So, you open the dishwasher expecting a clean scent, but instead… BAM! Your nose is hit with something far less pleasant. Your dishwasher smells like sewer and it’s driving you crazy. You’ve tried running it on the hottest cycle, but the odor just won’t quit.
We’ve all been there, standing in front of an appliance that’s supposed to clean, wondering why it smells like a leftover science experiment. If you’re wondering how to remove smell from dishwasher, or even worse, how to get rid of dishwasher odor that smells like rotten eggs, don’t worry! You’re not alone.
But before you start giving up on your dishwasher altogether, take a deep breath (outside the kitchen), and let’s figure out why your once fresh-smelling kitchen assistant has turned into a stink factory—and how to fix it!
Why Does My Dishwasher Smell So Bad?
First, let’s answer the “why.”
When your dishwasher smells like rotten eggs, it’s usually because of food particles trapped in the filter or drain. Over time, these bits of food start to rot, leading to that nasty stench. In some cases, the dishwasher smells like sewer because of a clogged or dirty drain hose. If that hose gets blocked, it can cause backflow, leaving your dishwasher smelling foul.
- Food debris: Just like the crumbs that mysteriously find their way under your couch, bits of food can settle in your dishwasher’s filter or drain, slowly rotting and causing that smell you can’t ignore.
- Mold: Where there’s water, there’s often mold, and dishwashers are practically a resort for mold spores.
- Clogged filters: If it’s clogged with grease or food bits, it becomes a breeding ground for odors.
- Hard water: Hard water or stagnant water can leave your dishwasher smelling more like a damp basement than a fresh kitchen. If your water leaves spots on glasses, it could also be contributing to that less-than-fresh aroma.
Once you know what’s causing it, you can fix it fast.
What You Need to Fix the Stink in Your Dishwasher
Before we get into how to exterminate that smell, let’s talk about your cleaning sidekicks. Gather up these trusty supplies and you’re all set:
- White Vinegar: Not just for salad dressing! This natural cleaner is a powerhouse for dissolving grime.
- Baking soda: A superstar at scrubbing and deodorizing (kind of like that one friend who always brings the right snack to the party).
- Soft brush: Great for scrubbing those hard-to-reach places.
- Dishwasher-safe cup: You’ll need this for the vinegar, but don’t worry—it’s not for drinking.
- Microfiber cloth: Perfect for wiping down the inside of the dishwasher when you’re done.
Got everything? Good. Now, let’s make that stink disappear.
How to Clean a Dishwasher That Smells
Don’t worry—you won’t need to clear your entire day for this. These steps are quick, easy, and will have your dishwasher smelling like new in no time.
- Empty the dishwasher: First things first, take out all the dishes. You can’t clean a dishwasher when it’s full of plates.
- Clean the filter: The filter catches food particles and prevents them from recirculating onto your dishes. Take out the filter, clean it with hot, soapy water, and give it a good scrub.
- Clean the spray arms: Food can also get stuck in the spray arms. Use a toothpick to remove any debris.
- Run a vinegar cycle: Fill your dishwasher-safe cup with white vinegar and place it on the top rack. Run the dishwasher on a hot cycle. The vinegar will dissolve grease and food particles, leaving things squeaky clean. Cleaning a dishwasher with vinegar and baking soda is a great combo for this step.
- Baking soda rinse: After the vinegar cycle, sprinkle a cup of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher and run a short hot cycle. This will help remove smell from the dishwasher and leave it smelling fresh.
- Check the drain hose: If your dishwasher smells like sewer, you might have a clogged or dirty drain hose. Disconnect the hose and clean it out.
Preventing Future Dishwasher Odors
So now that you’ve banished the bad smells, let’s keep them from sneaking back. You don’t want to be repeating this whole process every week, right? Here’s how you can keep things fresh:
- Rinse dishes before loading: I know, you’ve heard it before, but even a quick rinse can save you from major stink later.
- Run hot water: Always run your dishwasher with the hottest water possible to help kill bacteria.
- Clean the filter regularly: A weekly check will keep things running smoothly.
- Leave the door open: After a cycle, crack the door open a bit. Airflow helps prevent mold and keeps things dry. This also prevents mildew growth, which can lead to that dishwasher smells like wet dog issue.
- Monthly vinegar cycle: Set a reminder to run a vinegar cycle once a month. Your dishwasher will thank you.
With just a few habits, you’ll keep those odors at bay and your dishwasher in tip-top shape and help you get rid of that bad smell in dishwasher for good!
A Few Extra Tips
Because sometimes things don’t go as planned:
- Burning plastic smell?: That’s never good. Check if something plastic fell onto the heating element during a wash.
- Sensitive to smells?: Use a fragrance-free detergent. Strong scents can sometimes make things worse, not better.
Let me tell you a little story. A friend of mine, we’ll call her Sarah, used to call her dishwasher “Old Stinky.” Every time she opened it, she was hit with a smell so bad, her dog would leave the room. Turns out, Sarah wasn’t cleaning the filter… for years.
Yup, years of forgotten food particles and standing water. A quick cleaning with vinegar and baking soda, and now “Old Stinky” is “New and Fresh.” True story. Not a crazy good one but I’m trying to make a point here.
Why Trust All Fresh Cleaning Service?
If you’ve tried everything and that smell just won’t go away, maybe it’s time to call in the pros. At All Fresh Cleaning Service, we’ve dealt with all kinds of smelly situations (yes, including dishwashers). Our team knows how to deep clean your appliances and leave them fresh as a daisy—without cutting corners. Think of us as your cleaning fairy godparents. We’re ready to make your kitchen, and the rest of your home, sparkle and get it smelling really fresh.
We offer various cleaning solutions for all residents of Houston, TX and surrounding areas, whether you live in a house or need a good apartment cleaning or AirBNB property cleaning, we got you. If you’re not looking for a detailed deep clean, we also offer basic one-time cleaning sessions, regular and recurring cleaning services, and move in and move out cleaning services.
The best part? All Fresh also offers steep home cleaning discounts and coupons so folks can enjoy a clean living space without hurting the wallet. Because everyone should be able to enjoy and experience such a spotless environment. We actually displayed one of these deals just…past…the FAQ section. Check it out, it’s worth it.
Getting Rid of Dishwasher Odor FAQ
How often should I clean my dishwasher?
A good deep clean once a month will keep odors at bay and your machine running smoothly.
Can I use bleach in my dishwasher?
Nope! Stick to vinegar and baking soda, especially if your dishwasher has a stainless steel interior.
What do I do if I smell burning plastic?
Pause the cycle and check for any stray plastic items that might have fallen onto the heating element.
