Cleaning a Foul Smelling Dishwasher

Have you ever noticed a bad smell coming from your kitchen dishwasher? Food residue and grime can accumulate in your dishwasher over time, leaving dishes with less-than-sparkling surfaces and musty aromas.

The absence of odor is one of the principles of cleanliness, so there should be no smell when you open your dishwasher after a wash cycle. Even if the dishes appear to be clean but the dishwasher is still emitting an unpleasant odor, this is a sign that you need to clean your stinky dishwasher.

To clean your dishwasher and get rid of pesky odors, just follow these quick and simple tips.

Wash the Spray Arms and Drainage Strainer

Food particles stuck in the dishwasher’s drainage strainer or filter at the bottom are the most likely source of foul odors. To find the strainer, see the appliance’s handbook or the manufacturer’s website online.

After removing the bottom dish rack, you can easily remove the majority of them for cleaning. Any food particles and tiny pieces of paper labels that might be stuck to the filter can be scrubbed away by dipping a small nylon-bristled brush or an old toothbrush in distilled white vinegar. Reinstall the filter after giving it a thorough rinse under hot running water.

Last but not least, thoroughly clean the dishwasher’s surfaces. The walls and top of the dishwasher should be cleaned using a sponge or cloth dipped in hot, soapy water. Wipe clean your dishwasher’s racks as well if you notice any grime. Don’t forget the dishwasher door! This is crucial if you have a hard water problem that has caused mineral accumulation.

Begin A Cleaning Wash Cycle

Fill a small bowl with one cup of distilled white vinegar, place it on the top rack of the dishwasher without any dirty dishes in it. To remove particularly dense buildup if you have never cleaned your dishwasher, use two cups of vinegar. Go through a typical wash cycle without the drying cycle.

Dishwashing detergent shouldn’t be added. The distilled white vinegar will aid in removing any oily buildup on the dishwasher’s interior and dissolving minute mineral deposits brought on by hard water.

Use the hottest setting for the entire cycle of the dishwasher. The vinegar will be sprinkled liberally throughout the interior of the dishwasher, allowing its mild acids to assist in dissolving any leftover filth and eliminating odors.

Keep the door open once the cycle has finished. The interior can then completely dry as a result. You need to have a functioning, spotless dishwasher by this point. To maintain a clean and fresh scent in your dishwasher, repeat this procedure as often as every few months.

Clean the Exterior

Although a dirty exterior rarely emits odors, it is unappealing and the control panel may become infected with bacteria. Scrub the area around dials and buttons by dipping a tiny brush in distilled vinegar. With a sponge, remove any leftovers.

To get rid of fingerprints and drips, clean the front panel with a suitable stainless steel or appliance cleaner.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, this should help your dishwasher get the cleanliness it needs in order to stop giving off a horrible smell in your home. The absence of odor is one of the principles of cleanliness, so there should be no smell when you open it after a wash cycle. If there is, that’s definitely something you want to take action on so it doesn’t continue.

Call 1-Tom-Plumber

Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you need any plumbing help with your faucets. 1-Tom-Plumber’s certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, or water damage problem. 

We also handle the excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines. Our immediate-response team is available every day and night of the year, even on holidays.