3 Ways To Clean A Smelly Dishwasher - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Clean a Smelly Dishwasher PDF download Download Article Explore this Article methods 1 Scrubbing Your Dishwasher 2 Removing Smell with Vinegar and Baking Soda 3 Troubleshooting the Problem Other Sections Expert Q&A VideoWATCH NOW Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Last Updated: July 24, 2025 Approved

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This article was co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH. Michelle Driscoll is a professional cleaner based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With over 7 years of experience, Michelle is the founder of Mulberry Maids, specializing in cleaning homes and small offices. Mulberry Maids services Northern Colorado, including Fort Collins and Loveland, and offers a variety of services, including commercial cleaning, move-in and move-out cleaning, and regular home cleaning. Michelle holds a Master's in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 19 testimonials and 100% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 1,069,055 times.

Your dishwasher is the last place you want strange or repulsive odors. Yet many dishwashers accumulate grime and develop the smells of mold or mildew. This article will explain how you can clean the dishwasher and remove the offensive odor.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Scrubbing Your Dishwasher

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  1. Step 1 Clean the drain filter. 1 Clean the drain filter. No part of your dishwasher is more likely to responsible for strange odors than the drain filter. Food particles can collect here, and over time in a warm, moist environment they can become disgusting.[1]
    • There will probably be a cylindrical, detachable filter through which all of the water drains.
    • In order to access the filter, remove the bottom rack, then twist out the filter.
    • Wash the filter with soap and hot water in your sink. It may be difficult to reach all of the interior sections of it with a rag, so you may want to use a bottle brush.
  2. Step 2 Wash the inside of the door and the interior walls. 2 Wash the inside of the door and the interior walls. Smells may also come from grime that has accumulated throughout the inside of the dishwasher. You must scrub out the entire unit.[2]
    • Remove all racks from the inside of the dishwasher. These will only get in your way when washing the interior of the dishwasher.
    • Use a rag or brush and hot soapy water to scrub out the interior of the dishwasher. If grime has accumulated and is not easy to remove, consider also using some kitchen-safe household cleaners to help you scrub it out.
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  3. Step 3 Wash the door gasket. 3 Wash the door gasket. The seals of the dishwasher door can also accumulate moisture and grime and must be washed.
  4. Step 4 Scrub the dishwasher racks in your sink. 4 Scrub the dishwasher racks in your sink. Though they are the unlikeliest cause of smell, you should make sure to rule out all of the simplest possibilities before you invest too much time and energy in the problem.
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Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Removing Smell with Vinegar and Baking Soda

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  1. Step 1 Place 1 cup (240 mL) of distilled white vinegar in the top rack of the dishwasher. 1 Place 1 cup (240 mL) of distilled white vinegar in the top rack of the dishwasher. Despite its own smell, the acid in vinegar is one of the most potent smell-removing agents. Additionally, as it dries the smell of vinegar dissipates quickly.
    • Make sure the dishwasher is empty when you attempt to clean it in this way.
    • If you don't like the smell of vinegar, add a few drops of an essential oil to the vinegar.[3]
  2. Step 2 Run the dishwasher for a full cycle. 2 Run the dishwasher for a full cycle. The vinegar will be blasted all over the interior of the dishwasher, and that is precisely the intention. The acids in the vinegar will help break down any residues that remain in the interior of your dishwasher.[4]
  3. Step 3 Sprinkle a cup of baking soda over the bottom of the dishwasher. 3 Sprinkle a cup of baking soda over the bottom of the dishwasher. Baking soda is another well-known odor neutralizer, and following the vinegar shower with a rinse of baking soda has become a popular (and organically approved) solution to cleaning and smell-removal problems.[5]
  4. Step 4 Run an additional cycle. 4 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. After this, the dishwasher should be clean and fresh smelling.
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Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Troubleshooting the Problem

