How to Get Rid of an Odor in a Disposal's Dishwasher Drain

Dishwashers can emit bad odors that come from the disposal pipe.

Rotting food, soap residue and dirt can cause an odor to come from your disposal sink drain as well as the drain in the dishwasher. This is generally because there's food clogged in the bottom of the drain. Clear the food and debris as thoroughly as possible and use a commercial disposal cleaner to ensure that the odor-causing residue is completely gone.

Things You'll Need

• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Pot

Instructions

1. Remove all of the dishes and racks from the dishwasher. Remove any large pieces of debris and food residue from the bottom of the dishwasher.

2. Remove the dishwasher filter and clean it with clear water. Odors from the dishwasher often come from the filter.

3. Pour 1 cup baking soda down the sink drain if the smell is still noticeable.

4. Immediately pour 1 cup white vinegar down the drain. The baking soda and white vinegar will bubble to remove food, soap and dirt residue in the drain. This removes any clogs in the entire drain that might be preventing the dishwasher from draining well.

5. Turn on the disposal and run 1 gallon boiling water down the drain. The white vinegar and baking soda reaction should push anything down the drain to clean it out completely.

6. Repeat the process if the smell is still noticeable.

7. Pour 1 qt. white vinegar into the bottom of the dishwasher and run it to remove any of the odor residue. Don’t put dishes or racks in the dishwasher.

8. Replace the racks.

References

• Horizon Services: Fast and Easy Dishwasher Care and Maintenance
• Utah State University: Odors
• LG Knowledge Base; Dishwasher Odor; October 2009