How to Clean a Smelly Dishwasher

Say Goodbye to Stinky Dishwashers: Your Guide to a Fresh-Smelling Kitchen

Is an unpleasant odour wafting from your dishwasher every time you open it? You’re not alone! A smelly dishwasher is a common problem, and it’s not just an annoyance – it can indicate a buildup of food particles, grease, and even mold and mildew. But fear not, restoring your dishwasher to a fresh and clean state is simpler than you think!

How to Make Your Smelly Dishwasher Fresh and Clean?

Why Does My Dishwasher Smell?

Before we dive into the solutions, let’s understand the culprits behind the stink:

• Food Particle Buildup: This is the most common reason. Leftover food, grease, and soap scum accumulate in various parts of the dishwasher, especially the filter, spray arms, and drain. As these decompose, they produce foul odors.
• Mold and Mildew: The warm, damp environment inside a dishwasher is a perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew, especially if it’s not drying out properly between cycles.
• Hard Water Deposits: Mineral deposits from hard water can trap food particles and soap scum, leading to buildup and odors.
• Clogged Drain: A partially clogged drain can cause water to sit and become stagnant, leading to a rotten smell.
• Dirty Gasket/Seal: The rubber seal around the dishwasher door can trap food and moisture, becoming a prime spot for mold and grime.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to a Fresh Dishwasher:

It’s time to roll up your sleeves and give your dishwasher the deep clean it deserves! Let Nest Cleaners Brisbane walk you through it.

1. Empty the Dishwasher Completely

Before you start, make sure your dishwasher is empty of all dishes, cutlery, and racks.

2. Inspect and Clean the Filter (Crucial First Step!)

This is often the main source of the problem. Your dishwasher has a filter (usually at the bottom, under the lower spray arm) designed to catch food debris.

• Locate and Remove: Consult your dishwasher’s manual if you’re unsure how to remove your specific filter. Most simply twist out.
• Rinse and Scrub: Rinse the filter under hot running water. Use an old toothbrush or a small brush to scrub away any trapped food particles, grease, and slimy residue. A little dish soap can help.
• Reinstall: Once clean, snap or twist the filter back into place securely.

3. Tackle the Spray Arms

The rotating spray arms (top and bottom) have small holes that can get clogged with food debris, hindering proper water distribution and cleaning.

• Remove and Inspect: Carefully remove the spray arms (they usually pull off or unscrew).
• Clear Clogs: Use a toothpick, paperclip, or small brush to poke out any debris from the spray holes. Rinse them well.
• Reattach: Reinstall the spray arms, ensuring they can spin freely.

4. The Vinegar Power Clean (Natural Deodorizer & Descaler)

White vinegar is an excellent natural cleaner for dishwashers, dissolving grease, hard water stains, and deodorizing effectively.

• Place a Bowl: Place a dishwasher-safe bowl or cup filled with 2 cups of white vinegar on the top rack of your empty dishwasher.
• Run a Hot Cycle: Run a hot water cycle (without detergent). The vinegar will help break down buildup and eliminate odors.

5. Baking Soda Boost (Odor Absorber)

Baking soda is a fantastic natural odor absorber.

• Sprinkle and Let Sit: After the vinegar cycle is complete, sprinkle about 1 cup of baking soda on the bottom of the empty dishwasher.
• Overnight Power: Close the door and let the baking soda sit overnight to absorb any remaining odors.
• Run a Short Cycle: In the morning, run a short, hot rinse cycle to wash away the baking soda.

6. Don’t Forget the Gasket and Door Seal

The rubber seal around the door is a common spot for mold and mildew.

• Wipe Down: Use a damp cloth dipped in a mixture of warm water and white vinegar (or a mild all-purpose cleaner) to wipe down the entire rubber gasket and the edges of the door. Pay close attention to crevices.
• Stubborn Spots: For stubborn mold, you can use an old toothbrush.

7. Clean the Exterior and Control Panel

While you’re at it, give the outside a quick wipe down. Use a damp cloth for the control panel (avoiding excessive moisture).

Preventative Maintenance Tips for a Continuously Fresh Dishwasher:

• Scrape Plates: While you don’t need to pre-rinse, scrape large food particles off plates before loading them.
• Clean the Filter Regularly: Make it a habit to remove and rinse your dishwasher filter at least once a month, or more frequently if you do a lot of greasy dishes.
• Run Hot Cycles: Use hot water settings when possible, as heat helps to break down grease and kill bacteria.
• Air Dry When Possible: If your dishwasher has a heated dry option, consider opening the door slightly after the cycle is complete to allow steam to escape and the interior to air dry, preventing mildew.
• Monthly Vinegar or Baking Soda Boost: Periodically run a vinegar cycle or use baking soda as a regular maintenance step.
• Use a Dishwasher Cleaner: Every few months, consider using a commercial dishwasher cleaner for an extra deep clean and to tackle stubborn mineral buildup.

By following these tips, you can effectively eliminate dishwasher smell and ensure your machine remains a clean, efficient workhorse in your kitchen. Say goodbye to the stink and hello to sparkling dishes and a fresh-smelling home!

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Do you live in Brisbane? Before investing your time in cleaning try our cleaning service. Our Spring Cleaning can help out by cleaning, decluttering and organising your home to prep it for a more regular house cleaning service. We also provide apartment cleaning, bond cleaning, pre-sale cleaning, carpet cleaning and many other cleaning services in Brisbane.

If the thought of cleaning is just too much call our Nest Cleaners and we would love to help!

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