How to Get Rid of a Smelly Dishwasher

A dishwasher is supposed to make your life easier by washing the dishes for you. However, when the dishwasher starts to smell, it turns the appliance from a housekeeping asset to a liability. The source of the smell may be coming from rotting food trapped on the floor of the dishwasher.

Paper towels
White distilled vinegar

Instructions

- 1
  Empty the dishwasher of all dishes, glassware and cutlery.
- 2
  Clean out your dishwasher's filter, if it has one. Refer to the owner's manual for instructions on cleaning the filter. Not all dishwashers have them.
- 3
  Inspect the bottom of the dishwasher and all internal sides, looking for any food particles trapped inside the appliance.
- 4
  Wipe out the soap reservoirs to remove soap residue. Use a paper towel moistened with white distilled vinegar.
- 5
  Check the drain, looking for any trapped food or clogs. If you are unable to unclog the drain, call a plumber.
- 6
  Pour 1 cup of white distilled vinegar into the detergent cup of the empty dishwasher, and run it through a wash cycle. Repeat this process once a week.
- 7
  Sprinkle baking soda onto the bottom of the dishwasher before filling it with dirty dishes. Do this every time you wash a load of dishes until the smell goes away, then use baking soda in the dishwasher once a week.

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