**Is your dishwasher giving off a funky smell that’s ruining your appetite? Don’t worry, you’re not alone, and we’ve got the lowdown on why it happens and how to fix it, pronto!**
Nobody wants a smelly dishwasher. Opening your dishwasher to a wave of unpleasant odors is a real bummer, especially when you’re expecting sparkling clean dishes. It ruins all the good things about a clean home. But fear not. It might be happening because of trapped food, built-up residue, or even some plumbing quirks.
Luckily, you don’t need to call in the pros just yet (though we’re here if you do!). In most cases, a little bit of cleaning and elbow grease can get your dishwasher smelling fresh again. We’ll walk you through everything, making it super simple and easy to understand. Plus, our team at Surrey Appliance Service Pros has seen it all, so we’re sharing our expert approved.
## Why Does My Dishwasher Smell Bad?
Dishwashers, while designed to clean, can sometimes become the source of unpleasant smells. This is often due to a buildup of food particles, grease, and soap scum in various parts of the machine. These leftover bits decompose over time. It becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.
Think of your dishwasher like a tiny, enclosed ecosystem. Without regular cleaning, that ecosystem can get way out of whack. This is why we have to be sure to do all we can. Regular maintenance is crucial for a happy and healthy dishwasher environment.
## Simple Cleaning Hacks for a Fresh-Smelling Dishwasher
Getting rid of that nasty **dishwasher odor** can be easy peasy. We are going to go over how to get the smell out. Follow these simple steps and we will get things going for you. You’ll be back to fresh-smelling dishes in no time.
### Clean the Dishwasher Filter: The First Line of Defense
Your dishwasher’s filter is the primary trap for all those food particles that get washed off your plates. If you’re dealing with a **stinky dishwasher**, a clogged or dirty filter is often the culprit. It’s the first place you should check, trust us. It is very easy to deal with.
To start, pull out the bottom rack of your dishwasher. You’ll usually find the filter at the bottom, often under the spray arm. It often looks like a round or cylindrical grate. Some filters have a twist-and-lift mechanism, while others might require unscrewing a cap, or have a top and bottom piece.
Once you’ve got the filter out, give it a good rinse under hot, running water. Use a soft-bristled brush, like an old toothbrush, to scrub away any gunk or debris that’s clinging on. If it’s really grimy, you can soak it in warm, soapy water for a few minutes before scrubbing. Don’t be shy about using some dish soap – it’s designed to cut through grease!
If you notice any hard, calcified buildup (especially if you have hard water), that’s likely mineral deposits. You can soak the filter in a solution of white vinegar and water (equal parts) for about 30 minutes to help dissolve those deposits. Just avoid this if the filters are made out of plastic not metal. Rinse thoroughly afterward.
After cleaning, pop the filter back into place. Make sure it’s securely seated, just the way you found it. **Clean dishwasher filter** checks are a super important part of routine **dishwasher maintenance**!
### Tackle the Dishwasher Drain: Clearing the Way
Now that the filter’s squeaky clean, it’s time to check the drain. Sometimes, even with a clean filter, food particles can get stuck in the drain hose or the garbage disposal (if your dishwasher is connected to one). A clogged drain can definitely lead to that “eww, what *is* that smell?” moment, and it’s a common cause of a **dishwasher that smells like sewage** or a **dishwasher that smells fishy**.
First, if you have a garbage disposal, run it for a few seconds with plenty of cold water. This is the best way to clear anything stuck in the machine. The food can be trapped in the pipes, so you want to clear it out. This will get things going. Many times it is the cause.
Next, take a peek inside the dishwasher’s drain area (usually at the very bottom, where the filter sits). Remove any visible debris you can find. This can be the cause of a **dishwasher that smells like rotten eggs**. Grab any large things you can see. Make sure not to drop anything down the drain.
Now, let’s do a deeper clean. Pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by two cups of white vinegar. You’ll get a cool fizzing action – that’s the baking soda and vinegar reacting to break down gunk. Let it fizz for about 30 minutes.
