How to Keep Your Dishwasher Clean and Prevent Bad Smells
A smelly dishwasher is more than just unpleasant. It is often a sign that food particles, grease, bacteria, or mold are trapped inside your machine. With proper cleaning and maintenance you can keep your dishwasher smelling fresh and working efficiently for years to come. Below we cover the best ways to clean your dishwasher including how to deal with odor causes food residue buildup filters detergent choice and ongoing maintenance.
Why Dishwashers Get Smelly
During normal use food particles and debris can collect in the filter drain and around the door gasket. Over time this buildup can break down and start to smell. In addition trapped moisture and bacteria growth can lead to foul odors especially in areas where food residue accumulates. Regular cleaning helps eliminate the cause of these smells and prevents them from returning.
How to Clean Your Dishwasher
1. Remove and Clean the Filter
Most dishwashers have a removable filter located at the bottom. This filter traps food and debris to protect the spray arms and keep dishes clean. To clean it remove the bottom dish rack and twist the filter counter clockwise to unlock it. Rinse the filter under hot water and use a soft brush or old toothbrush to scrub away stuck on food and grease. Replace it when it is clean and dry. It is recommended to clean the filter at least once a month or more depending on use.
2. Run a Vinegar Cycle
White vinegar is a natural deodorizer that helps break down grease and buildup. Place a dishwasher safe cup filled with white vinegar on the top rack of an empty dishwasher and run a full hot water cycle. This helps dissolve residue inside the dishwasher and neutralize odors.
3. Follow Up with Baking Soda
After the vinegar cycle sprinkle one cup of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher and run a short hot cycle. Baking soda helps absorb lingering odors and leaves your dishwasher fresh and clean.
4. Clean the Interior Surfaces
Wipe down the door edges rubber gaskets and interior walls with a damp cloth or sponge. Mold and mildew can hide in these areas so giving them regular attention helps stop odors before they start.
5. Optional Cleaning Tablets
Dishwasher cleaning tablets designed for internal use can help remove buildup in hard to reach areas including spray arms hoses and the drain pump. Using one of these once a month will improve overall cleanliness.
Best Detergents to Use
Using the right detergent is key to keeping dishes clean and preventing buildup inside the dishwasher. Look for high quality detergents that are compatible with your machine. Powder and liquid detergents often work well in homes with hard water while many pods include built in rinse aid for improved drying and shine. Avoid overfilling the detergent dispenser as excess soap can leave residue that contributes to odors.
Adding a rinse aid can also improve drying performance and reduce water spots especially in areas with mineral rich water. Rinse aid is released during the rinse cycle helping water sheet off dishes for faster drying.
How Often to Clean Your Dishwasher
For most households cleaning the filter once a month and doing a deep cleaning cycle with vinegar and baking soda every 4 to 6 weeks keeps odors at bay. Pay attention to how often you use your dishwasher and how dirty your dishes are to adjust cleaning frequency accordingly. If odors persist consult your user manual or contact a professional for a deeper inspection.
Tips to Prevent Future Odors
• Scrape food scraps off dishes before loading to reduce debris going into the filter.
• Leave the dishwasher door slightly open after each cycle to let moisture escape and prevent bacterial growth.
• Avoid overloading the dishwasher so water and detergent reach all surfaces and prevent trapped food particles.
• Check the drain hose for clogs if smells persist after cleaning. A blockage could trap standing water and cause odors.
Keep Your Dishwasher Fresh With Help From SEI Appliance Repair
A dishwasher that smells clean and performs well makes life easier and keeps your kitchen inviting. If you are struggling with persistent odors or your dishwasher is not cleaning dishes like it used to we can help. At SEI Appliance Repair our experienced technicians provide dishwasher cleaning service filter maintenance and troubleshooting to restore performance and extend the life of your appliance.
Call SEI Appliance Repair today at 319-394-2880 and let us take the hassle out of dishwasher maintenance.