Four Things to Try If Your Dishwasher Smells Bad
When working properly, your dishwasher should clean its contents thoroughly and not smell unpleasant, so if it smells bad during or after a wash, it probably needs your attention. Here are four things to help eliminate dishwasher odor.
Clean the interior
It sounds obvious, but the first step to combating dishwasher odor is to thoroughly clean all interior surfaces. Over time, dirt can accumulate, causing dishes to become less shiny. There are several ways to clean your dishwasher , including Kool-Aid lemonade or a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda. Be sure to clean the rubber seals and gaskets with warm, soapy water, as well as the spray arm and pans. While you are working, check the edges of the door and the bottom of the appliance for food particles.
The dishwasher should be cleaned regularly (about once a month) to prevent deposits and odors from forming.
Clear filter
The dishwasher filter traps food particles and debris during the cleaning cycle and must be cleaned regularly to prevent these particles from rotting and ruining the appliance. Stuck food can recirculate during washing, ending up back on the dishes and reducing the efficiency of the dishwasher. (A dirty filter can also cause a clogged dishwasher drain, which we’ll discuss below.)
A dirty filter is a likely culprit for dishwasher odor, so find yours and clean it thoroughly with warm water and mild soap.
Check for blockages in the drain
Another reason your dishwasher smells is stagnant dirty water, which can happen if the drain or drain hose is clogged. The odor may be especially unpleasant at the beginning of the cycle.
The drain hose connects the dishwasher to the garbage disposal or sink drain to remove food particles and water from the appliance. Debris can build up over time (especially if the tube is not installed correctly), leading to bacterial growth in the tube and unpleasant odors when the dishwasher fills or drains. Clogs can also occur in the drain itself, under the screen or strainer at the bottom of the dishwasher.
We have a guide on how to unclog your dishwasher drain , which requires a hose cleaner and some warm water. Note that clogs are important to deal with for another reason: they can lead to flooding and water damage in your kitchen.
Replace the drain hose
If you have thoroughly cleaned your dishwasher and its parts and the smell still remains, you may need to replace the drain hose entirely. Locate the hose under the sink where it comes out of the dishwasher—if the tube is clear, you’ll be able to see the dirty buildup.
Luckily, the drain hose is fairly cheap and easy to replace with a few common tools. Before unplugging anything, you will need to turn off the power and water to the dishwasher. This Old House has a great step-by-step guide and video detailing the process.
When installing a new hose, be sure to create a high loop to prevent dirty water from backflowing into the dishwasher. Depending on where you live, building codes may actually require an air gap , in which case you should call a plumber.