Keep Your Dishwasher from Smelling | Dishwasher Odors

If you want your dishwasher to be stink-free, you can’t skimp on regular cleaning and maintenance.

Jones says you should clean your dishwasher’s filter once a month. First, empty the filter of any debris and rinse it with hot water. If food particles or soil are still stuck to the filter, try soaking it in warm, soapy water. Afterward, you can use a toothbrush to remove stubborn remnants or residue.

If you’re unsure whether your dishwasher’s filter is manual or self-cleaning, read our detailed guidelines on how to identify your filter and clean it.

Periodically cleaning your dishwasher’s interior with a soft, damp cloth or sponge can help remove food and dirt particles, says Marty Olson, an engineer at LG Home Solutions Quality.

If your machine has a self-cleaning cycle, run the cycle with an empty tub once a month. Olson says adding 3 teaspoons of citric acid or a dishwasher cleaning agent recommended by the manufacturer to the detergent dispenser can help eliminate any residual soil, odor, white spots, and dirt.

If your machine doesn’t have a self-cleaning cycle, Bovard says you can give it a quick clean by placing a cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe container on the top rack and running it on its hottest cycle.

If you spot any mold or mildew inside the dishwasher, Bovard suggests wiping the interior clean with a solution of 1/8 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water. Then, run a normal cycle on your empty dishwasher without detergent. If your dishwasher’s interior is made of stainless steel, however, you should avoid using bleach because it might damage its finish.

To clean your dishwasher without bleach, run a sanitize cycle with an empty dishwasher. Or consider using a dishwasher cleaner with citric acid, Bovard says. If your dishwasher has a regular mold problem that won’t go away, it could be a sign that the unit isn’t getting to a high enough temperature. If that’s the case, you should schedule a service call to get your dishwasher checked out.

Mold and mildew might also occur on the lips of the gasket seal, so it’s important to periodically inspect the seals of the dishwasher door for any buildup. If you spot any residue on the gasket, clean it with a fresh sponge and warm, soapy water. When you’re done, wipe the gasket seal dry with a clean rag to ensure no moisture is left behind, Jones says.

If you follow all the above steps—regularly cleaning your filter, dishwasher interior, and gasket—you’ll reduce the likelihood that you’ll be greeted with an unpleasant odor the next time you open your dishwasher door.