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  1. Step 1 Check the troubleshooting section of your dishwasher's manual. 1 Check the troubleshooting section of your dishwasher's manual. Most dishwashers will come with manuals that include troubleshooting sections that include specific cleaning instructions in just this kind of situation.
    • Many dishwasher manuals are also available online for free. Websites such as ManualsOnline.com and ManualsLib.com are just a few of the many sites that have downloadable manuals for a variety of home appliances.
  2. Step 2 Check the drain hose for obstructions. 2 Check the drain hose for obstructions. Especially check into this if there is water in the bottom of your dishwasher at the end of a cycle. If the drain hose has become bent or restricted, the flow of water can be limited and built-up water can become musty in the hose.
    • If the dishwasher can be pulled away from the wall, do so to check the hose.
    • Most other dishwashers will be located next to the kitchen sink will have drain hoses that connect to the same kitchen drain pipe. You can detach the hose at whichever end is easier to access in order to inspect it.
  3. Step 3 Make sure the dishwasher drain hose is installed at the correct point. 3 Make sure the dishwasher drain hose is installed at the correct point. Waste water from the sink can drain through the hose into the dishwasher if the drain hose is not looped up from the drain pipe before it is run to the dishwasher. The weight of a sink-full of water can push water back up through the dishwasher drain hose. If this appears to be a problem, raise the loop of the drain hose higher.
  4. Step 4 Check the electrical connection. 4 Check the electrical connection. Examine the junction box behind the kick plate under the door of the dishwasher. A poor connection can produce an odor and is a fire hazard. Other problems can come from shorts in any of the electrical lines or a dysfunctional heater unit. If the dishwasher appears to have electrical problem, unplug it and call an electrician to fix the problem.[6]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question How do I get mold out of my dishwasher? Michelle Driscoll, MPH Michelle Driscoll, MPH Professional Cleaner Michelle Driscoll is a professional cleaner based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With over 7 years of experience, Michelle is the founder of Mulberry Maids, specializing in cleaning homes and small offices. Mulberry Maids services Northern Colorado, including Fort Collins and Loveland, and offers a variety of services, including commercial cleaning, move-in and move-out cleaning, and regular home cleaning. Michelle holds a Master's in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Michelle Driscoll, MPH Michelle Driscoll, MPH Professional Cleaner Expert Answer You can hand wash the dishwasher, including the interior and all parts with a dish detergent. Follow this by cleaning everything again with vinegar. A harsher approach would be to use bleach, but this is strong - so should be used as a last resort. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 7
  • Question Do I use a soap tablet as usual when using the vinegar method? Community Answer Community Answer There is no need. The alkaline in the tablet will likely negate the acidic nature of the vinegar. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 9 Helpful 24
  • Question Do I put the cup the right side up? How does the vinegar get out? Community Answer Community Answer Yes, you do. If you placed it upside down, the vinegar would fall to the bottom of the dishwasher. The movement of water in the dishwasher will move the vinegar out of the cup and spread it throughout the container. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 6 Helpful 23
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Video

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Tips

  • Do not leave dirty dishes in the dishwasher for long periods. Run a "rinse and hold" cycle if you are not going to wash the dishes right away. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
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References

  1. ↑ http://dishwashers.reviewed.com/features/why-you-need-to-clean-the-filter-in-your-new-dishwasher
  2. ↑ https://www.repairclinic.com/Repair-Library/Maintenance/9/Dishwasher-Maintenance-Tips
  3. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/smelly-dishwasher/
  4. ↑ https://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/how-to-clean-your-dishwasher-in-3-easy-steps/
  5. ↑ https://greenopedia.com/eliminate-odors-naturally/
  6. ↑ https://www.firefighternation.com/firerescue/investigating-strange-odors/

About This Article

Michelle Driscoll, MPH Co-authored by: Michelle Driscoll, MPH Professional Cleaner This article was co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH. Michelle Driscoll is a professional cleaner based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With over 7 years of experience, Michelle is the founder of Mulberry Maids, specializing in cleaning homes and small offices. Mulberry Maids services Northern Colorado, including Fort Collins and Loveland, and offers a variety of services, including commercial cleaning, move-in and move-out cleaning, and regular home cleaning. Michelle holds a Master's in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. This article has been viewed 1,069,055 times. 7 votes - 100% Co-authors: 13 Updated: July 24, 2025 Views: 1,069,055 Categories: Cleaning Dishwashers Article SummaryX

If your dishwasher is starting to smell, cleaning the drain filter is a good first step. Remove the bottom rack and twist out the filter, then wash the filter with dish soap and warm water. Use a bottle brush to scrub out any hard-to-reach spots. Take all the racks out of the dishwasher and scrub the inner walls and door with a rag or brush soaked in hot, soapy water to remove built-up grease and grime, then clean the racks in your sink. Don’t forget to wipe down the door gasket, which can also accumulate smelly dirt and food particles. To freshen up your whole dishwasher quickly, set 1 cup (240 mL) of white vinegar in the top rack and run a full cycle with no other dishes in the washer. Then, sprinkle a layer of baking soda over the bottom of the dishwasher and run it again. These two common household products will help break down lingering odors and grease. If your dishwasher still doesn’t smell right, it could have an issue such as a blocked drain hose or a poor electrical connection preventing it from running properly. You may need to call a professional to take care of the problem. To learn about troubleshooting the source of the bad smells, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Michelle Webber-Taylor

    Michelle Webber-Taylor

    Aug 5, 2016

    "Our dishwasher was DISGUSTING! We moved into our house a year ago and it was already there, so who knows how many..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Michelle Driscoll, MPH Co-authored by: Michelle Driscoll, MPH Professional Cleaner Co-authors: 13 Updated: July 24, 2025 Views: 1,069,055 100% of readers found this article helpful. 7 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote Michelle Webber-Taylor

Michelle Webber-Taylor

Aug 5, 2016

"Our dishwasher was DISGUSTING! We moved into our house a year ago and it was already there, so who knows how many..." more Jo Ann Hurst

Jo Ann Hurst

Oct 30, 2017

"I have always lived in houses or apartments without a dishwasher. Since a dishwasher uses detergent each time you..." more Anonymous

Anonymous

Jun 20, 2016

"I liked the vinegar and baking soda method because it's all natural. I also changed the drain hose position..." more Sue Bird

Sue Bird

Sep 3, 2016

"Step-by-step instructions in the use of white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda removed the lingering dishwasher..." more Jackie Hoops

Jackie Hoops

May 30, 2017

"There was a bad odor when I opened the dishwasher after cleaning dishes. It's a hundred percent better after..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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