5 Ways To Get Rid of Unwanted Dishwasher Smells

A buildup of food and grease can cause unwanted odors in a dishwasher and if you don’t address the issue quickly, this buildup could lead to further complications. No one wants their home to stink. Get helpful tips to eliminate unwanted dishwasher smells so that your kitchen stays clean and odor-free.

Clean the Spray Arm

Regularly cleaning your dishwasher’s spray arm helps reduce the risk of foul smells. To do this, use a sponge and a diluted vinegar solution to scrub away any built-up material on the spray arm. Make sure to be gentle when working around the inner pieces, such as the nozzles. It may help to have a thin brush on hand for hard-to-reach areas.

Once you’ve gone over everything with the sponge, rinse off any remaining residue and run the dishwasher on a hot cycle with an empty load to eliminate any remaining food residue.

Scrub Inside

For a thorough cleaning, remove all possible components from the dishwasher, such as racks and filters, before scrubbing away grime from the interior walls. Use a soft cleaning brush to prevent scratches.

For an extra deep clean, use a diluted vinegar solution or baking soda and vinegar to scrub the inside. To thoroughly clean away dirt and germs from the walls of your dishwasher, gently but firmly scrub the walls in a circular.

Do a Cleaning Cycle

Regularly running a hot water cycle in your dishwasher with a professional dishwasher cleaner, baking soda, or white vinegar helps keep odors away by preventing food particles from sticking and building up in the filter. Experts recommend doing this at least once a month to ensure optimal cleanliness and sanitation.

Check Drainage

Ensuring the proper drainage of your dishwasher is another way to eliminate unwanted dishwasher smells. Inspect your dishwasher’s drain hose monthly to keep it free of blockages. Additionally, if you have a garbage disposal installed in your kitchen, periodically check it for clogs to prevent blockages to the dishwasher’s water flow.

Pro Tip

If your dishwasher has a drain filter at the rear, remove it and wash it in the sink with vinegar and baking soda or dish soap. After drying the drain filter, put it back into the dishwasher.

Contact a Repair Expert

If the problem persists after trying these methods, contact a repair expert for a dishwasher repair service. A professional will check for any other possible causes of the smell, such as a faulty heating element or worn-out seals. They should be able to provide an effective solution to get rid of the odor and restore your dishwasher to its normal functioning condition.

Contact Us

Unwanted odors in your dishwasher are unpleasant and may signify further issues with the appliance itself. The experts at Appliance Recovery can help. Our technicians know how to work on various name-brand appliances and can get yours up and running in no time.