After the fizzing fun, flush the drain with hot (but not boiling) water for several minutes. This should help clear out any loosened debris. You can do many things to get this fixed. This will also help your dishwasher smell fresh. You will be able to take care of this without any further issues.
### Deep Cleaning: Banish the Odor for Good
Even if you’ve cleaned the filter and drain, sometimes smells can linger. So, we will do a deep cleaning. This is one of the best **dishwasher cleaning tips** we can give. It is very simple, and you should be doing it about once per month.
Start by making sure your dishwasher is completely empty. No dishes, no silverware, nothing. We want a blank slate to work with.
Next, place a dishwasher-safe cup filled with about one cup of white vinegar on the top rack. Run a hot water cycle (the hottest setting your dishwasher has) with just the vinegar in there. The vinegar will act as a natural deodorizer and help break down any remaining grease or soap scum throughout the dishwasher’s interior.
Once that cycle is finished, sprinkle a cup of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher. Let it sit overnight. This will further absorb any lingering odors and give the interior a nice scrubbing action.
In the morning, run another short, hot water cycle. This will rinse away the baking soda and any remaining residue. The baking soda should take care of the smell. Make sure you do this often. This will make it much easier to take care of any issues.
Finally, wipe down the door seals, edges, and the exterior of the dishwasher with a damp cloth and a mild cleaner. Sometimes, gunk can build up in these areas and contribute to odors. These places are often overlooked. Wipe away any residue that you can see. Once it is out, you are good to go.
## Frequently Asked Questions
### How can I prevent dishwasher smells in the future?
Preventing dishwasher smells is all about forming good habits. Scrape your dishes well before loading them. This is the best way. It will help to avoid large food from going into the machine. Avoid overloading the dishwasher; this allows for better water circulation and cleaning.
Run your dishwasher regularly, even if it’s not completely full. This helps prevent food particles from sitting and decomposing. Consider using a dishwasher cleaner tablet or liquid once a month. This helps keep things fresh and clean.
Leave the dishwasher door slightly ajar after each cycle (if possible) to allow for air circulation and prevent moisture buildup. This can help prevent a **dishwasher that smells musty** or a **dishwasher that smells like mildew**. It is very important.
### Can I use bleach to clean my smelly dishwasher?
We do not recommend using bleach. You should never add it. Bleach can damage the internal parts of the machine.
Bleach can be very harsh and is usually not recommended for cleaning dishwashers, especially those with stainless steel interiors. It can react with food particles and create harmful fumes. It can also damage certain components of your dishwasher over time.
Stick to gentler cleaning agents like vinegar, baking soda, or a commercial dishwasher cleaner designed for the purpose. These are much safer and still highly effective at **removing dishwasher odors naturally**. You can also find **best dishwasher cleaner** products that are environmentally friendly.
### What if my dishwasher still smells bad after cleaning?
If you’ve tried all the cleaning steps and your **dishwasher still smells bad**, there might be a more significant issue. It could be a problem with the drain hose, a faulty pump, or even an issue with your home’s plumbing.
In this case, it’s best to call in the professionals. Here at Surrey Appliance Service Pros, we have tons of experience. We would be happy to help you out with any of your issues. Our team can diagnose the problem of your **appliance maintenance, Surrey** location, and get your dishwasher back to its fresh-smelling best.
Don’t hesitate to reach out – we’re your local experts in **Surrey appliance repair**, and we’re always happy to help! We will get your dishwasher back up and running in no time. Contact our team of experts.
## Wrapping Up
Dealing with a **stinky dishwasher** is never fun, but it’s usually a problem you can solve with a little bit of effort. By regularly cleaning your dishwasher’s filter, checking the drain, and doing periodic deep cleans, you can keep those nasty odors at bay. You can also enjoy sparkling clean dishes again.
Remember, prevention is key! Make these cleaning steps part of your regular routine. You will get many benefits. You’ll be rewarded with a fresh-smelling dishwasher. Our team would love to assist you with any needs you may have.
