How to Remove Smell from Dishwasher the Easy Way

I still remember opening my dishwasher one morning and being hit with a sour, musty smell. It felt strange because the machine should clean, right? But food bits hide, moisture settles, and odors sneak in when we don’t notice. I ended up learning simple habits and tricks that worked surprisingly well. You might wonder if this happens only to older dishwashers, but even new ones need care.

Clean the dishwasher filter weekly; wipe the door seals inside and around edges; run a rinse cycle with white vinegar in a cup on the top rack; sprinkle baking soda on the bottom and run short cycle to deodorize; scrub spray arms holes with a toothpick; keep the door slightly open after use; wash dishes before they sit too long in the machine; clean drain and remove trapped food regularly.

Deep cleaning inside the tub for fresh smell

When odors settle, they often hide deep inside the tub where steam collects. I once noticed a slightly damp smell even after running hot cycles, and it turned out tiny grease particles had formed a thin film. Scrubbing the inside with warm soapy water makes a big difference, especially around corners. Even if it looks clean, residue can cling silently and cause trouble.

Start by removing racks and wiping the inside walls, door, and bottom area slowly. Use a soft cloth and gentle cleaner, and avoid abrasive pads so you don’t scratch surfaces. Pay attention to the rubber lining because crumbs often wedge there. You may find little sticky food bits hiding in spots you least expect, and removing them instantly improves smell.

Next, run a cycle using a bowl of white vinegar on the top rack. This lifts grease, breaks odor, and freshens the tub. I used to pour cleaners everywhere, but vinegar works surprisingly well and feels safer. If smells are stubborn, sprinkle baking soda at the base overnight and run a warm rinse cycle in the morning. The mix of vinegar and baking soda days apart keeps things balanced.

After cleaning, always leave the dishwasher slightly open so moisture doesn’t trap inside. Damp air sitting too long is like leaving wet clothes in a bag—it smells. I started doing this casually and noticed the odor simply did not return. It’s a habit that feels small but works over time, especially in humid places.

• Wipe the tub walls and corners
• Use vinegar bowl cycle
• Apply baking soda for deodorizing
• Leave door cracked open after use

Cleaning the filter and drain area thoroughly

A smelly dishwasher often starts at the filter because leftover food collects there. I ignored mine for weeks once, thinking water would wash everything away, but it doesn’t. When I finally pulled it out, I found soggy pasta and onion bits tucked inside. No wonder it smelled! Cleaning this part regularly keeps water flowing clean and fresh.

Remove the bottom rack and twist the filter out gently. Rinse it under warm water and scrub with a soft brush or old toothbrush. If grease sticks, soak the filter in soapy water for ten minutes. It may feel like a small chore, but it saves you from that damp, rotten smell later. Even tiny trapped crumbs can cause a big stink over time.

After the filter, inspect the drain around it. Sometimes seeds or bone fragments settle there, making water stagnate. Use gloves and wipe around with a paper towel or cloth. I once found a lemon seed that kept blocking water slightly, and removing it improved both smell and machine performance. It’s funny how the smallest thing can cause big trouble.

Finish by running hot water in your sink before starting a cycle so the dishwasher begins with warm flow. Warm water dissolves grease better and pushes old odors away. Once you do this regularly, cleaning feels less like a deep task and more like a quick habit. And honestly, the smell stays gone without needing extra deodorizing tricks.

• Clean the filter weekly
• Check drain area for trapped bits
• Scrub with toothbrush and soapy water
• Start cycles with hot sink water

Refreshing spray arms and jets for odor-free wash

Sometimes odor hides because the spray arms are clogged and can’t wash properly. Think of it like a shower head that sprays weakly when holes block up. I once wondered why dishes came out dull even though I ran hot cycles, and clogged jets were the secret culprit. When water can’t move freely, food residue lingers and smells.

Remove the spray arms and check the holes carefully. Use a toothpick or little brush to clear any debris. You may see rice grains or seeds pop out, which is oddly satisfying. Rinse the arms under warm running water and gently shake them to release hidden particles. This tiny step improves wash quality more than people realize.

