If your dishwasher smells like rotten eggs, moldy cheese, or wet dog, you’re not alone. Dishwashers can get stinky over time due to food particles, grease, and bacteria that build up in the filter, spray arms, and door seal. Luckily, you can get rid of the odor and make your dishwasher fresh and clean again with some simple household items. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Empty the dishwasher and remove the filter. The filter is usually located at the bottom of the dishwasher, under the spray arm. You may need to twist or unscrew it to take it out. Rinse the filter under running water and scrub it with a soft brush or sponge to remove any debris. If the filter is very dirty, soak it in warm water and vinegar for 15 minutes before rinsing.
Step 2: Clean the spray arms and door seal. The spray arms are the spinning parts that spray water on the dishes. They can get clogged with food particles and hard water deposits, which can affect their performance and cause odors. To clean them, use a toothpick or a small wire to poke out any holes that are blocked. Then, wipe them with a damp cloth or sponge. The door seal is the rubber gasket that prevents water from leaking out of the dishwasher. It can also trap dirt and mold, which can create a musty smell. To clean it, use a toothbrush or a cotton swab dipped in vinegar or baking soda to scrub along the edges of the seal.
Step 3: Run a hot cycle with vinegar or baking soda. Vinegar and baking soda are natural cleaners that can help disinfect and deodorize your dishwasher. To use vinegar, pour two cups of white vinegar into a dishwasher-safe bowl and place it on the top rack of the dishwasher. To use baking soda, sprinkle one cup of baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher. Then, run a hot cycle without any dishes or detergent. This will help loosen any grease and grime and eliminate any bad smells.
Step 4: Repeat as needed and maintain your dishwasher regularly. Depending on how dirty your dishwasher is, you may need to repeat the cleaning process once or twice more to get rid of the odor completely. You should also maintain your dishwasher regularly by wiping down the interior and exterior with a damp cloth or sponge, cleaning the filter and spray arms once a month, and running a hot cycle with vinegar or baking soda once every few months. This will help prevent odors from coming back and keep your dishwasher running smoothly.