How to Eliminate a Bad Odor From a Dishwasher Drain

Turn your dishwasher off and unplug it. Put on your rubber gloves.

Remove the racks from the dishwasher, and set them aside, either in the sink or on the counter.

Remove any obvious food particles trapped at the bottom of the dishwasher. Throw them in the garbage.

Unscrew the grate located at the bottom of the dishwasher using a screwdriver. Depending on the type of dishwasher you have, a Phillips head, flat-head or torque screwdriver may be required. Examine the screw's head to see which type of screwdriver you'll need.

Remove the screws and set them aside in a plastic container or bag. Remember where the screws were placed as you remove them. Remove the grate from the dishwasher.

Clean the grate with commercial kitchen cleaner. Spray the cleaner onto the grate and then scrub it down with a sponge. Rinse thoroughly when finished.

Remove any food particles that you find in the drain with your hands. Throw them in the garbage.

Spray the bottom of the dishwasher with commercial kitchen cleaner. Wipe it down with a sponge. Rinse the sponge thoroughly, and then wipe away any remaining kitchen cleaner residue.

Reattach the dishwasher's grate, and then reinsert the dishwasher racks.

Fill a dishwasher safe bowl with white vinegar, and place it on the top rack. Start the dishwasher and run a full cycle. The white vinegar will spread around the dishwasher causing it to become deodorized and disinfected. Your entire dishwasher, including the drain, should now be odor-free.