After cleaning, reattach them securely and spin them to make sure they move freely. Sometimes the arms get stiff when grime builds around the joint. A smooth spin means water will reach every shelf and corner. When I did this the first time, I noticed glasses sparkled cleaner, and the machine smelled fresher too.

Also remember to check the upper arm because leftovers splashed upward often hide there. Many people forget the top one, but it matters just as much. Do this monthly, or sooner if you cook greasy meals often. Keeping water paths clear keeps stale odor from building up and keeps every wash cycle effective.

• Clear spray arm holes with toothpick
• Rinse arms well under water
• Ensure arms spin freely
• Clean monthly for best results

Tackling door seals and hidden edges that trap smell

Dishwasher door seals behave like refrigerator gaskets—they trap crumbs and moisture. Once, I noticed a sour smell even after wiping the inside, and the secret culprit was the rubber seal groove. Food sludge hides there silently, and wiping it out is like revealing a mystery spot. It’s a part people ignore but should not.

Take a damp cloth and mild cleaner, and gently slide along the seal grooves. If buildup feels sticky, use a toothbrush and warm soapy water. Move slowly so you catch hidden bits, especially around corners. In tight crevices, a cotton swab works great and reaches deep. You might find tiny crumbs or even soap film that creates musty smell.

Next, clean the dishwasher door edges and bottom lip. Water sometimes pools there, creating mildew smell. A little vinegar on a cloth works nicely and dries fresh. I once wiped mine twice because the first pass loosened gunk, and the second removed it fully. Don’t rush, and take your time to get everything.

Finally, wipe the control panel edge where steam rises because grease mist settles unbelievably there. Even though this area doesn’t touch dishes, it affects the machine smell. Once clean, dry the seals fully and leave the door cracked open. This routine takes less than ten minutes and prevents that embarrassing “dishwasher funk.”

• Scrub rubber seals and corners
• Clean door edges and bottom lip
• Use toothbrush and cotton swabs
• Dry and leave door open

Using natural cleaners like vinegar and baking soda

Many people jump to strong detergents, but natural cleaners often work better for smell. Vinegar cuts grease and kills odor naturally without harsh fumes. I like to keep a bottle under my sink just for cleaning the dishwasher and sink drain. When used right, it leaves everything fresh without chemical scent.

Place a cup of white vinegar on the top rack and run a hot wash. The steam spreads the vinegar around and loosens buildup inside. If your dishwasher smells strongly, you might notice an improvement after one cycle. Some friends say they prefer lemon juice, but vinegar always feels more powerful for grease and odor.

After the vinegar cycle, sprinkle baking soda across the bottom. Let it sit for a few hours, ideally overnight. In the morning, run a short warm rinse cycle. Baking soda absorbs lingering smell and brightens the stainless steel interior. It’s a little like deodorizing a fridge, just with heat and water involved.

Avoid using vinegar and baking soda together at the same moment in the machine. They cancel each other out when mixed directly. Instead, do them on separate days or cycles for best results. This natural cleaning rhythm keeps the dishwasher fresh without spending much. Plus, it feels nice knowing everyday household ingredients do the job safely.

• Run vinegar clean cycle
• Use baking soda separately
• Avoid mixing both at same time
• Use natural routine regularly

Preventing odor with good dishwasher habits

Removing odor is great, but preventing it feels even better. I learned simple habits when I got tired of deep cleaning too often. Food scraps left too long in the dishwasher act like compost, especially during warm weather. So a quick rinse before loading helps keep smells down immediately.

Avoid prewashing dishes excessively, but scrape heavy leftovers into the trash or compost bin. This keeps large particles from sticking in the filter. If you don’t run the dishwasher daily, consider running a rinse-only cycle to avoid stale water smell. I used to let dishes sit overnight often, but rinsing quickly changed everything.

