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Discover the top 5 dishwasher do's and don'ts this BBQ season at Sears Home Services.
5 Easy Steps to Get Rid of Odor in a Dishwasher
Is your dishwasher emitting an unpleasant smell every time you open it?
Don't worry—you're not alone. Dishwasher odors are a common issue caused by leftover food particles, grease buildup, or trapped moisture.
Luckily, getting rid of those odors is simpler than you think. Follow these five easy steps to freshen up your dishwasher and keep it smelling clean.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Clean the dishwasher filter regularly to remove trapped food particles and grease, which are common causes of odors. Wipe down the door gasket and other areas where moisture and debris accumulate to prevent bacterial growth.
- Use vinegar or dishwasher-specific cleaning tablets periodically to deep-clean and deodorize the appliance. Vinegar and baking soda are effective natural cleaners and deodorizers. Use them in separate cleaning cycles to neutralize odors and maintain the dishwasher's interior cleanliness.
- Scrape food off dishes before loading them into the dishwasher. Keep the dishwasher dry by leaving the door slightly open after use. Schedule annual professional maintenance for thorough cleaning and keep odors from developing in your dishwasher.
Step 1: Clean the Dishwasher Filter
The filter is your dishwasher’s first line of defense against food debris. Over time, trapped food particles and grease can clog the filter, leading to foul smells.
Remove the filter located at the bottom of the dishwasher. Rinse it under warm running water, using a soft brush or sponge to scrub away any stuck-on grime.
Reinstall the filter in the dishwasher.
Pro Tip: Soak the filter in a mixture of warm water and vinegar for 15 minutes to break down hard water deposits and stubborn residue if necessary.
Step 2: Wipe Down the Door Gasket
The rubber gasket around the dishwasher door often traps moisture and food particles, creating an ideal breeding ground for bacteria.
Use a damp cloth or sponge with a little dish soap to wipe down the gasket.
Pay close attention to the crevices where debris tends to hide.
Regularly wiping the gasket after each wash can prevent odors from developing in the first place.
If you discover that the door gasket is damaged when cleaning it, replace that parts using the procedure shown in this video:
If you’re not confident that you can replace the dishwasher door gasket on your own, schedule dishwasher repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to replace the gasket for you.
Step 3: Run a Dishwasher Cleaning Cycle
Vinegar is a natural deodorizer and cleaner that effectively tackles odors and buildup inside your dishwasher.
Place a dishwasher-safe cup filled with white vinegar on the top rack. Run a hot water cycle without any dishes.
Avoid adding vinegar directly to the dishwasher tub, as its acidity can damage the rubber components over time.
Instead of using vinegar, you can use Affresh dishwasher cleaner or Dishwasher Magic to clean and deodorize your dishwasher tub and internal components.
Step 4: Sprinkle Baking Soda for Extra Freshness
Baking soda neutralizes lingering odors and provides a mild abrasive action to clean the dishwasher’s interior.
After the cleaning cycle, sprinkle a cup of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher and run a short, hot cycle.
Pro Tip: Clean the dishwasher and use baking soda monthly to maintain freshness.
Step 5: Keep the Dishwasher Dry
Odor-causing bacteria thrive in damp environments. Keeping your dishwasher dry is key to preventing smells from returning.
After each wash, leave the dishwasher door slightly ajar to let moisture escape.
Bonus Tips for a Fresh-Smelling Dishwasher
Scrape Your Dishes Before Loading
Scrape off excess food before loading to minimize residue buildup.
You don’t need to pre-wash your dishes before loading them, just remove heavy pieces of food and thick residue to prevent debris buildup on dishwasher filters and inside the sump.
Schedule Annual Professional Dishwasher Maintenance
In addition to regularly cleaning and maintaining your dishwasher on your own, you should also schedule yearly dishwasher maintenance by a service technician.
The technician will perform the cleaning and maintenance steps shown in this video to help keep your dishwasher in top shape and smelling fresh:
Eliminating odors in your dishwasher doesn’t have to be a hassle.
By following these simple steps, you can enjoy a fresh-smelling appliance and cleaner dishes.
Make it a habit to perform regular maintenance to prevent odors from reappearing. A little proactive care goes a long way in keeping your dishwasher in top-notch condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use baking soda to deodorize the dishwasher?
Yes. Pull the bottom dishrack out and sprinkle a cup of baking soda into the bottom of the dishwasher tub. Push the bottom dishrack back into the dishwasher and run a cycle with no dishes in the dishwasher. Repeat this process monthly to help keep your dishwasher smelling fresh.
Can you put vinegar and baking soda in the dishwasher at the same time?
No. While vinegar and baking soda are both excellent cleaners and deodorizers when used separately, combining the two cleaners will cause a foaming chemical reaction and the combined agents won’t help clean the dishwasher.
Where to put vinegar in the dishwasher?
Fill a dishwasher-safe bowl or container with vinegar and place it upright on the top dishrack inside the dishwasher. Start a dishwashing cycle and water from the spray arms will fill the container so vinegar overflows into the dishwasher tub during the cycle. Don’t add vinegar directly to the dishwasher tub. Vinegar’s acidity can damage rubber components and water seals over time.
Do dishwasher cleaning tablets work?
Yes. Dishwasher cleaning tablet help remove deposit and food residue from the dishwasher tub and internal components. The tablets also deodorize the dishwasher and leave a fresh scent in the tub.
Schedule your dishwasher maintenance now!
Regular dishwasher maintenance can help prevent costly breakdowns, reduce energy costs and extend the life of your appliance.
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Maintain Dishwasher Resources
Loading your dishwasher properly will ensure that all dishes get cleaned properly.
If you’ve ever stared at your dishwasher and wondered what cycle to use before just proceeding with the normal wash, you’re definitely not alone.
Learn how rinse aid works to help clean your dishes in the dishwasher.
Glossary Terms
A dishwasher basket is a removable container designed to securely hold small items like cutlery and utensils during the wash cycle, ensuring efficient cleaning without loss or damage.
A dishwasher end panel is a finishing piece installed on the exposed side of a dishwasher, primarily when it is at the end of kitchen cabinetry, to ensure a seamless and aesthetically pleasing look in the kitchen.
A dishwasher diverter motor controls the direction of water flow to different spray arms within the dishwasher, ensuring optimal water distribution during each wash cycle for thorough cleaning.
A dishwasher drawer is a compact, space-saving kitchen appliance designed to clean dishes efficiently, resembling a standard kitchen drawer that slides out for easy loading and unloading.
Common Repair Dishwasher Symptoms
The most common reasons your Frigidaire dishwasher won't start a cycle are a defective electronic control board, damaged power supply board or a failed door switch.
The most common reasons your Amana dishwasher won't drain are a failed drain pump, faulty pump and motor assembly or a cracked drain hose.
The most common reasons your Bosch dishwasher has no heat are a defective electronic control board, clogged water valve or a broken detergent dispenser.
The most common reasons your Electrolux dishwasher is not heating are a defective electronic control board, faulty pump and motor assembly or a damaged user interface control.
The most common reasons your Kenmore dishwasher is not washing are a faulty pump and motor assembly, defective electronic control board or a clogged spray arm.
The most common reasons your Kenmore Elite dishwasher is not washing are a faulty pump and motor assembly, defective electronic control board or a clogged spray arm.