How to Remove Bad Smell from Your Dishwasher: Easy Steps

You know how annoying it is when your dishwasher smells bad. Instead of leaving your dishes clean and fresh, that bad smell can make things worse. But don’t worry—getting rid of the bad smell is easier than you think.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through some simple steps to make your dishwasher smell fresh again. You don’t need any special tools or harsh chemicals, just a little time and effort. So, if you’re tired of opening your dishwasher and getting hit with that unpleasant smell, keep reading. We’ve got you covered!

How to Remove Bad Smell from Your Dishwasher: Step-by-Step Guide

Getting rid of a bad smell from your dishwasher is simple. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Clean the Filter

The filter in your dishwasher is like a little trap that catches food bits and debris. Over time, these food particles can build up, get stuck, and start to smell bad. To clean the filter, first, find it at the bottom of your dishwasher. It’s usually easy to remove by twisting or lifting it out.

Once you have it out, take it to the sink and rinse it under warm water. Use a soft brush, like an old toothbrush, to scrub away any food or grime that’s stuck to it. Make sure the filter is completely clean before putting it back in place. A clean filter helps your dishwasher run better and smell fresher.

2. Wipe Down the Door Seals

The door seals are the rubbery strips around the edge of your dishwasher door. These seals are important because they keep water from leaking out during a wash cycle. But they can also trap food particles, grease, and grime. Over time, this buildup can start to smell.

To clean the door seals, grab a damp cloth or sponge and add a little dish soap to it. Carefully wipe all around the seals, paying extra attention to any folds or crevices where dirt might be hiding. Make sure to clean both the inside and outside edges of the seals. Doing this regularly will help prevent odors from forming.

3. Clean the Spray Arms

The spray arms are the parts of your dishwasher that spin and spray water during a wash cycle. Sometimes, small bits of food can get stuck in the tiny holes of the spray arms, blocking the water flow. When water can’t flow properly, it can cause smells to develop. To clean the spray arms, you may need to remove them, which is usually easy to do by unscrewing or lifting them out.

Once removed, rinse them under warm water to wash away any loose debris. If you see food stuck in the holes, use a toothpick or a small brush to gently push it out. After cleaning, put the spray arms back in place. This will help your dishwasher clean better and smell nicer.

4. Run a Vinegar Cycle

Vinegar is a great natural cleaner that can help get rid of bad smells in your dishwasher. To do this, pour one cup of white vinegar into a dishwasher-safe bowl or cup. Place the bowl on the top rack of your dishwasher, making sure it’s secure and won’t tip over.

Then, run the dishwasher on a hot water cycle. The vinegar will mix with the hot water and help break down any leftover food particles, grease, and odors inside the dishwasher. After the cycle is done, your dishwasher should smell much fresher.

5. Use Baking Soda

Baking soda is another great odor-fighter. After you’ve run the vinegar cycle, you can use baking soda to finish the job. Sprinkle one cup of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher. Baking soda is known for its ability to absorb and neutralize odors.

Once the baking soda is spread out, run a short hot water cycle. The baking soda will work its way into all the corners and crevices of the dishwasher, helping to remove any lingering smells and leaving your dishwasher clean and fresh.

6. Check the Drain

The drain at the bottom of your dishwasher is where all the dirty water and food particles go during a wash cycle. If the drain is clogged or blocked, it can cause water to pool at the bottom of the dishwasher, which can lead to bad smells. To check the drain, first, make sure the dishwasher is empty and turned off.

Then, look at the bottom of the dishwasher and find the drain area. If you see any food or debris blocking the drain, remove it with your hands or a cloth. Keeping the drain clear will help water flow out properly and prevent smells from developing.

7. Clean the Dishwasher Exterior

Sometimes, the bad smell isn’t just inside the dishwasher but also on the outside. The exterior of your dishwasher can get dirty, especially around the edges of the door. To clean it, take a damp cloth or sponge and add a little bit of dish soap.

Wipe down the entire exterior, including the handle, control panel, and especially the edges of the door where grime can build up. Make sure to clean thoroughly but gently, so you don’t damage any parts. A clean exterior helps keep your kitchen smelling nice and makes the dishwasher look good too.

8. Keep it Dry

After you’ve cleaned your dishwasher, one of the best ways to keep it smelling fresh is to make sure it stays dry when not in use. Moisture inside the dishwasher can lead to mold, mildew, and bad odors. To prevent this, leave the dishwasher door slightly open after you’ve finished using it.

This will allow air to circulate and help any remaining moisture evaporate. You don’t need to leave the door wide open, just enough to let some air in. By doing this, you’ll keep your dishwasher dry and free from smells.

I hope these tips help you get rid of bad smells in your dishwasher. Following these steps should help you remove any bad smells from your dishwasher and keep it fresh and clean for future use.

Are there any effective alternative methods?

Yes, there are a few alternative methods you can try to remove bad smells from your dishwasher. Here are some effective options:

1. Use Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is a great way to make your dishwasher smell fresh and clean again. The juice from lemons is naturally acidic, which helps to break down any bad smells or buildup inside your dishwasher. To use lemon juice, start by taking one or two fresh lemons. Cut them in half and squeeze the juice into a bowl.

Make sure the bowl is safe to put in the dishwasher. Once you have enough juice, place the bowl on the top rack of your empty dishwasher. It’s important that the dishwasher is empty so the lemon juice can work its magic on all the surfaces inside. Now, run your dishwasher on the hottest water setting available.

The hot water will mix with the lemon juice, spreading it all around the dishwasher as the cycle runs. The lemon juice will help remove any leftover food particles, grease, or grime that might be causing the bad smell. As a bonus, your dishwasher will also have a nice, fresh lemon scent after the cycle is done.

