Last update: 2 weeks ago
Dishwashers are one of the most overlooked appliances in your kitchen when it comes to cleaning. We are all used to cleaning any spills from the fridge and setting our ovens to a self-cleaning cycle from time to time, but we often forget about the dishwasher. That is why having a smelly dishwasher is not an uncommon problem. Find the solution to how to get rid of the odour in the following lines.
Why does your dishwasher smell?
There is only one reason for bad odours coming from your dishwasher, and it is food build-up. Over time, tiny particles of leftover food accumulate in the filter or the crevices of the machine. Thus, they create a build-up inside your dishwasher. This build-up is the reason for the unpleasant smell, which can even be transmitted to the dishes during the drying cycle.
Some dishwashers feature stainless steel innards, which are better. However, most of them usually feature plastic innards. Plastic is porous like your skin. It absorbs dirt, mildew and odours. Unless the machine is cleaned out periodically, the smell will persist. The situation gets even worse when you’re dealing with “hard” water, and the calcium deposits clog the machine. The build-up is created a lot faster.
How to deep clean a dishwasher
Isn’t it funny how the thing that’s supposed to make your plates sparkle can end up needing a good scrub itself? Over time, all that greasy water and tiny scraps of leftover food sneak into corners you’d never think to check. And before you know it, your dishwasher starts giving off… well, let’s just say “questionable” vibes. Here is what you can do:
Step 1: Empty it and pull out the bottom rack
First things first, clear out every plate and mug from the dishwasher. Then slide out the bottom rack so you can actually see what’s hiding underneath. That’s where all the sneaky grime and murky bits like to hang out, waiting for someone to finally notice them.
Step 2: Clean the filter
Down at the bottom, you’ll find the filter, usually something you can twist or lift out. Pop it under the tap and rinse it with warm water. A soft brush wonders here, especially for getting rid of greasy gunk and stubborn food bits. Once it’s clean, water can flow properly again.
Step 3: Wipe around the drain
Now that the filter is out of the way, clean the drain and the bottom of the dishwasher with a cloth or sponge. This little spot loves to gather all kinds of slimy gunk, which is most likely what makes your dishwasher smell bad. It’s not the most exciting job, but it only takes a minute and makes a huge difference right away.
Step 4: Check the spray arms
Those spinning arms are what actually fling water around inside the dishwasher. Take a quick look at the little holes along them. If any are clogged with food or limescale, gently poke them clear with a toothpick or small brush. When they’re free, water can reach every plate, glass and corner properly.
Step 5: Clean the door seals and edges
Dip a cloth into warm, soapy water and wipe along the rubber seals, hinges and the inside edges of the door. You might be surprised what turns up here – bits of grime, soap scum and sometimes even a little mould. A quick wipe keeps everything fresher and helps the door seal tightly.
Step 6: Put vinegar in the machine
The easy part is now over. Put white vinegar in a bowl that can go in the machine and put it on the top rack. Do not put anything else in the bowl. The vinegar does all the hard work; it gets rid of any smells that are still there and breaks down grease and limescale. It will already look and smell much better when it’s done.
Step 7: Add bicarbonate of soda to finish
Put a cup of bicarbonate of soda on the bottom and run a short hot cycle after the vinegar cycle. Putting this on is the closing touch. It gets rid of any tough spots and leaves a wonderful, clean smell.
Can you run bleach in the dishwasher?
Thinking about running bleach through your dishwasher? Probably not the best move. It might seem like a quick fix, but bleach is actually pretty rough on your poor machine. Over time, it can eat away at rubber seals, gaskets, hoses, and even metal parts. Before you know it, you’re dealing with leaks – or, worse, a total dishwasher meltdown.
And it’s not just about slowly wrecking your appliance. If bleach mixes with leftover detergent or anything acidic hanging out in the bottom, it can create some seriously nasty fumes. Definitely not the kind you want wafting through your kitchen while you’re trying to enjoy your morning coffee. Dishwasher makers won’t sugarcoat it either – they’ll tell you straight: bleach? Nope, this isn’t what your dishwasher was made for.
How to prevent the smell from recurring
The best way to prevent the smell from recurring is to take regular care of your dishwasher. Here is how:
- Clean the filter and the inside of the machine on a regular basis. Thus, you will keep food build-up from causing odours.
- Rinse the dishes before you put them in the machine. Scrape off large pieces of food that can clog the drainage system.
- Avoid using the kitchen faucet while the dishwasher is filling with water, as this will divert the water. When too little water is used during the wash cycle, the chance of food debris being trapped in the gaps of the machine is higher.
- Every dishwasher holds a water softener, and there is a reason for that. If the concentration of calcium and magnesium in the water is too high, the water is called “hard” water. It is the reason for the calcium deposits that clog your machine and can be found on your dishes. A water softener is the right solution to the problem.
- Practice prevention combined with regular deep cleaning of the machine, and you should be able to banish the bad odours.
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