You’re probably thinking, “Why would I want my dishwasher to smell good?” Well, think of how happy you are when your Brooklyn home smells good in the summer. Wouldn’t you want the same for your dishwasher? No one wants a smelly dishwasher. It can be frustrating and discouraging to open up a clean dishwasher and find a sickening odor. There are many reasons why people may experience a smelly dishwater at home, but here are quick and easy ways to keep your dishwasher smelling fresh!
Do you need a dishwater repair service in Brooklyn, Queens, or Staten Island? Look no further than Dial Appliance Repair . We specialize in the service and repair of all major appliances. Get in touch with us today and enjoy our top-notch appliance repair services.
What causes smelly dishwashers?
Many causes can be attributed to smelly dishwashers, but a few reasons are listed below.
Presence of standing water.
The presence of standing water can produce a bad smell from appliances. And so, it is advised that homeowners run the dishwasher and leave the door open when done loading the dishwasher. This will allow air to circulate in your dishwasher.
After completing a dishwasher cycle, leave the door slightly ajar to allow moisture to evaporate—this helps prevent the growth of mold and mildew. For extra measure, wipe down the interior with a clean cloth or sponge to remove any lingering moisture. These steps help keep odors at bay and ensure your dishwasher stays fresh between uses.
Presence of food particles
The most common cause of smelly dishwashers is food particles left in the dishwasher. It would help if you always rinsed off your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher.
Lack of enough detergent
Smelly dishwashers are also caused when you don’t use enough detergent when washing your dishes or if you don’t fill up your detergent container with enough detergent.
Lack of enough cycle
Another reason why your dishwasher might have a yucky odor because it may not be getting hot enough during its cycle to kill germs and bacteria, which causes an unpleasant smell after the cycle is done. This can happen if there is food stuck on the bottom of the appliance or old, moldy dishes inside it.
Not enough cleaning
People often clean their top rack while leaving all of their other dishes dirty on their other racks. This causes mold to accumulate at the bottom of the appliance over time and then gets thrown into every load that runs through it. If one rack isn’t cleaned correctly, it will become dirty over time and start smelling bad!
Overloading the Dishwasher Can Lead to Unpleasant Odors
It might be tempting to cram every last dish into your dishwasher—nobody wants to run multiple loads, especially during busy weeknights in Brooklyn . But overstuffing your dishwasher can actually be a recipe for lingering bad smells. When you overload, water and detergent can’t reach every surface. That means leftover food gets trapped in nooks and crannies, creating the perfect environment for bacteria and mold to grow. The result? A dishwasher that smells less like the lemony-fresh breeze you want, and more like last week’s leftovers.
Instead, give your dishes some breathing room. Load them with enough space so that water can circulate freely. If you have extra dishes, it’s better to run a second, smaller load than to risk a stinky, under-cleaned dishwasher. Your nose (and kitchen) will thank you.
Hard Water Deposits: Sneaky Odor Culprits
Another common reason for a stinky dishwasher? Hard water deposits. If your Brooklyn , Queens , or Staten Island home has hard water, those invisible minerals—mostly calcium and magnesium—can build up in your dishwasher over time. Besides leaving a cloudy residue on your glassware, these deposits trap lingering food bits and soap scum, which can lead to some less-than-pleasant smells.
Luckily, there’s an easy fix you can try right at home. Simply sprinkle a cup of baking soda on the bottom of your empty dishwasher and run a hot water cycle. Baking soda works wonders to break down those mineral layers, absorbs odors, and gives your dishwasher a boost of freshness.
For long-term prevention, using a water softener or installing an under-sink water softening system can help keep those pesky minerals in check. And don’t forget to give your dishwasher’s spray arms a quick cleaning now and then—they’re prime spots for clogs and buildup that can make odors worse.
Unclogging a Dishwasher Drain
A clogged dishwasher drain is another common culprit behind stubborn odors. Fortunately, you can usually clear it out in under half an hour with everyday items you likely already have in your Brooklyn kitchen.