2. Try Essential Oils

Essential oils are another wonderful way to get rid of bad smells in your dishwasher while also making it smell nice. Essential oils are natural oils that come from plants, and they have strong scents that can help cover up and even eliminate bad odors. To use essential oils, you can start by choosing a scent that you like.

Some good choices for this are tea tree oil, lavender oil, or lemon oil because they smell fresh and clean. Once you have your essential oil, you’ll also need either some white vinegar or baking soda. Both vinegar and baking soda are known for their ability to clean and deodorize, so they work well with essential oils.

To begin, take a small cup or bowl that is safe to put in your dishwasher. Add a few drops of the essential oil to the cup of vinegar or sprinkle the baking soda with a few drops of oil. Then, place the cup on the top rack of your empty dishwasher. Make sure the dishwasher is empty so the essential oil mixture can spread around evenly.

Run the dishwasher on a hot water cycle. As the cycle runs, the essential oil will mix with the vinegar or baking soda, and the steam will carry the pleasant scent throughout the dishwasher. This method not only removes bad smells but also leaves your dishwasher smelling wonderful and clean. It’s a simple, natural way to keep your dishwasher fresh.

3. Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is a fantastic way to get rid of bad smells in your dishwasher, and it works by absorbing the odors rather than just masking them. Activated charcoal is a special type of charcoal that has been treated to make it very porous, which means it can trap and hold onto bad smells.

To use activated charcoal in your dishwasher, you don’t need to run a cycle or use any water. Start by getting some activated charcoal, which you can usually find in small bags or loose in a container. Take a small dish or bowl that fits easily in the bottom of your dishwasher.

Put a few pieces of activated charcoal or a small amount of loose charcoal into the dish. Then, place the dish at the bottom of your dishwasher. You can leave the charcoal in there overnight or for a couple of days between washes. The activated charcoal will sit there and absorb any bad smells that are lingering inside the dishwasher.

This is especially useful if you don’t use your dishwasher every day, as it keeps odors from building up while the dishwasher is empty. Remember to take the dish of charcoal out before you run your dishwasher again. Activated charcoal doesn’t leave any scent of its own, so it’s perfect if you want to remove smells without adding any fragrance.

These alternative methods offer different ways to tackle bad smells in your dishwasher. You can try one or combine a couple to see what works best for your situation.

Questions in Your Mind When Removing Bad Smell from Your Dishwasher

Is it safe to use bleach in my dishwasher?

Using bleach in your dishwasher can be safe, but only if your dishwasher does not have any stainless steel parts. Bleach can damage stainless steel, causing it to corrode over time. If your dishwasher is all plastic inside, you can use bleach to clean and disinfect it. However, always dilute the bleach with water and use it carefully.

Is it necessary to clean the dishwasher filter regularly?

Yes, it is necessary to clean the dishwasher filter regularly. The filter catches food particles and debris to prevent them from clogging the drain. If the filter gets too dirty, it can cause bad smells and even affect the dishwasher’s performance. Cleaning it every few weeks can help keep your dishwasher running smoothly and smelling fresh.

Can I use vinegar to clean my dishwasher if I have hard water?

Yes, you can use vinegar to clean your dishwasher even if you have hard water. Vinegar helps dissolve mineral buildup caused by hard water, which can lead to spots on dishes and a less effective wash. Running a cycle with a cup of vinegar can help remove these deposits and keep your dishwasher clean.

Can I use baking soda and vinegar together in the dishwasher?

Yes, you can use baking soda and vinegar together to clean your dishwasher. Baking soda helps scrub away grime, while vinegar dissolves buildup and odors. However, for best results, it’s often recommended to use them in separate cycles. First, run a cycle with vinegar, and then run another with baking soda for a thorough clean.

Do I need to run the dishwasher empty when cleaning it?

Yes, it’s best to run the dishwasher empty when you’re cleaning it. This allows the cleaning agents, like vinegar, baking soda, or lemon juice, to reach all parts of the dishwasher without being blocked by dishes. An empty cycle ensures that the cleaning process is thorough and effective.

Is it normal for my dishwasher to have a musty smell?

No, it’s not normal for your dishwasher to have a musty smell. A musty odor usually indicates that there’s moisture trapped inside, which can lead to mold or mildew growth. To prevent this, make sure your dishwasher is drying properly after each cycle, and leave the door slightly open when not in use to allow air circulation.

Can I use dish soap instead of dishwasher detergent?

No, you should not use dish soap in place of dishwasher detergent. Dish soap creates a lot of suds, which can overflow from the dishwasher and cause a big mess. Dishwasher detergent is specially formulated to clean dishes in the dishwasher without producing excess suds.

Is it okay to put aluminum items in the dishwasher?

It’s generally not recommended to put aluminum items in the dishwasher. The high heat and strong detergents can cause aluminum to discolor or even corrode. If you need to wash aluminum items, it’s safer to hand wash them with mild soap and water.

Do I need to use a rinse aid in my dishwasher?

Using a rinse aid in your dishwasher is not always necessary, but it can be helpful. Rinse aids help water drain off dishes more easily, reducing spots and improving drying. If you notice spots on your glassware or dishes aren’t drying well, adding a rinse aid might solve the problem.

Can I clean my dishwasher with store-bought dishwasher cleaner?

Yes, you can clean your dishwasher with store-bought dishwasher cleaner. These cleaners are designed to remove grease, limescale, and odors from your dishwasher. Just follow the instructions on the package, usually placing the cleaner in the dishwasher and running a hot cycle, to keep your appliance in top condition.