How to Clean a Smelly Dishwasher and Keep It Fresh

Fri Mar 21 2025

Is your dishwasher giving off a musty, sour, or downright sewer-like smell? A smelly dishwasher is unpleasant and can make your dishes come out less than sparkling. But don't worry, getting rid of the stench (and keeping it from coming back) is easier than you think.

In this guide, we’ll break down how to clean a smelly dishwasher and simple tricks to keep it fresh between washes. Plus, we'll highlight a few of the best dishwashers that come with features designed to help prevent odor buildup in the first place.

Why Does My Dishwasher Smell Bad?

Before we dive into cleaning, let’s talk about what’s causing that stink in the first place:

Trapped Food & Grease – Leftover food particles don’t always get flushed away, especially if your dishwasher filter is clogged. Over time, they rot and stink.
Mold & Mildew Growth – Dishwashers are warm, damp environments, the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew.
Clogged or Dirty Drain Hose – If your dishwasher smells like sewage, it could mean the drain hose is partially clogged, allowing dirty water to sit inside.
Hard Water Buildup – If you’ve got hard water, mineral deposits can form on your dishwasher’s walls, trapping bacteria and odors.

The good news is that a little regular maintenance can fix all of this.

Step-By-Step: How to Deep Clean a Smelly Dishwasher

If your dishwasher is smelling funky, it’s time for a deep clean. But how do you clean a smelly dishwasher? Here’s how to get it back to smelling fresh:

1. Clean the Dishwasher Filter

Your dishwasher filter is ground zero for food buildup. Food particles rot if you don’t clean them regularly, leading to that awful smell. Ideally, you’ll want to clean your filter once a month, but if you cook a lot, do it every couple of weeks.

How to clean it:

Locate the filter at the bottom of your dishwasher (usually under the bottom spray arm).
Twist and remove it.
Rinse it under warm water and scrub it with a soft brush and mild dish soap.
Let it dry before putting it back.

Need a new filter? Check out our range of dishwasher accessories.

2. Wipe Down the Interior

Mold and grease love to cling to the inside of your dishwasher. To clean it:

Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle.
Spray the dishwasher walls, door, and rubber seals.
Wipe everything down with a microfiber cloth or sponge.

Pro tip: Pay extra attention to the rubber seal around the door—mold LOVES hiding there.

3. Run a Vinegar Wash

Vinegar naturally breaks down grease, kills bacteria, and deodorizes your dishwasher.

How to do it:

Pour 1 cup of white vinegar into a dishwasher-safe bowl and place it on the top rack.
Run a hot water cycle (without detergent or dishes).

Tip: Don’t mix vinegar and baking soda at the same time, they cancel each other out!

4. Follow Up with Baking Soda

For an extra deodorizing boost:

Sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda across the bottom of your dishwasher.
Run a short hot water cycle.

This step eliminates any lingering smells and helps keep your dishwasher fresh.

5. Check the Dishwasher Drain Hose

If your dishwasher smells like sewage, the drain hose might be the issue. Over time, grease and food particles can clog the hose, trapping dirty water inside.

Quick Fix:

Pour boiling water down the drain to break up grease.
Use a pipe cleaner or a straightened-out wire hanger to remove the buildup inside the hose.

Tip: If the smell persists, the hose may be kinked or clogged, and you might need to remove it for a deeper clean.

How to Keep Your Dishwasher from Smelling Between Washes

Once you have a clean dishwasher, here’s how to keep it fresh:

✔ Run It Regularly – If your dishwasher sits too long between cycles, standing water can start to smell.
✔ Use Rinse Aid – This helps water drain properly, reducing moisture buildup.
✔ Leave the Door Slightly Open – This prevents trapped moisture (and mold).
✔ Clean the Filter Monthly – Trust us, this is the #1 way to avoid stink.
✔ Toss in a Lemon Peel – Run a load with a lemon peel to keep things smelling fresh naturally.

Odor-Fighting Dishwashers at Metro Appliances & More

Want a dishwasher that practically cleans itself? These top dishwashers come with features designed to prevent odors:

Bosch 800 Series 24” Dishwasher

(Model: SHX78CM5N)

Built-in CrystalDry™ technology prevents moisture buildup.
PrecisionWash™ sensors ensure no food particles get left behind.
Ultra-quiet operation (so you won’t even know it’s running).

Thermador Star Sapphire® Dishwasher 24'' Professional Dishwasher

(Model: DWHD661EFP)

Zone Control™ Cleaning lets you customize up to 4 lower rack cleaning zones for precise washing.
StarDry™ with Zeolite provides superior drying without chemicals, reaching tough crevices.
Adjustable Chef’s Tool Drawer® offers extra flexibility for larger or smaller kitchen tools.

KitchenAid Dishwasher with FreeFlex™ Fit Third Rack

(Model: KDTF924PPS)

FreeFlex™ Fit Third Level Rack with wash jets fits 5" tall glasses.
Integrated Water Softener helps in preventing streaks and buildup.
ProWash™ Cycle automatically adapts settings for different loads.

👉 Check out these and more dishwashers at Metro Appliances & More to keep your kitchen smelling fresh!

Find Your Next Dishwasher at Metro Appliances & More

Now that you know how to clean a dishwasher, you’ll enjoy fresher-smelling dishes and a more enjoyable kitchen. If your old dishwasher is giving you trouble, it might be time for an upgrade. Ready to explore the top dishwashers and more in person? Contact us or visit us in person at one of our appliance store locations across Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. We’re here to help you choose the best kitchen cleanup tools for your kitchen.

Browse our appliances online, including garbage disposals, laundry appliances, refrigerators, outdoor grills, and more.

FAQ: Keeping Your Dishwasher Smelling Fresh

How often should I deep clean my dishwasher to avoid bad smells?

To prevent odors, deep clean monthly (more often for heavy cooking). Clean filter monthly (biweekly if needed), wipe interior, run 1 cup vinegar on top rack (hot cycle), then baking soda on bottom (short cycle). Run regularly + leave door ajar between uses.

Can I put baking soda in my dishwasher to make it smell better?

Yes! Sprinkling 1 cup of baking soda on the bottom before running a short hot cycle is a great way to absorb odors.

How often should I clean my dishwasher filter?

You should clean your dishwasher at least once a month, and more often if you notice food residue or smells.

Can I put bleach in my dishwasher?

Only if your dishwasher doesn’t have stainless steel parts. Bleach can damage stainless steel interiors, so use vinegar instead.

Why do my dishes smell like wet dog after washing?

This happens when grease and food particles get trapped in the filter or drain. Deep cleaning your dishwasher should fix the problem.

Where do I put vinegar in the dishwasher?

You may place 1 cup of vinegar in a bowl on the top rack, then run a hot cycle (without detergent or dishes).