So Your Dishwasher Stinks: Learn How to Get Rid of a Bad Smell in Your Dishwasher

When you open your dishwasher, you want to smell nothing but cleanliness. Unfortunately, if you have a problem with your dishwasher, this might be far from what you experience. At 24 Hour On Call Appliance Repair, we invite you to keep reading for dishwasher troubleshooting options. Then call us at (855) 420-8572 for help.

Clean the Inside of Your Dishwasher

The most obvious solution is the one to try first – clean out your dishwasher. You might glance at it and think that it is clean enough, but mold and food particles can become stuck in many places within the dishwasher. To clean it, take out all dishes, take out the lower rack and clean it by hand, then wipe down the dishwasher with hot water.

Make sure that you are wiping down the soft rubber door gasket and the spray arms. Then put the lower rack back in and put a cup of white vinegar in the middle of it. Run a wash cycle with hot water to distribute the cleaning solution to areas you could not get to by hand. Then remove the cup, sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher floor, and run a wash cycle with hot water again.

Unclog the Spray Arms

If washing the dishwasher as described above does not fix the problem, then try unclogging the spray arms and support. Remember that food waste can get stuck in the holes of these spray arms, and this food can cause mold or bacterial growth – both of which can stink. Clean the spray arms by removing them from the dishwasher and letting them soak in hot water. Then use a toothbrush to get to anything that is lodged in the holes.

Clean Out the Filter

The filter’s job is to strain out food particles so that they will not go down the drain in the dishwasher. Once again, this can cause mold growth and bacteria to flourish. To clean the filter, turn off your dishwasher at the wall or unplug it. Then take out the lower racks and the spray arm. Grab the filter and firmly pull it up and out.

You can clean the filter with hot water, dish soap, and a dish brush. Pay special attention to the well in the middle of the filter – that is where food and dirty water can get trapped most easily.

Your Dishwasher Might Need Repair

If you have tried the above methods and you still notice a bad smell coming from your dishwasher then it might be time for repairs. Contact your local appliance repair company for help. You can reach 24 Hour On Call Appliance Repair at (855) 420-8572 now to get started.