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How to Clean a Smelly Dishwasher

How to Clean a Smelly Dishwasher

Keep your dishwasher pristine and odor-free with these simple steps!

A smelly dishwasher is unpleasant, something you never want to happen in your house. If you begin to notice odors coming from your dishwasher, or if you notice that your dishes are less clean after a cycle than they were before, it is time to clean your dishwasher. There are several parts of a dishwasher that could cause a smell; here’s how to clean a smelly dishwasher in the most thorough way possible.

Remove All Dishware First

The first step is to remove all dishware and cooking tools from the dishwasher. The dishwasher must be empty aside from its racks for you to give it the best cleaning possible.

Use an Effective Cleaner

You should also have your cleaning supplies on hand when you begin. Dish soap and white vinegar are two great cleaning chemicals that you can use to get rid of that foul dishwasher odor. One can use warm, dish-soapy water, along with a 1:1 white vinegar and water solution for effective deodorizing and sanitizing. You can also benefit from having a soft-bristled brush, a sponge, a dry towel, and a bowl or basin for soaking on hand.

Clean the Dishwasher Interior

It is possible that your smelly dishwasher has grime stuck on its interior walls. Spray or wash the interior of the dishwasher down with your cleaning solution and remove all stains and dirt from it. Another method is to place white vinegar in a dishwasher safe bowl on the bottom center rack and run an empty dishwasher cycle. The hot water will mix with the white vinegar and neutralize the smells.

Clean the Dishwasher Filter

Newer dishwasher filters need cleaning manually. The dishwasher filter is typically at the bottom of the appliance, below the spray arms. Follow your dishwasher’s manual to locate and safely remove the filter. Next, run the filter under hot water and scrub off any stuck-on debris with a soft brush or cloth.

Clean the Dishwasher Gaskets

Lastly, don’t forget to clean the gaskets, the rubber border that helps the dishwasher stay sealed when it runs. Wipe in between the gasket crevices with warm, soapy water and dry. Your dishwasher is now free from as much mold, mildew, grime, and foul odors as possible!

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