How To Fix A Smelly Dishwasher: Tips For Freshening Up Your Appliance


If you're tired of dealing with a smelly dishwasher, you're not alone. The good news is that fixing a smelly dishwasher is easy and doesn't require you to be a professional plumber. With a few simple steps, you can have your dishwasher smelling fresh and clean once again.

Step 1: Remove any debris from the dishwasher

The first thing you'll want to do is remove any large pieces of food or debris that may have accumulated in the dishwasher. This can be done by hand or with a wet/dry vacuum. Make sure you remove any debris from the bottom of the dishwasher and from the dishwasher filter. This will help prevent any future clogs and also help reduce any odor caused by leftover food particles and other debris.

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In addition to removing debris from the dishwasher, you'll also want to clean the spray arm and the dishwasher walls. This will help ensure that all the surfaces of the dishwasher are clean and free from any excess debris or bacteria that could be causing the smell.

Step 2: Clean the dishwasher

Next, you'll want to clean the dishwasher itself. One easy way to do this is to run a cycle with white vinegar. Simply pour 1 cup of white vinegar into a dishwasher-safe bowl and place it on the top rack of the dishwasher. Run the dishwasher on the hottest setting, without any other dishes in it. When the cycle is finished, your dishwasher should be fresh and clean.

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If you don't have any white vinegar on hand, you can also use baking soda instead. Simply sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda in the bottom of the dishwasher and run a cycle on the hottest setting, without any other dishes in it. When the cycle is finished, your dishwasher should be clean and fresh.

Step 3: Inspect and clean the dishwasher drain

If your dishwasher still smells after cleaning it, the problem could be with the drain. Over time, food debris and other particles can accumulate in the dishwasher drain, causing a foul smell. To fix this, you'll need to inspect and clean the dishwasher drain. This is typically located at the bottom of the dishwasher.

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You can use a wet/dry vacuum or a plumbing snake to clear out any debris or clogs in the dishwasher drain. Once the drain is clear, run a cycle with white vinegar or baking soda to ensure that the smell is gone.

Step 4: Use a dishwasher cleaner

If your dishwasher still smells after trying all of these steps, you may want to consider using a dishwasher cleaner. Dishwasher cleaners are designed to eliminate tough stains and odors caused by food particles and other debris. Simply follow the instructions on the cleaner to ensure that your dishwasher is fresh and clean.

In conclusion, a smelly dishwasher is a common problem that can be fixed with a few easy steps. By removing debris, cleaning the dishwasher, inspecting and cleaning the dishwasher drain, and using a dishwasher cleaner, you can have your dishwasher smelling fresh and clean in no time. So don't let a smelly dishwasher ruin your day - follow these simple steps and enjoy a clean, fresh-smelling dishwasher!