limescale—all common culprits of a dishwasher stinks.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Smelly Dishwasher
Now, let’s get a little more technical about how to clean a smelly dishwasher, and getting rid of bad dishwasher odors. Below, you can read how to unclog it and how to clean both its filter and its interior, easily and step by step.
Step 1: Clean the Filter and Spray Arms
If you’re looking for how to clean a smelly dishwasher, start with the filter—it’s one of the main places where odor-causing bacteria accumulate. This happens because it collects food residue from dishes, making regular cleaning essential. It’s recommended to clean the filter monthly and deep clean it every three months.
The filter is located at the bottom of the dishwasher, where the water drains. You’ll easily recognize it by its long basket shape. Remove it by unscrewing and pulling it upwards. If the dishwasher smells, this is often the source. To clean the filter:
- Put 2 cups of white vinegar, 2 cups of hot water, and a splash of liquid soap into a bucket or sink.
- Soak the filter in this mixture for 20 to 30 minutes.
- After this time, remove the filter and use a toothbrush to clean the inside. We recommend wearing cleaning gloves.
- Once it’s clean, rinse it with hot water.
Step 2: Run a Cleaning Cycle with Vinegar or a Dishwasher Cleaner
Knowing how to clean a smelly dishwasher also means treating the interior, not just the filter. Regular cleaning cycles can prevent buildup that causes bad smells.
- Leave the dishwasher empty.
- Pour 2 or 3 cups of white vinegar into the dishwasher.
- Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to the detergent drawer.
- Start a wash cycle with hot water at 65°C.
Step 3: Wipe Down Gaskets, Seals, and the Door
If your dishwasher smells even after cleaning the filter and running a cycle, don’t forget to clean the rubber gaskets, seals, and the door. Use a cloth with vinegar or a commercial dishwasher cleaner to wipe them down.
What to Do If Your Dishwasher Still Smells
Check the Drain and Garbage Disposal
It’s also advisable to unclog the dishwasher drain, as the odor may be coming from accumulated dirt in the drain. When learning how to clean a smelly dishwasher, it’s important to remember this step. To clean it, we’ll need to remove the filter and use a drain cleaner to remove all the particles.
You can use a homemade drain cleaner with one part baking soda to three parts vinegar and let it sit for 15 minutes. After this time, pour boiling water over it and check if it’s circulating properly. You can also run a cycle with water at 65°C to finish flushing out the dirt.
Signs That Point to a Deeper Issue
Cleaning the filter, checking the drain hose, and looking for mold are all wise initial measures if the smell is persistent. You might need to seek professional advice if these don’t fix the issue.
The following are some causes for why your dishwasher could need expert repair:
- Filter Clogged
- Problems with Drain Hoses
- Mildew and Mold
- Food Waste
- Sounds of Gurgling
- Problems with Grease Buildup and Plumbing
- Overcast Glassware
- Problems with the Heating Element
How Often Should You Clean Your Dishwasher?
Monthly Deep Clean Schedule
To prevent unpleasant odors in the dishwasher, it’s important to understand how to clean a smelly dishwasher properly. It is recommended to clean the filter and other components at least once a month and perform a deep cleaning every three months.
Quick After-Use Maintenance Tips
To prevent unpleasant odors from accumulating in your dishwasher, it’s essential to perform daily maintenance tasks and understand how to clean a smelly dishwasher effectively.
- Rinse dishes and utensils before placing them in the dishwasher. This will prevent excessive dirt from accumulating in the appliance.
- Never leave your dishes stored in the dishwasher for more than a day. If you do, the dishwasher’s airtight seal will cause the dirt to begin to smell.
- Be sure to open the dishwasher door when the wash cycle is complete. This will help the steam escape and prevent unpleasant odors from spreading inside.
When to Hire a Professional Dishwasher Cleaning Service in Florida
Persistent Odors You Can’t Remove
If you’ve tried all the methods for how to clean a smelly dishwasher and the dishwasher smells still persist, it may be time to call in the pros. Persistent odors could point to deeper issues, such as mold buildup in hidden components, drainage system problems, or mechanical faults. These aren’t always easy to reach or fix with DIY methods. In such cases, a professional dishwasher cleaning service in Florida can ensure a thorough, safe, and long-lasting solution.
Why Yorleny’s Cleaning Service is a Reliable Local Option
While Yorleny’s Cleaning Services doesn’t currently specialize in appliance cleaning, including dishwashers, we do provide top-rated home cleaning services throughout South Florida that help create a healthier and fresher environment in your kitchen. Our experienced team can deep clean surrounding areas—like kitchen floors, counters, cabinets, and more—so you’re tackling odors from every angle.
If you’re dealing with stubborn smells or simply want to maintain a sparkling-clean home, Yorleny’s Cleaning Service is your trusted local choice. Contact us today to schedule a deep cleaning and enjoy a fresher, healthier living space!
FAQ: Smelly Dishwasher Troubleshooting
What causes a dishwasher to smell musty?
One of the main reasons people search for how to clean a smelly dishwasher is the buildup of dirt and food scraps at the bottom. Other causes include a dirty filter, clogged drains, or mold and mildew inside the appliance.
Is it safe to use vinegar and baking soda together?
When learning how to clean a smelly dishwasher, it’s important to know that while both vinegar and baking soda can effectively remove dishwasher smells, they shouldn’t be used together in the same cycle. The reaction between vinegar and baking soda can cause excessive sudsing, potentially leading to overflow. Instead, run a cycle with vinegar first, followed by a separate cycle with baking soda.
Can I use bleach in my dishwasher?
Yes, bleach can be used to clean and sanitize a dishwasher, but it’s important to keep in mind that it can harm stainless steel parts.
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