Smelly Dishwasher? Here's How to Clean It

Get Rid of Dishwasher Smells for Good With Household Cleaners

By
Mary Marlowe Leverette
Mary Marlowe Leverette 2018
Mary Marlowe Leverette

Mary Marlowe Leverette is one of the industry's most highly-regarded housekeeping and fabric care experts, sharing her knowledge on efficient housekeeping, laundry, and textile conservation. She is also a Master Gardener with over 40+ years of experience and 20+ years of writing experience. Mary is also a member of The Spruce Gardening and Plant Care Review Board.

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Updated on 04/20/24
Reviewed by
Amanda Rose Newton
Amanda Rose Newton
Reviewed by Amanda Rose Newton

Amanda Rose Newton is a pest specialist and horticulture expert, reviewing pest control and gardening content for The Spruce's Cleaning and Gardening Review Board. Her passion for pest control and sustainable gardening allows her to review plant and pest content for best practices and accuracy. She is a board-certified entomologist and volunteers for USAIDs Farmer to Farmer program. She is a professor of Horticulture, an Education Specialist, and a pest specialist.

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Closeup of dishwasher

The Spruce / Ana Cadena

In This Article
Project Overview
  • Working Time: 30 mins
  • Total Time: 1 - 2 hrs
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $0-5

If your dishes are clean but you have a smelly dishwasher after it runs, it's a sign that your appliance needs to be thoroughly cleaned. Cleaning a dishwasher is not difficult, and you probably have the cleaning supplies you need in your pantry, such as baking soda and vinegar.

Learn how to clean a smelly dishwasher with these easy steps.

What Causes Dishwasher Smells?

Smelly bacteria and mold will begin to grow in your dishwasher when the following happens:

  • A build-up of greasy residue
  • Trapped food in the dishwasher's filter
  • Clogged drain lines

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Soft-bristled scrubbing brush
  • Old toothbrush
  • Flexible wire (paper clip)
  • Sponge

Materials

  • Baking soda
  • Distilled white vinegar

Instructions

How to Get Rid of Dishwasher Smells

  1. Empty the Dishwasher

    Remove all dishes, glasses, utensils, racks, and utensil holders from the dishwasher.

  2. Clean the Filter and Spray Arms

    Remove the filter. Dip a small brush or old toothbrush in distilled white vinegar, and scrub away any bits of food clinging to the filter. Rinse it well under hot running water.

    Inspect the upper and lower spray arms in the dishwasher and use a flexible wire to gently prod out any obstructions.

  3. Run Cycles With Vinegar and Baking Soda

    Fill a small bowl with 1 cup of distilled white vinegar and place it on the top dish rack. Run a regular wash cycle, but skip the drying cycle.

    After the vinegar cycle, sprinkle 1 cup of dry baking soda onto the floor of the dishwasher and run another hot water cycle.

  4. Empty the Detergent Dispenser and Clean Door Gaskets

    Check the detergent dispenser for trapped particles and quickly wipe it down with white vinegar using a sponge and toothbrush.

Adding baking soda to the dishwasher

The Spruce / Adelyn Duchala

Tip

If you don't have any distilled white vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar, bottled or strained fresh lemon juice, or citric acid powder to clean the interior of the dishwasher.

Tips to Help Keep Your Dishwasher Smelling Fresh

A little basic maintenance and cleaning keeps your dishwasher in good shape. Frequent cleaning eliminates food waste, grease, grime, and debris build-up, making deep cleaning easier. 

  • Always scrape excess food from the dishes before you load them into the dishwasher.
  • Leave the dishwasher door open for an hour or so after washing dishes to allow the interior to air-dry.
  • Always check the utensil holder for any trapped food particles. 
  • Clean your dishwasher monthly to prevent odors.
  • Add a reminder to your calendar monthly to clean the dishwasher.
FAQ
  • Why does it stink when I run my dishwasher?

    It stinks when you run your dishwasher because there is probably trapped food in the appliance's filter that needs to be removed.

  • Is vinegar bad for the dishwasher?

    Distilled white vinegar is an eco-friendly, non-toxic ingredient that is safe for the dishwasher.

  • Can I run bleach through my dishwasher?

    Bleach is corrosive and not recommended for a stainless steel dishwasher or appliance with any stainless steel parts. The bleach can damage the internal parts of the appliance.

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