How to Clean a Stinky Dishwasher: 6 Effective Methods

Table Of Contents

1. Why Your Dishwasher Develops Unpleasant Odors
2. Method 1: Deep Clean with Vinegar
3. Method 2: Baking Soda Deodorizing Treatment
4. Method 3: Thorough Filter Cleaning
5. Method 4: Spray Arm Maintenance
6. Method 5: Bleach Treatment for Mold and Mildew
7. Method 6: Citrus Peel Freshener
8. Preventing Future Dishwasher Odors
9. When to Call Professional Cleaning Services

Is your dishwasher emitting an unpleasant odor that persists even after running a cycle? Learning how to clean a stinky dishwasher properly is essential for maintaining both your appliance’s performance and your kitchen’s freshness. Despite being designed to clean, dishwashers themselves require regular maintenance to prevent the buildup of food particles, grease, and soap scum that causes those offensive smells.

At SuperClean SG, we’ve helped countless homeowners tackle stubborn dishwasher odors with professional cleaning techniques. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll share six effective methods to eliminate dishwasher smells, restore your appliance’s cleaning power, and prevent future odor issues. These professional-grade cleaning solutions use simple household ingredients and proven techniques that meet industry standards for effectiveness.

Whether your dishwasher has developed a musty smell, fishy odor, or unidentifiable stench, these methods will help you transform your appliance from foul to fresh in no time. Let’s dive into why dishwashers develop odors and how to effectively eliminate them.

Why Your Dishwasher Develops Unpleasant Odors

Before tackling how to clean a stinky dishwasher, it’s important to understand what causes those unpleasant odors in the first place. Knowing the source helps you apply the most effective cleaning method and prevent future issues.

The primary causes of dishwasher odors include:

• Food debris accumulation: Small food particles can get trapped in filters, corners, and crevices
• Grease and soap scum buildup: Creates a film that traps bacteria and emits odors
• Hard water deposits: Mineral buildup that can trap odor-causing substances
• Mold and mildew growth: Thrives in the warm, moist environment of a dishwasher
• Stagnant water: Often caused by clogged drains or improper drainage
• Gasket and seal contamination: Food particles and moisture trapped in door seals

Now that we understand the culprits behind dishwasher odors, let’s explore the six most effective methods to eliminate them and restore your appliance to its fresh, clean state.

Method 1: Deep Clean with Vinegar

White vinegar is one of the most effective natural cleaning agents for dishwashers due to its acidity, which breaks down grease, soap scum, and mineral deposits while killing odor-causing bacteria.

What You’ll Need:

• 2 cups of white vinegar
• Heat-safe measuring cup or bowl

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Empty the dishwasher completely, removing all dishes, utensils, and racks if possible.

2. Check and clean the drain area at the bottom of the dishwasher, removing any visible food debris or objects.

3. Place 2 cups of white vinegar in a heat-safe measuring cup or bowl on the top rack of your empty dishwasher. If your dishwasher has a sanitize setting, this is ideal for deep cleaning.

4. Run a complete hot water cycle with no detergent. The hot water helps activate vinegar’s cleaning properties and carries it throughout the machine.

5. Once the cycle is complete, open the dishwasher door and let it air dry completely.

This method effectively eliminates most odors while dissolving mineral deposits and breaking down grease buildup. For particularly stubborn odors, you may need to repeat this process or combine it with other methods described below.

Method 2: Baking Soda Deodorizing Treatment

Baking soda is an excellent natural deodorizer that absorbs unpleasant smells while also providing gentle abrasive action to scrub away residue. This method works particularly well as a follow-up to the vinegar treatment.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 cup of baking soda

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Make sure the dishwasher is empty and that the vinegar cycle (if performed) is complete.

2. Sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda evenly across the bottom of the dishwasher. If your dishwasher has significant odor issues, you can leave the baking soda overnight for maximum absorption.

