Have you noticed your dishwasher is starting to smell? If you’re like me you didn’t even realize you had to clean your dishwasher. How could the dishwasher smell when its job is to clean? It may seem silly but don’t worry it’s super easy to fix! I’ll teach you the best ways to clean a smelly dishwasher in 4 Easy Steps.
With some simple cleaning hacks, all you need is a few minutes each month to get your dishwasher and filter clean. It’s kind of like cleaning your washing machine with both building up residue and deposits from the cleaning that can leave you with odors.
These quick and simple steps will help keep your dishwasher in good condition and get your dishes cleaner. Plus no more smell!
This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to buy something using my link, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, see my disclaimer here.
How to Clean a Smelly Dishwasher
Did You Know You Needed to Clean Your Filter?
I did not even realize I had a filter to be cleaned in my dishwasher until I started researching cleaning my own washer. But it’s super easy to do once you know it’s there.
The filter collects any food particles or grim left from your plates, silverware, and glasses. If you don’t clean it the grim can circulate in your dishwasher and produce a smell.
To locate your filter look at the bottom of your dishwasher below the spray arm. You can also look in your owners manual to find it.
Remove the filter and rinse it under hot water. This should get anything off but if you have hard stuck on food use a small brush and dish soap to gently clean.
How Often Do I Clean It – About once a month.
Do you Hate Cleaning the House? Make it easy with Genius DIY Cleaning Hacks for Lazy People. You won’t believe you didn’t know these before!
Wipe Down Inside of Dishwasher
To get all the grim in the corners, walls, and bottom of the dishwasher use a microfiber cloth to wipe it down. Pull out your bottom rack and really get in there to remove all the grim. I would do this once a week if possible to keep any build up from starting in your dishwasher.
If there is any hard to clean areas with stuck on grim it will get loosened up when you disinfect the dishwasher. After the disinfectant in your next step, you can wipe down the inside again to finish off your cleaning.
How Often Do I Clean It – Once a Week
Related Article – How to Clean a Front Loading Washing Machine with Bleach
Disinfect your Dishwasher
Now to get the smell out of your dishwasher and really get it clean you will need to disinfect it. We have three easy ways to do this.
Tip: Make sure to empty your dishwasher before disinfecting.
Dishwasher Cleaning Pods
You can purchase dishwasher cleaning pods from Affresh or Finish. You put these pods where you would put dish soap and run through a dishwasher cycle. They will work to penetrate and remove odor-causing residue. The pods will also help with any lime or mineral build-up.
The cleaning pods are the simplest way to disinfect your dishwasher.
For more natural cleaning products use one of the following ways to clean your dishwasher
Clean Your Dishwasher with Vinegar
To clean your dishwasher with vinegar simply add 2 cups of distilled white vinegar to a dishwasher safe cup or glass measuring cup. Then place the cup on the top rack of the dishwasher.
Run the dishwasher on your normal cycle or hot if you would like more steam. Make sure your dishwasher is empty when you do this.
The vinegar will absorb all the odor & grimy build-up. If anything had been left before on the bottom of your dishwasher it should now all wipe down easily with your cleaning cloth.
Clean Your Dishwasher with Baking Soda
If you need a little more abrasion to clean your dishwasher try baking soda. Simply sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda on the bottom or your dishwasher. Then run your empty dishwasher on the hot cycle.
To fight really tough grim or smells you may need to do this cycle twice.
How Often Do I Disinfect It – Once a Month
Related Article – Get Your Microwave Clean Too! Easy Cleaning Hacks for Your Microwave
Clean Stainless Steel Dishwasher
The last step is wiping down the outside of your dishwasher. You can use a microfiber cleaning cloth with water to clean the button for your machine and the top inside of the door.
If you have a stainless steel dishwasher I would suggest cleaning the outside with a stainless steel cleaner to remove fingerprints and smudges.
I really like these stainless steel wipes that I can pull out quickly and wipe down my dishwasher whenever needed. Especially with the kids constantly touching it ):
Need More Cleaning Hacks for Home?
Are you inspired to get more cleaning done? Tackle your Microwave and Washing Machine next. The cleaning steps are just as easy and quick to do.
For those of you who hate cleaning, you’ll love our DIY Cleaning Hacks for Lazy People. Their insanely easy cleaning tips for deep cleaning your house with the least amount of work. Your gonna want these tips!
Find more easy cleaning hacks and decluttering ideas for your home I’ve tested and love. Make your life easier and more organized in our Cleaning Hacks and Organization Hacks.
- How to Clean a Front Loading Washing Machine & Get the Smell Out
- 45 Best Cleaning Supplies at Dollar Tree You Need
- Top Microwave Cleaning Hacks With Vinegar, Lemon & Baking Soda
- How to Declutter Your Home Stress-Free
- 17 Genius Dollar Tree Organizational Hacks for Home
- 25 Clever Kitchen Organization Ideas
Are you surprised how easy it is to clean a smelly dishwasher? A few minutes a couple of times a month and you’ll have a clean dishwasher.
Let me know if it works for you!
If you enjoyed this article and you want more household hacks, easy family meals, and fun family ideas, join the Happy Mom Hacks community with our weekly newsletter.
As a bonus, you’ll get our free printable Weekly Cleaning Routine a checklist to take the stress out of cleaning.
Follow me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for family travel ideas, kid’s activities, household hacks, and fun parenting humor to give you a laugh each day.
Don’t Forget to Pin This
Most Popular Happy Mom Hacks Posts
- 15 Best Games to Play on Zoom with Kids
- 20 Easy to Minute to Win It Games for Kids
- How to Easily Clean Your Front Loading Washing Machine
- 25 Quick Weeknight Meals Your Kids will Eat
- Fun Rainy Day Indoor Games to Keep Your Kids Entertained
- Awesome Birthday Party Games the Kids will Love
