What Causes Dishwashers to Smell and How to Clean and Maintain Them

A dishwasher is meant to clean your dishes, but sometimes, it can develop unpleasant odors that make your kitchen smell bad. If you've ever opened your dishwasher and been hit with a musty, rotten, or moldy smell, you’re not alone. A smelly dishwasher can be caused by several factors, including food debris, mold, and mineral buildup. Fortunately, cleaning and maintaining your dishwasher properly can help eliminate odors and keep it fresh. Here’s what causes dishwashers to smell and how you can prevent it.

Causes of Dishwasher Odors

1. Food Residue and Grease Buildup

   • Over time, food particles and grease can accumulate in the filter, spray arms, and other crevices of your dishwasher. If not cleaned regularly, these particles can decompose and cause a foul smell.

2. Clogged or Dirty Filter

   • Many dishwashers have a filter that traps food particles to prevent clogging the drain. If the filter isn’t cleaned regularly, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold, leading to bad odors.

3. Standing Water in the Drain

   • A clogged or slow-draining dishwasher can leave standing water at the bottom, creating an environment where bacteria and mold thrive, leading to a musty smell.

4. Mold and Mildew Growth

   • Dishwashers are warm and damp, making them the perfect place for mold and mildew to grow. Rubber seals, gaskets, and hidden corners often harbor mold, contributing to bad odors.

5. Hard Water and Mineral Buildup

   • If you have hard water, mineral deposits can build up inside the dishwasher, affecting its performance and trapping food particles that cause smells.

     
     

How to Clean a Smelly Dishwasher

1. Clean the Filter

   • Locate the filter at the bottom of your dishwasher, remove it, and rinse it under warm water.

   • Use a soft brush and mild dish soap to scrub away food particles and grease.

   • Reinstall the filter securely after cleaning.

2. Wipe Down the Interior

   • Use a mixture of warm water and white vinegar to wipe down the interior walls, door, and rubber gaskets. NO DISH SOAP!

   • Pay special attention to the corners and crevices where mold and food particles can hide.

3. Run a Cleaning Cycle

   • Place a cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe container on the top rack and run a hot water cycle. Vinegar helps break down grease and remove odors.

   • Alternatively, use special dishwasher cleaners at the bottom of the dishwasher on a sanitize cycle to neutralize odors. FOLLOW DIRECTIONS!

4. Check and Clean the Drain

• Remove any visible food particles or debris near the drain area.

• Use vinegar to flush out the drain and eliminate bacteria buildup.

  
  

Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Dishwasher Fresh

1. Run Hot Water Before Starting a Load

   • Running the hot water in your sink before starting the dishwasher helps ensure your machine gets hot water from the beginning, improving cleaning efficiency.

2. Scrape Off Food Before Loading Dishes

   • While you don’t need to prewash dishes, removing large food scraps prevents clogging and odors.

3. Leave the Door Slightly Open

   • After each cycle, leaving the door slightly open allows air to circulate and prevents mold and mildew growth.

4. Use a Monthly Dishwasher Cleaner

   • Commercial dishwasher cleaning tablets can help break down grease and mineral deposits, keeping your dishwasher fresh.

5. Inspect and Clean Spray Arms

   • Check the spray arms for clogged holes and clean them with a toothpick or small brush to ensure proper water flow.

     
     

By following these cleaning and maintenance tips, you can keep your dishwasher odor-free and running efficiently. A little regular upkeep goes a long way in ensuring your appliance stays fresh and in top condition.