A smelly dishwasher can cause quite a bit of hassle in your kitchen.

That nasty smell often comes from food scraps and grease building up in the filter or hidden corners of your dishwasher. Even if you don’t use your dishwasher regularly, leftover food can start to rot and make your dishwasher stink. A wrongly connected drain hose can also cause problems by letting dirty water flow back into the machine. Luckily, you can tackle each of these issues to get your dishwasher smelling fresh again.

Easy steps to get rid of that nasty smell

Step 1. Empty and check: Make sure the dishwasher is empty and check for any leftover food. Remove large pieces of food debris.

Step 2. Clean the filters: Take out the filters at the bottom of the dishwasher and clean them thoroughly under running warm water. Use a soft brush to remove any stuck-on dirt.

Step 3. Let the dishwasher clean itself: Place a bowl of white vinegar on the top rack and run an empty wash cycle on the highest temperature. Vinegar neutralizes odors and helps remove grease.

Step 4. Baking soda: Sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of your dishwasher and let it sit overnight. Run a short cycle the next morning to remove odors and rinse the inside clean.

Deep cleaning techniques

Cleaning the drain pump

Start by checking your dishwasher’s manual so you know how to safely access the drain pump, which is usually located at the bottom of the appliance.

Once you're there, check the pump for any blockages; food scraps and other debris can build up and make your dishwasher smell. Carefully remove this gunk with your hands or a pair of tweezers. Then, use a soft brush to scrub away any stubborn dirt and rinse it off under warm running water. While you're scrubbing, also check for any possible damage to the drain pump, like small cracks or broken parts that could affect how your dishwasher works. Make sure to let the drain pump dry completely before putting it back. By following these simple steps, you'll keep your dishwasher running at its best and free from unwanted odors.

Cleaning spray arms and door seals

Take out the spray arms and use a toothpick to clear out the holes. Wipe the door seals with a damp cloth to remove mold and built-up dirt. This could be the source of a smelly dishwasher. By cleaning the spray arms and door seals, you’re not only reducing existing odors, but also improving your dishwasher’s cleaning performance and maintenance.

Regular maintenance for a well-functioning dishwasher

• Run a hot wash cycle every month: Choose the hottest cycle your dishwasher has to effectively tackle grease build-up and food residues. This helps to thoroughly clean the inside of your dishwasher and keeps bacteria growth in check.

• Descale your dishwasher: Hard water can cause limescale buildup, which reduces your dishwasher's efficiency. Use descaling agents regularly to keep your dishwasher performing at its best and lasting longer.

• Regular maintenance is essential: for a deep clean, use deep cleaning tablets to keep your dishwasher clean and fresh. These are specially designed to give your dishwasher a thorough clean. For the best results, just follow the instructions on the packaging.

Tips to keep your dishwasher from smelling

Tip 1. Empty and rinse plates: Remove large food scraps before putting your plates in the dishwasher. This helps reduce the amount of food left behind in the machine that could start to rot.

Tip 2. Clean regularly: Clean the filters and drain at least once a month to prevent grease and food residue buildup.

Tip 3. Use the right cleaning products: Choose dishwasher tablets or powder that can effectively break down grease and limescale. Using a dishwasher cleaner every now and then also helps keep your machine fresh.

Tip 4. Leave the dishwasher door open after use: Leaving the door slightly open after running a wash cycle lets your machine air out and helps prevent moisture and odors from building up.

Tip 5. Run a hot wash cycle regularly: Run your dishwasher empty on the hottest cycle once a month. This helps remove grease and food residues that may have built up in the harder-to-reach parts of the machine.

To keep your dishwasher smelling fresh, regular maintenance is super important. Run a wash cycle at the highest temperature every month to dissolve grease and food residues, and to keep bacteria at bay. Don’t forget to descale your dishwasher regularly too—this prevents limescale build-up that can affect how it works. For a deep clean, use special deep cleaning tablets and follow the instructions on the packaging for the best results.

You can also do a few simple things every day to keep your dishwasher from smelling bad. Scrape off large food scraps from your plates before putting them in the dishwasher, so less food is left behind that could start to rot. 

Clean the filters and the drain at least once a month to prevent grease and food residue buildup. Also, make sure to use the right cleaning products, like dishwasher tablets or powder that tackle grease and limescale effectively. And after every wash cycle, leave the dishwasher door slightly open; this helps ventilate the machine and keeps your dishwasher smelling fresh.