Tired of a smelly dishwasher? Food scraps, grease, soap scum—or even a missing high loop—could be the cause. In this video, we’ll show you simple cleaning hacks and proper drain setup to eliminate odors and keep your dishwasher fresh!
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A dishwasher saves a lot of labor and is convenient, but must be maintained to have it to perform AND smell like new. Many dishwashers become stinky after a short time - usually due to rotting food particles, soap scum, or a film of biological material.
Here’s how the problems occur, how to fix them, and how to stop the “stank” forever!
1. Check the Air Gap and Plumbing Connection
An air gap—typically mounted on the kitchen sink—prevents dirty water from backing into your dishwasher. If clogged, it will trap debris and cause odors. Remove the cap and clean it with a small brush. If you don’t have an air gap installed, the drain hose must have a “high loop” - a raised area between the dishwasher and the wastewater connection (commonly to a port on a waste disposal unit). This prevents backflow from the sink’s drain, which will bring unpleasant smells into your dishwasher.
2. Clean the Filter and Food Grinder
Most modern dishwashers have a removable filter located at the bottom under the spray arm. It catches food debris and prevents it from recirculating. When not cleaned regularly, it will smell awful. About monthly, remove the filter, rinse with hot water, scrub with a soft brush and dish soap, and reinstall.
Some dishwashers also have a small food grinder (AKA macerator) to pulverize scraps. These typically don’t require routine maintenance, but running a cleaning cycle monthly will help keep the internal components fresh.
3. Inspect Traps and Drain Areas
At the bottom of your dishwasher is a drain trap or sump, where water and debris collect before draining. This is a common odor hotspot. Wipe it out with a sponge and warm vinegar solution or use a bottle brush to dislodge gunk. Also, check for standing water—it could indicate a clogged drain line.
4. Use the Right Detergents and Rinse Aids
Choose high-quality pods, gels, or enzyme-based detergents. Enzyme detergents break down protein- and starch-based residues (like egg, cheese, and pasta) by digesting them into smaller, rinsable particles. This not only improves cleaning performance but also prevents buildup or biofilms that will lead to odors.
While pods are more expensive, they do more, simply because they are premeasured, and usually contain rinse aids that help water sheet off dishes and prevent film and spots. It also improves drying, reducing the damp conditions that promote mold and mildew.
5. Clean Your Dishwasher Monthly
Several products are made specifically for deep-cleaning your dishwasher. Look for ones with citric acid or enzyme formulas. These dissolve grease, limescale, and biofilm that cause odors.
Popular options include Affresh® Dishwasher Cleaner, Finish® Machine Cleaner, and Cascade® Dishwasher Cleaner. These are typically used by running a cleaning cycle with the dishwasher empty and the cleaner placed according to package instructions—usually in the detergent cup or bottom rack.
If you don’t want to use commercial cleaning aids, here are some ways you can help keep your dishwasher odorless:
White vinegar rinse: Put a cup of vinegar in a bowl on the top rack and run a hot regular cycle. After a vinegar cycle, sprinkle ½ cup baking soda in the bottom and run a short hot cycle.
Lemon juice: Add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to the detergent cup for a fresh scent.
Citric Acid: to take it up a few steps from a lemon juice treatment, add 3-4 tablespoons of citric acid powder to the detergent compartment or sprinkle it directly into the bottom of the dishwasher. Run a hot water cycle on the longest setting to help remove hard water stains, mineral buildup, and odors.
6. Other Ways to Reduce Biological and Odor Build Up
Rinse before loading: Scrape plates well to minimize food buildup.
Run hot water in the sink to ensure the first fill is hot.
Use the dishwasher regularly: Letting it sit with damp food particles invites odor.
Leave the door ajar after use: This helps dry the interior and prevent mold.
Wipe the seals and edges: Food and grime often hide in the door gasket and edges. Use a vinegar-damp cloth.
One last tip. If your dishwasher drains through a disposal, clean the disposal often as bad smells can transfer. We clean our disposal by placing a cup of borax in the unit, followed by a dash of hot water, and a pulse of power to distribute the borax. We let it sit for about an hour and then rinse. Magical!
Here’s a bonus - a poem for you!
A spritz of soap, a filter clean,
A looped-up drain to keep it keen.
No funky stench, no gunky grime—
Your dishwasher hums in sparkling time!
JUST DO IT YOURSELF!
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