So… your dishwasher stinks?
Yep. Been there. You open the dishwasher expecting that clean, steamy “freshly washed” smell — and instead you’re hit with a funky wave of… something. A little musty? Kinda sour? Maybe even borderline garbagey?
Let’s call it what it is: gross.
But hey, don’t panic. That smell didn’t just pop up overnight — and luckily, it’s not here to stay either. Getting rid of dishwasher odor is 100% doable, and spoiler alert: you probably already have what you need in your kitchen.
Let’s break it down step by step — like friends chatting over coffee. ☕ Ready?
First things first: why does your dishwasher even smell?
Great question. It’s literally a machine made to clean things, so what’s going on?
Well, dishwashers deal with a lot. Greasy food scraps, bits of pasta, spilled coffee grounds, soggy cheese — you get the picture. Over time, this stuff can build up in places you don’t see: filters, drains, spray arms, seals.
Think of it like this: if you never cleaned your sink drain or garbage disposal, things would get funky real fast, right? Same vibe here.
Step 1: Check the filter (and try not to gag)
Let’s rip the band-aid off. Open up the bottom rack, pop off the filter (usually in the center, on the floor of the dishwasher), and take a peek.
🧼 What you might find: A swampy mess of gunk that smells like regret.
Give it a good rinse under hot water, and scrub it with a toothbrush if needed. (A spare one. Please don’t brush your teeth with it after.)
This one little step alone might solve your stink situation — filters are the sneaky culprit more often than not.
Step 2: Clean the drain
While you’re down there, check around the drain area for leftover food bits that didn’t quite make it out. Paper labels from jars, bones, seeds — they all like to throw little parties down there.
Scoop out whatever you see. Use gloves. Trust me on that.
Step 3: Baking soda & vinegar to the rescue
If you’re a DIY-cleaning enthusiast, you already know these two are like the Beyoncé and Jay-Z of the kitchen. ✨
Here’s what you do:
- Sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda on the bottom of the empty dishwasher.
- Let it sit overnight if you’ve got time.
- The next day, pour 1 cup of white vinegar into a bowl or measuring cup and place it on the top rack.
- Run a hot water cycle (no detergent, no dishes, just the vinegar vibes).
This combo helps kill odors, loosen grime, and leave your dishwasher smelling like absolutely nothing — which is the goal!
Step 4: Wipe the seals and edges
Weird tip, but hear me out. The rubber gasket that seals the door? That thing collects gunk like it’s its job. Run your finger along it (if you dare) and you’ll probably feel some sticky mystery grime.
Wipe it down with a bit of vinegar or an all-purpose cleaner on a cloth or sponge. Don’t forget the inside edges of the door too — those get overlooked a lot.
Step 5: Let it breathe
Just like humans after a workout, dishwashers need air. If you shut the door immediately after a wash, all that steam and leftover moisture gets trapped. That creates the perfect environment for… yep, mildew.
Try cracking the door open a bit after a cycle so it can fully dry out. You don’t have to leave it wide open, just a little air gap helps a ton.
Bonus Tips for Keeping It Fresh Long-Term
- Run hot water first: Before starting a cycle, run your kitchen sink until the water is hot. That way, the dishwasher fills with hot water from the start — better cleaning = less stink.
- Scrape, don’t rinse: You don’t need to pre-wash your dishes, but scraping big chunks off helps prevent clogs and buildup.
- Monthly maintenance clean: Do that vinegar+baking soda routine once a month, and your nose will thank you.
Here’s the super-quick fix list:
- Clean the filter (it’s gross, but worth it)
- Clear out the drain
- Use baking soda and vinegar magic
- Wipe the door seals and edges
- Leave the door cracked open to air it out
Final Thought
Your dishwasher doesn’t have to be a stink bomb. With just a little attention and some kitchen staples, you can kick that smell to the curb and make your dishes come out fresh and clean — the way they’re supposed to.
So go on, open that door with confidence next time. No funky surprises, promise.
And hey — if this saved your nose, maybe share it with a friend whose kitchen is smelling a little too lived-in. 😉