How to Get Rid of Bad Smell in Dishwasher (Troubleshooting Guide)

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Quick answer
Confirm the symptom
Tools and prep
Step-by-step troubleshooting
Common causes table
Parts matching
When to call a pro
FAQ
Related guides

Quick answer

To get rid of bad smells in your dishwasher, clean the filter, run a vinegar cycle, and check for trapped food. Regular maintenance prevents recurring odors.

Confirm the symptom

Notice a foul or musty smell after a wash cycle
Smell is strongest when opening the dishwasher door
Smell persists even after cleaning dishes

Tools and prep

White vinegar or dishwasher cleaner
Baking soda
Soft brush or old toothbrush
Gloves
Microfiber cloth
Empty dishwasher

Step-by-step troubleshooting

Turn Off Power
Do: Unplug the dishwasher or turn off the circuit breaker to ensure safety.
Observe: Dishwasher is powered down and safe to handle.
Means: Prevents electrical hazards during cleaning.
Next: Clean the filter
Clean the Filter
Do: Locate the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher and remove it. Rinse under running water and use a soft brush to scrub away debris.
Observe: Filter is free of food particles and grime.
Means: A dirty filter is a common source of bad odors.
Next: Clean the drain
Clean the Drain
Do: Check the drain hose and pump for trapped food. Use a toothpick or small brush to remove any blockages.
Observe: Drain is clear and free of obstructions.
Means: Clogged drains can cause stagnant water and bad smells.
Next: Run a vinegar cycle
Run a Vinegar Cycle
Do: Place a cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe container on the top rack. Run a hot water cycle without dishes.
Observe: Vinegar neutralizes odors and dissolves mineral buildup.
Means: This step removes lingering smells and buildup.
Next: Bake soda deodorize
Bake Soda Deodorize
Do: Sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the empty dishwasher. Run a short, hot water cycle.
Observe: Baking soda absorbs and neutralizes odors.
Means: This step ensures a fresh, clean scent.
Next: Dry and test
Dry and Test
Do: Leave the dishwasher door open after the cycle to air dry. Run a test load with dishes to check for lingering odors.
Observe: Dishwasher is dry and smells clean.
Means: Confirms the odor issue is resolved.
Next: Complete

Common causes

Cause	Likelihood	Difficulty	Part often needed
Dirty filter Trapped food particles decompose and cause foul odors.	Common	Easy	Dishwasher filter
Clogged drain Stagnant water and trapped debris create a breeding ground for bacteria.	Common	Easy–Medium	Drain hose
Mineral buildup Hard water deposits can cause odors and reduce efficiency.	Common	Easy	Dishwasher cleaner
Food residue in dishes Leftover food particles decompose inside the dishwasher.	Sometimes	Easy	None
Sealed door A closed door traps moisture and odors inside the dishwasher.	Sometimes	Easy	Door seal
Old or expired detergent Expired detergent can leave residue and cause bad smells.	Sometimes	Easy	Dishwasher detergent
Blocked air vent Poor ventilation leads to moisture buildup and odors.	Rare	Medium	Air vent
Faulty pump A malfunctioning pump can cause water to stagnate.	Rare	Hard	Pump motor

Parts matching

Replace or clean these parts if they are damaged or clogged:

Dishwasher filter
Drain hose
Dishwasher cleaner
Door seal
Air vent

Purchase genuine parts for your dishwasher model to ensure compatibility.

When to call a professional

Strong, persistent odors after multiple cleaning attempts
Visible mold or mildew growth inside the dishwasher
Dishwasher leaks water or makes unusual noises
You suspect a faulty pump or electrical issue
Odors return immediately after cleaning

FAQ

How often should I clean my dishwasher filter?

Clean the filter every 1–2 months to prevent odor buildup.

Can I use bleach to clean my dishwasher?

Avoid bleach as it can damage rubber parts. Use vinegar or baking soda instead.

Why does my dishwasher smell like rotten eggs?

A rotten egg smell usually indicates a bacterial buildup in the drain or filter.

Will using more detergent help eliminate bad smells?

Using more detergent won't solve odor issues. Follow proper cleaning steps instead.

Can hard water cause bad smells in the dishwasher?

Yes, hard water can lead to mineral buildup, which contributes to bad odors.