Dishwasher Odors: What Causes Them and How to Get Rid of Them

Because the dishwasher is regularly exposed to food and other stuff that spoils easily, it can often times have a funny smell, one that's like rotten food and something you definitely don't want to have in your kitchen. It leaves a mark on the kitchen that says something is not clean in here and people will not like it including you. However, don't stress over it, let me help you. In this article, we will take a look at a couple of ways to get rid of that awful odor coming from your dishwasher.

Before proceeding, it is important to clean the dishwasher first. Whatever is causing it to smell has to be removed first. Empty your dishwasher first and remove every plate or utensil that is there. Once empty, run one normal cycle, but instead of using your dishwasher detergent, use one cup of vinegar instead. As soon as that's done, open your dishwasher and sniff to check if any funny smell is still there. Then, take a toothbrush that's not being used anymore and dip this in warm soapy water. Use the toothbrush to clean the dishwasher, making sure to cover the entire area especially the seals. Tiny food particles might still be around and the only way to be sure to get rid of them is by thoroughly brushing the area. You can also use a soft bristle brush to clean the racks. Use warm soapy water as well as a soft clean cloth and scrub everything inside entirely. If you're done with all that, you can run for another cycle still using a cup of vinegar.

Other options you can do is use a cup of baking soda. Run the dishwasher using this ingredient. This helps to remove any food particles left behind because with its mild abrasiveness. At the same time, it's also a good neutralizer for smells. You can also pour baking soda on the drain of the kitchen sink to help with that odor. Afterwards, also pour vinegar in order to effectively clean the drain which could be the source of the smell. When mixed, vinegar and baking soda will result in a bubbling reaction which is very effective in dislodging any unwanted substances.

Still another option is cleaning it with bleach added with water. Clean the entire dishwasher thoroughly using a cloth or a brush. Once you are finished, leave it open to let it dry.