Dishwasher and Moldy Smell

Preparation

• Prior to rinsing the dishwasher with an anti-fungal solution, remove the filter. Scrape any food particles on it into the trash then place the filter in a sink filled with hot, soapy water and allow it to soak for 30 minutes. While the filter is soaking, wash the interior walls of the dishwasher with a diluted bleach solution. Pour 4 cups of water, 1/4-cup chlorine bleach, 1/4-cup baking soda and 1 tablespoon borax into a large bucket. Stir briskly then sponge the solution over the walls, door, dish racks and gaskets. Let the solution air-dry then return the filter to its original position.

Disinfection

• To eliminate any persistent fungi, fill a small bowl with white vinegar and place it in the center of the bottom rack then run the appliance through an entire wash cycle without adding detergents or dishes. The acetic acid in the vinegar effectively removes mold, mildew and harmful bacteria, such as E. coli, salmonella and staphylococcus.

Deodorization

• Remove any lingering or residual aromas by sprinkling 1/2-cup borax or baking soda over the bottom of the dishwasher. Close the door and let the treatment sit overnight then run the empty appliance through the rinse cycle; the machine should be sparkling clean and odor-free.

Maintenance

• To help keep the dishwasher smelling great and running smoothly, once every four weeks, toss 1/2-cup baking soda into the bottom of the dishwasher then pour 1/2-cup vinegar over the top. Wait for the fizzing to subside then fill the soap dispenser with unsweetened lemon- or orange-flavored drink mix and run the machine through the rinse cycle. The vinegar and baking soda mixture will keep the drain open and odor-free, and the citric acid in the drink mix will remove any brown spots or discolorations.