- Start by mixing equal amounts of white vinegar and baking soda in a measuring cup—about half a cup of each should do.
- Carefully pour this fizzy mixture directly into the drain at the bottom of your dishwasher.
- Let it sit and work its magic for 15 to 30 minutes. You might even hear some bubbling as it breaks up grime and debris hiding out of sight.
- After waiting, run the dishwasher on its hottest cycle (or pour a kettle of hot water down the drain) to flush everything through.
This quick fix can keep bad smells at bay and help your dishwasher run smoother.
How to keep your dishwasher smelling fresh
Cleaning the Dishwasher Filter
To tackle any lingering odors, it’s important to give your dishwasher filter a little TLC. Start by removing the filter according to your dishwasher’s manual (it usually just twists out from the bottom rack area). Rinse it under warm running water to wash away loose gunk. For stubborn crumbs or buildup, a gentle scrub with a soft-bristled brush—think an old toothbrush—does the trick. Once it’s debris-free, simply pop the filter back where it belongs. This small step helps keep both your machine and your kitchen air smelling pleasantly neutral.
Using Vinegar Keeps Your Dishwasher Smelling Fresh and Clean.
It is advisable for every Carrollton homeowners to run their dishwasher with a cup of vinegar to clean out any food or mold build-up every month. Add a cup of white vinegar to the bottom of your dishwasher while open, and then let it cycle through an intense wash on “hot water” or “sanitize” mode. The white vinegar will help clean and sanitize the internal parts that may make your dishwasher smelly or moldy smelling. If the bad smell is still there after cleaning, try adding 2 cups of white vinegar and filling the soap tray with your regular detergent. Also, check the dishwasher’s bottom to see if there is any food or other particles that may be making the dishwasher smell.
Removing Mineral Deposits from Your Dishwasher
Mineral buildup from hard water can leave your dishwasher looking dingy and even affect its performance. Thankfully, there’s an easy solution right in your pantry—baking soda. Just sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda across the bottom of your empty dishwasher. Then, run a full hot water cycle (choose the hottest setting, if you can). This will help break down and wash away those stubborn mineral deposits, leaving your dishwasher cleaner and fresher-smelling.
If you find the mineral buildup particularly stubborn, repeat the process or consider running a follow-up cycle with a dishwasher-safe cleaner like Affresh or Finish . Remember, regular monthly cleanings can prevent future build-up and keep your dishwasher running like new!
Cleaning Stubborn Stains and Removing Mineral Deposits with Baking Soda
If your dishwasher is still plagued by lingering odors or stubborn mineral stains, baking soda is your next secret weapon. This household staple not only freshens the interior but also tackles tough buildup caused by hard water.
Here’s a quick and easy method:
- Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda across the bottom of your empty dishwasher.
- Select the hottest wash or sanitize cycle, then let it run its course.
Baking soda’s gentle abrasiveness helps dissolve mineral deposits and lifts stains, leaving your dishwasher smelling clean and looking brighter. For persistent issues, try repeating this process once a month or after particularly heavy loads.
Always Clean The Dishwasher Door Seals.
The dishwasher door seal needs to be cleaned to make your dishwasher run its best. The door seal rubber can get food or bacteria stuck and should be regularly cleaned.
Regularly Inspect and Maintain Your Dishwasher
Take a moment every now and then to check for blockages, loose seals, or anything else that could be causing unpleasant smells. If you notice persistent issues—like a stubborn odor or a seal that just won’t sit right—it might be time to call in a professional for a closer look or necessary repairs. Keeping an eye on these details helps your dishwasher stay in top shape.
Always Scrape Your Dishes Before Loading Them Into Dishwasher.
It is unnecessary to wash the dishes before adding them to the dishwasher. However, make sure that you are not clogging your dishwasher with big chunks of food. Scrape off any food chunks before putting them into your dishwasher. The more you scrape off your dishes before washing, the less food will be stuck to your plates after the wash cycle is completed.