3. Run a short hot water cycle without detergent. Use the hottest water setting available.

4. When the cycle finishes, open the door to allow the dishwasher to air dry completely.

The combination of vinegar (Method 1) followed by baking soda (Method 2) creates a powerful one-two punch against dishwasher odors. The vinegar breaks down buildup while the baking soda neutralizes remaining odors and provides a fresh scent.

Method 3: Thorough Filter Cleaning

Many dishwasher owners don’t realize that modern dishwashers have removable filters that need regular cleaning. When food particles accumulate in these filters, they can decompose and cause significant odor problems.

What You’ll Need:

• Dish soap
• Soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush
• Hot water
• White vinegar (optional)

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Locate your dishwasher’s filter, typically found at the bottom of the dishwasher beneath the lower spray arm. Consult your dishwasher manual if you’re having trouble finding it.

2. Remove the filter by twisting it counterclockwise and lifting it out. Most dishwashers have a cylindrical filter that can be removed this way.

3. Disassemble the filter components if applicable. Many dishwashers have both a fine mesh filter and a larger cylindrical filter that fit together.

4. Rinse the filters under hot water to remove loose debris.

5. Fill a basin with hot, soapy water and soak the filters for 10-15 minutes to loosen stubborn grime.

6. Gently scrub the filters with a soft brush to remove any remaining food particles or residue. Pay special attention to the mesh portions and any crevices.

7. For stubborn buildup, create a paste with baking soda and water and use this to scrub problem areas.

8. Rinse thoroughly with hot water until all soap and debris are removed.

9. Reassemble and reinstall the filters in your dishwasher, making sure they click or lock into place properly.

We recommend cleaning dishwasher filters at least once a month for optimal performance and odor prevention. This simple maintenance task can prevent many common dishwasher problems and extend the life of your appliance.

Method 4: Spray Arm Maintenance

The spray arms in your dishwasher can become clogged with mineral deposits and food particles over time. When this happens, not only does cleaning efficiency decrease, but trapped food particles can decompose and cause odors.

What You’ll Need:

• Toothpick or small wire
• Soft-bristled brush
• White vinegar
• Old toothbrush

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Remove the upper and lower spray arms from your dishwasher. Most spray arms can be removed by unscrewing a central nut or by gently pulling or twisting the arm depending on your model. Consult your manual for specific instructions.

2. Check the spray holes for clogs or mineral buildup. Hold the spray arm up to a light source to identify blocked holes.

3. Use a toothpick or thin wire to gently clear any clogged spray holes. Be careful not to damage or widen the holes.

4. Rinse the spray arms under running water to flush out loose debris.

5. For mineral buildup, soak the spray arms in a solution of equal parts warm water and white vinegar for 30 minutes.

6. Use an old toothbrush to scrub away any remaining residue, paying special attention to the spray holes and water inlet.

7. Rinse thoroughly and reinstall the spray arms in your dishwasher.

8. Run a test cycle with no dishes to ensure everything is working properly.

Clean spray arms not only help eliminate odors but also improve your dishwasher’s cleaning performance. We recommend checking and cleaning spray arms every 3-6 months as part of regular maintenance.

Method 5: Bleach Treatment for Mold and Mildew

Important Note: Only use this method if your dishwasher does NOT have stainless steel interior components, as bleach can damage stainless steel surfaces. This method should be used sparingly and only when dealing with significant mold or mildew problems.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 cup of liquid chlorine bleach
• Heat-safe measuring cup or bowl

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Verify your dishwasher interior is not made of stainless steel before proceeding.

2. Remove all dishes, racks, and utensil holders if possible.

3. Place 1 cup of bleach in a dishwasher-safe, heat-resistant cup on the top rack of the empty dishwasher.

4. Run a complete hot water cycle without detergent.

5. After the cycle completes, leave the dishwasher door open to air dry completely.

The bleach treatment should be used as a last resort when dealing with persistent mold and mildew that hasn’t responded to other cleaning methods. For regular cleaning and odor maintenance, the vinegar and baking soda methods are safer and more appropriate.

