How to Get Rid of Bad Smell from Dishwasher

When you open your dishwasher and notice that it is filled with an unpleasant stench, it can be a daunting experience. It’s easy to think that the stinky dishwasher is just something you have to live with. But it doesn’t need to be! There are a few simple steps how to get rid of bad smell from dishwasher and make them less noticeable.

How to Get Rid of Bad Smell from Dishwasher

1. Remove the source of the smell

One of the best ways to get rid of bad smells from a dishwasher is to locate where they’re coming from and remove them as quickly as possible before they have a chance to build up inside your dishwasher.

Suppose you’ve been using too much detergent or soap. In that case, this could be causing an unpleasant build-up on dishes, which is being transferred into your dishwasher along with food particles, dirt, and bacteria.

Make sure you only put one spoonful of detergent in each compartment plus a couple more tablespoons right on top of the dishes, and only run your dishwasher when it’s completely full, so water can circulate around items to get them extra clean.

Use a cleaner that’s designed for cleaning inside of a dishwasher if you’ve been using harsh chemicals on dishes, such as scouring powder or dish soap, since these products can damage your machine over time.

2. Clean your dishwasher with baking soda, vinegar, or lemon juice

To freshen up the smell of your dishwasher, try baking soda or vinegar to get rid of bad smells – this is how to get rid of bad smells from a dishwasher naturally.

Place one cup of either baking soda or vinegar directly in the bottom tray before running your machine on an empty load (with no dishes). Use commercial dishwasher cleaner for dishwashers if you prefer.

To make your own cleaner, mix two tablespoons of baking soda with about 10 drops of lemon juice, then sprinkle the mixture on the bottom tray and run your dishwasher as usual on a hot setting without any dishes inside.

3. Run your dishwasher less often to keep it from smelling as bad

Of course, this is one of the most essential tips on how to get rid of the bad smells from dishwashers!

If you’re constantly running water in your sink so dirty dishes will go down more quickly than they can collect inside your dishwasher, this reduces how often you need to use it and makes sure that items don’t pile up at the bottom.

You should also stick to lightly washing dishes in your dishwasher instead of scrubbing them with scouring pads. This is the best way to prevent dishes from being covered in food bits that can become smelly over time.

If you need to clean heavily dirtied dishes, then put them directly into the sink and wash there by hand before loading them into the dishwasher.

4. Remove any filters for easy cleaning

As well as being an excellent place for mold or bacteria to grow, dirty filters are also often the cause of bad smells coming from inside your dishwasher, so it’s essential to keep these areas clean regularly.

To do this, remove your lower rack completely and remove all the silverware holders – then use a flat-head screwdriver to remove any debris from the filter. Wipe it down thoroughly with a damp cloth and leave it out in the sun for a few hours if possible – this should dry it out quickly and help eliminate smelly odours.

5. Keep your dishwasher door open after using it

If you’ve got a seal on your dishwasher that allows air to flow through, then make sure you keep the door open after each load!

The small amount of moisture left behind by washed dishes is enough to cause bacteria or mold to begin growing, so it’s best to let as much water evaporate as possible before closing the door again.

6. Clean your dishwashers HEPA filter regularly

Suppose you find even more dirt built up around your HEPA filter (which is usually located inside the bottom side of your dishwasher). In that case, it’s time to clean it – this is the best way to get rid of bad smells from a dishwasher.

If you can’t locate your HEPA filter, use this method for cleaning the dishwasher to find out where the air-intake holes are and remove any debris that’s clogging them up.

Once you’ve found your HEPA filter, take it off using either an adjustable wrench or channel lock pliers, then submersed in freshwater until all the dirt has floated away before placing it back into position, drying off any excess moisture with a paper towel, so mold doesn’t have a chance to form.

7. Keep your dishwasher clean

To reduce how often you need to use it and make sure smells don’t bother you as much, keep your dishwasher as clean as possible at all times!

This is the best way to get rid of bad smell from a dishwasher because not only will reducing the water that comes into contact with dishes help halt the growth of mold and bacteria – but it also minimizes how often you have to run your machine, so there isn’t as much residual moisture left behind after each load.

8. Use a descaling agent every few months if needed

If you find a build-up of calcium or lime within your drain lines, then use a descaling product about once every three months or so to clean it out.

Make sure to follow the instructions carefully, though, because descaling products can be dangerous if you leave them in your dishwasher for too long. So always keep an eye on the time and only use what you need.

9. Regularly check under your kitchen or bathroom sink to make sure there isn’t anything growing inside your dishwasher, such as mold

If none of these techniques work, consult a professional who can diagnose what’s causing the unpleasant odors and recommend removing them. When you’re dealing with smelly appliances like a dishwasher, always err on the side of caution and use protection that’s recommended for your appliance. For example, suppose you own a Bosch dishwasher and use products that contain bleach or ammonia. In that case, it can damage the machine and void your warranty.

Conclusion on How to Get Rid of Bad Smell from Dishwasher

Does your dishwasher stink? It’s not uncommon for people to open their dishwasher, only to find that it smells like garbage.

The best way to eliminate this problem is by removing the source of the smell. If you can’t do that, then try cleaning your dishwasher with baking soda or vinegar and running less often if possible. Have you tried any of these methods yet? Let me know in the comments below!