How to Eliminate Odors in a Dishwasher

Over time, dishwashers can get smelly and gunked up. Food particles can become trapped in the appliance and the smell is tough to eliminate, even after finding the source of the problem. Because the particles are trapped in a warm, moist environment, this situation is also highly unsanitary. By regularly cleaning and deodorizing your dishwasher, you can keep odors at bay and eliminate bacteria concerns.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Rubber gloves
• Paper towels
• Small scrub brush
• White vinegar

1. Put on a pair of rubber gloves to protect your hands from bits of food and broken glass. Shut off the power to the dishwasher, if possible. Remove the bottom rack in the dishwasher and locate the reservoir in the bottom of the appliance. You may have to unscrew the spray arm and remove a plastic screen to get to the reservoir.

2. Wipe around the inside of the reservoir with a wad of paper towels to clean out any particles of food or broken dishes that were too large to drain from the dishwasher. Scrub hard-to-reach spots on the inside of the reservoir with the brush. If you removed a screen, use the scrub brush to clean it under hot, running water.

3. Replace the screen and spray arm, if you removed them. Fill the detergent dispenser with about 1 cup of white vinegar. Run the empty dishwasher through a normal cycle. The vinegar should kill any excess odor lingering in the machine.

4. Repeat this procedure once a month, or as often as necessary for a clean and fresh smelling dishwasher.

Tips & