5 Easy Steps to Get Rid of Odor in a Dishwasher

Step 1: Clean the Dishwasher Filter

The filter is your dishwasher’s first line of defense against food debris. Over time, trapped food particles and grease can clog the filter, leading to foul smells.

Remove the filter located at the bottom of the dishwasher. Rinse it under warm running water, using a soft brush or sponge to scrub away any stuck-on grime.

Reinstall the filter in the dishwasher.

Pro Tip: Soak the filter in a mixture of warm water and vinegar for 15 minutes to break down hard water deposits and stubborn residue if necessary.

Step 2: Wipe Down the Door Gasket

The rubber gasket around the dishwasher door often traps moisture and food particles, creating an ideal breeding ground for bacteria.

Use a damp cloth or sponge with a little dish soap to wipe down the gasket.

Pay close attention to the crevices where debris tends to hide.

Regularly wiping the gasket after each wash can prevent odors from developing in the first place.

If you discover that the door gasket is damaged when cleaning it, replace that parts using the procedure shown in this video:

If you’re not confident that you can replace the dishwasher door gasket on your own, schedule dishwasher repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to replace the gasket for you.

Step 3: Run a Dishwasher Cleaning Cycle

Vinegar is a natural deodorizer and cleaner that effectively tackles odors and buildup inside your dishwasher.

Place a dishwasher-safe cup filled with white vinegar on the top rack. Run a hot water cycle without any dishes.

Avoid adding vinegar directly to the dishwasher tub, as its acidity can damage the rubber components over time.

Instead of using vinegar, you can use Affresh dishwasher cleaner or Dishwasher Magic to clean and deodorize your dishwasher tub and internal components.

Step 4: Sprinkle Baking Soda for Extra Freshness

Baking soda neutralizes lingering odors and provides a mild abrasive action to clean the dishwasher’s interior.

After the cleaning cycle, sprinkle a cup of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher and run a short, hot cycle.

Pro Tip: Clean the dishwasher and use baking soda monthly to maintain freshness.

Step 5: Keep the Dishwasher Dry

Odor-causing bacteria thrive in damp environments. Keeping your dishwasher dry is key to preventing smells from returning.

After each wash, leave the dishwasher door slightly ajar to let moisture escape.

Bonus Tips for a Fresh-Smelling Dishwasher

Scrape Your Dishes Before Loading

Scrape off excess food before loading to minimize residue buildup.

You don’t need to pre-wash your dishes before loading them, just remove heavy pieces of food and thick residue to prevent debris buildup on dishwasher filters and inside the sump.

Schedule Annual Professional Dishwasher Maintenance

In addition to regularly cleaning and maintaining your dishwasher on your own, you should also schedule yearly dishwasher maintenance by a service technician.

The technician will perform the cleaning and maintenance steps shown in this video to help keep your dishwasher in top shape and smelling fresh:

Eliminating odors in your dishwasher doesn’t have to be a hassle.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy a fresh-smelling appliance and cleaner dishes.

Make it a habit to perform regular maintenance to prevent odors from reappearing. A little proactive care goes a long way in keeping your dishwasher in top-notch condition.