Method 6: Citrus Peel Freshener

This method provides a pleasant scent while utilizing the natural cleaning properties of citrus oils to help break down grease and freshen your dishwasher.

What You’ll Need:

• Peels from 2-3 lemons, oranges, or grapefruits
• Heat-safe bowl or container

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Save the peels from 2-3 citrus fruits. Lemon works particularly well due to its strong cleaning properties.

2. Place the peels in a dishwasher-safe container on the top rack of an otherwise empty dishwasher.

3. Run a normal hot water cycle without detergent.

4. When the cycle completes, remove the container with the peels.

This method works well as a final step after performing a more thorough cleaning with other methods. The natural oils in the citrus peels help to eliminate lingering odors and leave a pleasant, fresh scent. While not as effective at removing heavy buildup as other methods, it’s perfect for regular maintenance once you’ve dealt with the underlying cause of odors.

Preventing Future Dishwasher Odors

After learning how to clean a stinky dishwasher, you’ll want to implement these preventive measures to keep odors from returning:

Regular Maintenance Routine

Incorporate these habits into your regular cleaning routine:

• Scrape plates thoroughly before loading them in the dishwasher
• Clean the filter weekly to prevent food buildup
• Wipe down the door gaskets and edges monthly with a damp cloth
• Run an empty vinegar cycle once a month for preventive maintenance
• Leave the door slightly ajar between uses to allow moisture to escape
• Check and clean spray arms every 3-6 months
• Use dishwasher cleaning tablets as recommended by your appliance manufacturer

Water Temperature and Quality

For optimal dishwasher performance and odor prevention:

• Set your water heater to at least 120°F (49°C) for effective cleaning
• Consider installing a water softener if you live in a hard water area
• Use rinse aid regularly to prevent water spots and mineral buildup

Usage Tips

Optimize how you use your dishwasher:

• Run the garbage disposal before starting your dishwasher since they often share drainage pipes
• Don’t leave dirty dishes sitting in the dishwasher for days
• Run a rinse cycle if you need to wait before running a full load
• Use quality detergent appropriate for your water hardness level

When to Call Professional Cleaning Services

While the methods outlined above will resolve most dishwasher odor issues, some situations call for professional intervention. Consider contacting professional home cleaning services when:

• Persistent odors remain despite trying multiple cleaning methods
• You notice mold growth that doesn’t respond to cleaning
• Your dishwasher isn’t draining properly, which may indicate a deeper plumbing issue
• You’ve recently experienced a sewage backup or flood that affected your dishwasher
• Your dishwasher is part of a larger kitchen deep cleaning project

Professional cleaners have specialized equipment and cleaning solutions that can address stubborn dishwasher issues more effectively than household methods. They can also identify underlying problems that might be contributing to persistent odors or performance issues.

At SuperClean SG, our professional cleaning technicians follow strict cleaning protocols that meet industry standards. We can include dishwasher deep cleaning as part of our kitchen cleaning services or deep cleaning packages to ensure your appliances are thoroughly sanitized and functioning optimally.

Learning how to clean a stinky dishwasher effectively is an important skill for maintaining both your kitchen hygiene and your appliance’s performance. By following the six methods outlined in this guide—vinegar cleaning, baking soda treatment, filter maintenance, spray arm cleaning, bleach treatment (when appropriate), and citrus freshening—you can eliminate unpleasant odors and prevent them from returning.

Regular maintenance is the key to keeping your dishwasher fresh and functioning properly. Implementing the preventive measures discussed will save you time and frustration in the long run while extending the life of your appliance. Remember to clean filters weekly, run monthly vinegar cycles, and keep an eye on spray arms and door seals for buildup.

For persistent issues or as part of a comprehensive cleaning plan, don’t hesitate to reach out to professional cleaning services. Expert cleaners can provide deeper cleaning and identify underlying issues that might be contributing to ongoing problems.

With these professional cleaning techniques and maintenance tips, your dishwasher will remain odor-free while continuing to deliver spotless dishes and utensils for years to come.