The dishwasher in our house is a pure blessing in disguise. Why wouldn’t it be? It makes cleaning up so easy! Daily chores like washing dishes and clothes are made easy with such appliances readily found in most modern households. However, we sometimes get carried away and forget to clean the appliance, which helps us clean! Ironic! I know. This can cause the dishwasher to smell bad sometimes, but how to keep dishwasher from smelling between washes?
It’s certainly not rocket science; in fact, it’s pretty easy to keep the dishwasher from smelling like death (wondering what that’s like? Trust me, you don’t want to know). So, without further ado, let’s get into our topic and learn all the alternatives to keeping the dishwasher clean and fresh.
What Causes a Bad Odor in the First Place?
Before we get to the solution, let’s get to the bottom of what causes a bad smell inside the dishwasher.
Your dishwasher can get smelly for several reasons. One of the most significant ones is clogged filters. We often ignore or tend to forget to clean the cleaner, in this case, our dishwasher and the filter of the machine. Between and during washes, food particles can get stuck in the filter, and you know what happens when food is left in a moist, warm place. Yup, it rots, and that causes a disgusting odor.
On top of the odor being problematic on its own, it’s also a solid indication of breeding bacteria. It’s not a very hygienic or safe way to wash the dishes, don’t you think?
Apart from clogged pores, different build-ups and soap scum that happen because of a lack of cleaning can also contribute to the issue. These build-ups sometimes cling to the soap scum rather than rinsing down the drain.
In short, food scraps, a dirty filter, a lack of cleaning, and different build-ups over time breed odor-causing bacteria, which results in the dishwasher smelling bad. However, also check your water supply, because sometimes a compromised water supply and an improper drainage system can also make your dishwasher smell horrible.
A Step-by-Step Guide To Keep Dishwasher From Smelling Between Washes
Follow these simple and easy steps to never look back to the days when you regretted even owning a dishwasher because of the smell. Bonus- You will not have to worry about spending a lot of money to follow them. Here you go-
Step 1: Empty Out the Dishwasher and Unplug
First and foremost, get everything out of your dishwasher. To reach and clean the entire interior of the appliance, it is absolutely essential. Also, don’t forget to unplug because safety is our number one priority.
Step 2: Take Out the Dishwasher Filter and Clean
You have to clean the filter itself also for easy access, take out the filter. Depending on the model, specific removal procedures may differ, so make sure to read your user manuals before starting.
Now soak the filter in warm, soapy water and gently scrub it. Soaking the filter will soften up any build-ups. You can use a little bit of vinegar in the cleaning solution to speed up the process. Do not get too aggressive with the cleaning, as you might damage it.
Step 3: Clean The Inside of The Dishwasher
Now onto the main show. Shift your attention to the interior of the dishwasher. Get one cup of white vinegar and 3 tablespoonfuls of baking soda and place it on the bottom rack of the machine. Choose an air-dry or energy-saving dry cycle for the dishwasher, then hit the start button. This cleaning cycle will help loosen up all the dirt and debris and make scrubbing easier.
Use a microfiber cloth and mild dish soap to further get in there. Gently scrub away all the dirt, and make sure you run a high-temperature sanitizing cycle (or a similar one that your model of dishwasher has) after the scrub to seal the deal.
Leave the door open and let it air dry completely.
Step 4: Don’t Forget the Gasket
A lot of us don’t even realize that we have to clean the gasket. Without routine upkeep, mold and mildew can develop in the gasket seal gaps of your dishwasher, giving off a musty odor. Use a microfiber cloth again or just a regular sponge with warm soapy water to get cleaning. Make sure you wipe with a clean towel after. A dry surface is the worst enemy of odor-causing bacteria.
Step 5: Follow Through and Keep up
In order to to keep the dishwasher from smelling between washes, you have to follow through with a regular cleaning routine. Which is once a month, minimum. Deep cleaning the machine once in a while is even better. Make sure you keep the filter clean and let it air dry after a few cycles once a while.
FAQs on Keep Dishwasher From Smelling Between Washes
What causes a dishwasher to smell between washes?
For a number of reasons, your dishwasher may become smelly. Filters that are clogged are among the most important. You already know what happens when food is left in a moist, warm environment. Food particles can get caught in the filter between and during washing. Yes, it rots, producing a foul smell.
How often should you clean the dishwasher to prevent odors?
The short and simple answer to this question is once a month. If you are overworking the machine because of any ongoing events or extra guests, consider doubling up on the washing cycle. Because the extra load can cause the filter to clog, hence you can risk a bad odor and worse bacteria.
Can you use vinegar to clean and deodorize a dishwasher?
Of course. Vinegar is an amazing natural cleaner. It’s not only pretty amazing but also safe to use. One part vinegar and one part baking soda mixed together with a little bit of dish soap is practically one of the best solutions to clean the dishwasher.
Are there any dishwasher cleaning products or tablets that can help prevent odors between washes?
For sure. There are many alternatives to such a type of product out there in the market. For example, Lemi shine, cascade and finish are one of the top-rated products in this category. Check out more at Amazon.
What are some preventative measures you can take to keep your dishwasher smelling fresh?
● Avoid crowding your dishwasher.
● Do not use a lot more soap than you are required to.
● Deep clean your dishwasher at least once a month.
● Try to rinse your cutleries before putting them in.
● Use natural cleaners such as vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice to clean.
Is it necessary to leave your dishwasher door open between washes to prevent smells?
Yup. Completely drying out your dishwasher will make sure there is no lingering odor-causing bacteria for the most part. It’s a great practice to keep your dishwasher smelling fresh.
Final Verdict
In order to maintain proper kitchen hygiene, you have to keep the appliances that live there sanitized and clean too. A smelly dishwasher is a solid indicator of growing bacteria which can further lead to many diseases being spread. With routine cleaning and proper dishwasher maintenance you can spare you and your family the discomfort.
In conclusion, I hope you know the tips and tricks to keep dishwasher from smelling between washes. Now you can read this article to know about Best Hansgrohe Kitchen Faucet, if you need any buying guide. Happy Cooking!
Spread the joy with others
Written By Jeanette Wilson
Jeanette Wilson has spent the last 12+ years designing, testing, and improving kitchen gadgets and appliances. She also knows her way around a home and professional kitchen, as she is a passionate home cook and runs her own roadside eatery.
1 thought on “How To Keep Dishwasher From Smelling Between Washes – 5 Easy Steps to Follow”