Let Baking Soda or Activated Charcoal Work Their Magic
Another handy trick to eliminate stubborn odors is to let baking soda or activated charcoal do the heavy lifting. These common household staples are natural odor absorbers—they work by trapping and neutralizing smelly molecules in the air. Try placing an open box of baking soda or a small pouch of activated charcoal (such as those from Moso Natural or Ever Bamboo ) on the bottom rack or inside the empty dishwasher when it’s not running.
Remember: Swap out the baking soda or charcoal every few months for the best results. This simple step can keep your dishwasher smelling fresh between deep cleans, giving you one less thing to worry about in the kitchen.
How to Remove Grease Buildup in Your Dishwasher
Grease can sneak its way into your dishwasher over time, leaving things looking—and smelling—less than fresh. But getting rid of greasy residue is actually quite straightforward:
- Start by picking up a commercial dishwasher cleaner—these are widely available at stores and are usually labeled specifically for grease removal (brands like Affresh or Finish work well).
- Carefully read and follow the instructions on the package, as different products may have their own steps.
- Typically, you’ll place the cleaner inside the empty dishwasher (make sure it’s completely unloaded).
- Run your dishwasher on its hottest setting. Most cleaners are designed to work best with a hot water or “sanitize” cycle, which helps break down stubborn grease and grime.
- Once the cycle is finished, open the door to let the appliance air out.
Giving your dishwasher a dedicated grease-busting cycle every month or so will help keep smells at bay and ensure your dishes come out sparkling. It only takes about half an hour but can make all the difference.
Why You Should Use a Rinse Aid in Your Dishwasher
Another simple tip to keep your dishwasher working—and smelling—its best is to use a rinse aid. This handy addition helps dishes dry more thoroughly by preventing water droplets from clinging to glasses and plates, which also means fewer unsightly water spots. But there’s another bonus: since rinse aid helps water slide right off surfaces, it discourages leftover moisture from sitting in your machine, reducing the musty odors that can creep in over time. Just check your dishwasher’s compartment for rinse aid and fill it up as recommended. Your dishes will look cleaner, dry quicker, and your kitchen will thank you for the fresh scent!
Plant-Based Detergents: A Gentle Solution for a Clean Dishwasher
If you’re concerned about harsh chemicals but still want your dishwasher to shine, consider switching to a plant-based dishwasher detergent. These formulas use natural enzymes to break down tough food residue and stains—no pre-soaking or scrubbing needed. Not only are plant-based detergents effective at cleaning, but they also help reduce the risk of skin irritation, making them a safe choice for families.
Plus, by choosing a detergent free from strong chemicals, you’re being kinder to both your dishwasher and the environment. With regular use, you’ll notice fewer lingering smells and less buildup—all without sacrificing cleaning power.
Safety Tips for Cleaning Your Dishwasher
When cleaning your dishwasher, a few basic safety steps can make the job easier and help prevent unwanted mishaps:
- Always wear rubber gloves to keep your hands protected from hot water and any cleaning products.
- If you’re using a commercial dishwasher cleaner or other strong chemicals, make sure to open a window or switch on your exhaust fan for proper ventilation.
- Avoid mixing cleaning products, especially anything containing bleach and ammonia, as this can create dangerous fumes.
- Give your dishwasher a few minutes to cool down before cleaning if it’s just finished a hot cycle.
These simple precautions keep both you and your kitchen in top condition while tackling stubborn grime.
Trusted Appliance Repair Service in NYC
Dial Appliance Service offers appliances repair services near me as part of our mission to be the leading home appliances technician service in Texas. One of those services is dishwasher services and repair, which can significantly impact the safety of your home.
If you’ve noticed a smell coming from your dishwasher, it doesn’t mean you need to buy a new one. Our above five quick and easy tips can help keep your dishwasher smelling fresh. If you want to get your dishwasher cleaned by a professional in Brooklyn, contact Dial Appliance Service.
We specialize in the service and repair of all major appliances. Our technicians are always prompt, on time, responsible, and remember that our success depends on providing our valued customers with the best service possible
Schedule Your Dishwasher Repair Service Now at (718) 368-1512 or Contact Us Now!
