Appliance Repair Services

Smelly Dishwasher? Let’s Clean the Problem at the Source

Dre'as
July 21, 2025

A smelly dishwasher can be a major inconvenience, turning what should be a simple task into a frustrating experience. If your dishwasher has developed a bad odor, it’s not only unpleasant but could also signal an underlying issue. Fortunately, a smelly dishwasher is often easy to fix with the right approach. At Romano’s Appliance Repair, we specialize in diagnosing and solving appliance problems, including dishwasher odors. In this article, we’ll walk you through the common causes of a smelly dishwasher and how to clean it at the source for fresh, clean dishes every time.

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1. Why Does My Dishwasher Smell?

Before we dive into the cleaning process, let’s understand why your dishwasher might have developed an odor. Some common causes of dishwasher smells include:

Food debris left in the filter or drain.
Mold or mildew growth due to moisture buildup.
Clogged or dirty spray arms that can trap food particles.
Improper drainage, causing stagnant water to sit in the bottom of the dishwasher.
Old or dirty seals that trap food particles and bacteria.

Why It Matters: A smelly dishwasher indicates that food, bacteria, or mold is present, which can affect the cleanliness of your dishes.
How It Helps: Understanding the cause of the odor allows you to target the problem directly and effectively eliminate the smell.

2. Step 1: Clean the Dishwasher Filter

The first thing to check is the dishwasher filter. Over time, food particles can build up in the filter, causing odors and poor performance. Cleaning the filter is simple and can eliminate many unpleasant smells.

Why It Matters: A clogged filter can block water from draining properly, leading to bacteria and mold growth.
How It Helps: Cleaning the filter removes trapped food particles, improving both the odor and the efficiency of your dishwasher.

How to Clean the Filter:

Locate the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher.
Remove the filter and rinse it under warm water to remove debris.
Use a soft brush to scrub any remaining particles, and then reassemble it.

3. Step 2: Clean the Spray Arms

The spray arms of your dishwasher are responsible for distributing water evenly to clean your dishes. If these become clogged or dirty, they can harbor food particles and bacteria, leading to odors.

Why It Matters: Dirty spray arms can prevent water from flowing properly, leaving food residue behind and causing foul smells.
How It Helps: Cleaning the spray arms ensures that they can spray water effectively and keep the inside of your dishwasher fresh.

How to Clean the Spray Arms:

Remove the bottom rack and locate the spray arms.
Check the holes for any blockages.
Use a toothpick or small brush to clear any debris.
Rinse the spray arms with warm water and reattach them.

4. Step 3: Clean the Drain and Bottom of the Dishwasher

Stagnant water in the dishwasher drain can quickly develop a foul smell. Food particles and water can get trapped at the bottom of the dishwasher, causing odors to linger.

Why It Matters: Stagnant water in the drain or bottom of the dishwasher leads to the growth of bacteria and mold.
How It Helps: Cleaning the drain ensures that water flows freely and prevents smells from accumulating in the appliance.

How to Clean the Drain:

Inspect the bottom of the dishwasher for any visible debris or standing water.
Use a towel or sponge to soak up any remaining water.
Check the drain hose for any blockages and clean them out as needed.

5. Step 4: Run a Deep Cleaning Cycle

To really get rid of lingering smells, running a deep cleaning cycle is a great way to sanitize the dishwasher. This process helps remove any remaining food particles, mold, or bacteria that may be trapped in hidden areas.

Why It Matters: Regular deep cleaning is essential for maintaining the freshness of your dishwasher.
How It Helps: A deep cleaning cycle kills bacteria and removes built-up grime that regular washes may miss.

How to Run a Deep Cleaning Cycle:

Place a dishwasher-safe cup of white vinegar on the top rack.
Run a hot water cycle without any dishes in the dishwasher.
After the cycle finishes, sprinkle baking soda on the bottom and run another short hot water cycle to help deodorize.

6. Step 5: Maintain the Dishwasher with Regular Cleaning

Prevention is always better than cure. Regular cleaning and maintenance of your dishwasher can prevent odors from building up in the first place. Here are some tips for keeping your dishwasher fresh:

Why It Matters: Regular maintenance ensures that food particles don’t build up and that your dishwasher runs efficiently.
How It Helps: Consistent cleaning keeps odors at bay and extends the life of your appliance.

Maintenance Tips:

Clean the filter regularly (at least once a month).
Run an empty cycle with white vinegar and baking soda every 1-2 months.
Check for standing water and clean the drain periodically.

7. Call a Professional If the Problem Persists

If your dishwasher continues to have odors after cleaning the filter, spray arms, and drain, it might be time to call a professional. Persistent smells can sometimes indicate a deeper issue, such as a malfunctioning drain pump or a buildup of mold behind the appliance.

Why It Matters: If the smell persists, there could be an underlying mechanical issue that needs expert attention.
How It Helps: A professional appliance repair technician, like Romano’s Appliance Repair, can diagnose and fix the root cause of the odor to prevent future problems.

Conclusion

A smelly dishwasher is an issue that can be easily resolved with a little care and attention. By following these simple steps—cleaning the filter, spray arms, drain, and running a deep cleaning cycle—you can eliminate odors and keep your dishwasher running efficiently. If the problem persists, don’t hesitate to contact Romano’s Appliance Repair for expert troubleshooting and service.