Also, load dishes properly so water reaches every item. Overlapping plates block spray, leaving hidden food behind, and then smells start again. Strategic spacing feels like a small puzzle and worth mastering. You’ll notice cleaner dishes and fresher interior each time. Little adjustments go a long way.

Finally, always leave the door slightly ajar once a cycle finishes. It prevents humidity from staying trapped, which is like keeping a gym bag open instead of zipped. If you ever returned to a closed steamy dishwasher, you know the smell. Fresh airflow is the easiest odor prevention trick of all.

• Scrape food before loading
• Don’t overload racks
• Run rinse cycle if not washing soon
• Leave door cracked open after cycles

Final Thoughts

Odor in a dishwasher doesn’t mean something is wrong, but it does mean something needs attention. With small actions done regularly, you stop smells before they start. Cleaning filters, wiping seals, and letting air flow work wonders over time. Try one habit today and you’ll notice a fresher machine soon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it normal for a dishwasher to smell sometimes?

It is normal for a dishwasher to develop odors occasionally, especially if food scraps sit inside or moisture collects for too long. Even new machines can smell if filters aren’t cleaned or dishes stay inside overnight. However, a persistent bad smell means something needs cleaning, like the filter or seals. Try small cleaning habits weekly so odors never have a chance to grow. It’s similar to kitchen trash—routine attention keeps things fresh and simple.

Can vinegar damage my dishwasher?

Vinegar is safe when used properly, and it won’t damage your dishwasher if you use one cup at a time on the top rack. However, pouring large amounts directly on rubber seals every day may wear them over many years. The trick is moderation and spacing vinegar cycles. Many people rely on vinegar because it breaks grease naturally. If worried, alternate between vinegar cycles and mild dishwasher cleaners for balance.

Is it okay to leave wet dishes inside the dishwasher?

Leaving wet dishes inside for hours can create a musty smell because moisture doesn’t escape. Dishwashers dry well after cycles, but humidity still lingers. If you finish a wash at night, crack the door open slightly to let air flow. This prevents trapped steam from settling into the seals and racks. I often unload in the morning instead, and as long as the door stays open a bit, no odor forms.

Can dishwasher tablets cause odor buildup?

Dishwasher tablets themselves don’t cause odor, but leftover detergent residue can if the spray arms clog or filter traps debris. Sometimes too much detergent leads to foam and film. Choosing a good tablet and ensuring proper water flow helps prevent buildup. You can occasionally run a hot vinegar cycle to clear residue. Balancing detergent use and cleaning habits keeps everything fresh and functional.

Do I need to rinse dishes before loading?

You don’t need to fully wash dishes before loading, but scraping food makes a big difference. Thick sauces, rice, and seeds easily clog filters and cause smells later. Rinsing lightly or running a quick rinse cycle if not washing right away helps a lot. I learned this when a few rice grains sat for two days and smelled sour. Small steps save deep cleaning time later.

Is baking soda safe for stainless steel dishwashers?

Baking soda is safe and gentle on stainless steel interiors, and it helps remove odor naturally. Sprinkle a thin layer on the bottom, let it sit, then run a warm rinse. Avoid scrubbing stainless steel with gritty mixtures, though, to prevent scratches. Baking soda absorbs odors like in refrigerators, just with heat added. People love it because it works without strong scent or chemicals.

Can mold grow inside a dishwasher?

Mold can grow if moisture sits trapped and food particles hide in corners. Door seals and filters are the most common spots. You might see dark specks or smell earthy odor. Cleaning seals weekly and leaving the door open after cycles prevents mold easily. Vinegar cycles also help break mold spores. Think of it like a shower—ventilation is key to keeping everything fresh.

Do I need special dishwasher cleaners?

You don’t need special cleaners all the time, but using one occasionally can support routine cleaning. Vinegar and baking soda handle everyday odor well, while store-bought cleaners lift deeper grease layers. Alternate between natural and commercial options if your machine gets heavy use. What matters most is consistency. Even a quick weekly wipe keeps the machine fresh without relying on strong chemicals often.