What should you do if your dishwasher smells bad? Let us explain what causes that nasty odor. Plus, we’ll give you the best way to get rid of it. That way, you can get back to using your dishwasher in no time—without the stink.
How do I end up with a dishwasher that smells bad?
Standing water
If the dishwasher isn’t used regularly or if the door stays closed for a long time, standing water can become a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. Musty smells build up and you’ll notice a nasty odor as soon as you open the dishwasher.
Buildup of food residues
Food residues can build up in various corners and crevices of the dishwasher, like the drain filter, the drain hose, and the spray arms. Over time, these leftover bits start to rot and cause an unpleasant smell.
Soap and grease residues
Soap and grease residues can also linger in your dishwasher, especially if you don't run a hot cycle regularly. Not only can these residues start to smell, but they can also make your dishwasher less efficient.
Incorrect connection of the drain hose
If the drain hose isn’t connected properly, or if there’s a kink in the hose, dirty water from the sink can flow back into your dishwasher. This can cause a sewer smell in your dishwasher.
Clean your dishwasher
Clean the filters
One of the most common reasons for a smelly dishwasher is a dirty or clogged filter. Take the filter out of the dishwasher—it's usually found at the bottom of the machine. Rinse it thoroughly under running water and use a soft brush to remove food scraps and other debris.
Check and clean the spray arms
Sometimes the spray arms can get clogged with food residues, which can lead to inefficient cleaning and unpleasant odors. Remove the spray arms and rinse them thoroughly to make sure all the holes are clear.
How do I get rid of the smell in my dishwasher?
Remove food residues and grease build-up that can collect in the filters, spray arms, and along the edges of the door.
Always go for a high-quality option dishwasher detergentCheaper or less effective products can leave residues that cause bad odors to develop.
Another handy tip is to run a hot wash cycle every month. Let the dishwasher run empty on the highest temperature with a dishwasher cleaner. This removes bacteria, fungi, grease, and limescale, all of which help keep things smelling fresh.
It's also important not to overload your dishwasher. If you pack it too full, food scraps might not get rinsed away properly and could start to rot, causing unpleasant smells.
And after every wash, leave the dishwasher door open. This helps moisture evaporate from the machine, preventing mold and unpleasant odors.
A deep clean is the real way to get rid of a smelly dishwasher for good
Follow these steps for a thorough clean.
Step 1: Clean the filters
First, take the filters out of your dishwasher—they’re usually at the bottom. Rinse them under warm water and use a soft brush to remove any food residue.
Step 2: Clean the spray arms
Remove the spray arms and rinse them clean under the tap. If the holes are clogged with food residue, use a toothpick to clear them.
Step 3: Clean with vinegar
Place a dishwasher-safe bowl with two cups of white vinegar on the top rack of your empty dishwasher. Run a hot water cycle to thoroughly clean the inside and neutralize odors.
Step 4: Baking Soda Treatment
After treating with vinegar, sprinkle a cup of baking soda on the bottom of your dishwasher. Let it sit overnight to absorb any odors, then rinse it away the next day with a quick cycle.
Step 5: Clean the door seals
The rubber seals around your dishwasher door can trap dirt and odors. Grab a cloth, dampen it with vinegar or a mild cleaner, and give those seals a thorough wipe-down.
Step 6: Monthly maintenance with special tablets
To keep your dishwasher fresh and in top condition, it's important to give it a deep clean every month.
Use the Cosmeau Dishwasher Deep Cleaning Tablets just pop a tablet in the cutlery tray and run your dishwasher empty on the hottest cycle.
These tablets are specially designed to tackle grease and limescale buildup thoroughly, even in those hard-to-reach spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my dishwasher smell?
Food residues can build up in the filter or hidden corners of your dishwasher. This can cause bacteria to grow and create an unpleasant smell.
What can I do if my dishwasher smells bad?
Start by thoroughly cleaning the filter and use a dishwasher cleaner. Running a hot cycle regularly also helps get rid of odors.
How often should I clean my dishwasher?
Give your dishwasher a deep clean once a month with a deep cleaning tablet.
Hopefully you now have all the info you need to get your dishwasher smelling fresh again. Don’t forget, regular maintenance—like cleaning the filters and running a hot cycle—keeps those nasty odors away.
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