Did you know that you can get rid of that horrible, stinky dishwasher smell by cleaning it in just four easy steps?
Regularly maintaining your appliances is essential and ensures that they last as long as possible, and your dishwasher is no exception. You may be under the impression that your dishwasher cleans itself — it is a “washer” after all. For the most part, your dishwasher does an okay job of cleaning itself, but it still requires a little bit of help from you. Stinky smells can develop from built-up food particles, clogged drains, and mold if your dishwasher isn’t thoroughly cleaned.
Thankfully, getting rid of that foul odor is relatively easy. Continue reading to learn how.
How to Clean Your Stinky Dishwasher
STEP ONE — Give Your Dishwasher a Deep Clean
When you use your dishwasher, most loose food particles will go down the drain. The bits that don’t make it there can get stuck and create foul odors over time. To deep clean your dishwasher, you can:
- Fill the detergent dispenser with a cleaning tablet or your regular dish powder. For an extra boost or a more natural approach, fill a bowl with two cups of white vinegar and place it on the top rack.
- Run your dishwasher on the cleaning or heavy-duty cycle with the hottest temperature option.
- After completion, open the dishwasher door and give the rubber seals outlining the door a good cleaning (again, vinegar is great for this!).
STEP TWO — Wash the Spray Arms
Food particles and mold can easily get trapped and build up in your dishwasher’s spray arms. You can pull them out and thoroughly clean them:
- Remove all spray arms from the unit.
- Use a scrubber to remove stuck food bits in the holes and thoroughly rinse.
- After you’re done, click them back into place inside your dishwasher.
STEP THREE — Clean the Filter
Most dishwashers have filters that need to be removed and cleaned regularly. You’ll usually find it at the bottom of the unit. The filter’s main job is to collect the larger food particles and become stinky if not cleaned often. The best way to clean your filter:
- Remove your filter from your dishwasher. If you are unsure how to do this, reference your user’s manual.
- Use a soft bristle brush, dish detergent or vinegar, and hot water to wash away any gunk buildup and remaining food particles.
- Make sure to replace your filter after you’re done washing.
STEP FOUR — Wash the Drain
If any food particles get past your filter, they may get stuck and accumulate in the dishwasher drain. When food isn’t washed away, it can become very smelly. Because your sink drain and garbage disposal are all interconnected with your dishwasher drain, it’s best to clean them all.
- It’s best to always run your disposal before starting a load of dishes.
- Clean the air gap if you have one.
- Mix equal parts baking soda and vinegar, pour it down the drain, and allow it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse it with hot water to clear away any buildup or debris.
Contact Dr. D’s Appliance Today
Thankfully, cleaning your stinky dishwasher is easy and can be done in just four steps.
When any of the appliances in your Northern Utah home are on the fritz or out of order, you need fast, affordable service from a highly skilled and trusted technician. For that, turn to Dr. D’s Appliance Repair, where we proudly serve Salt Lake and Davis County. Contact us to schedule today.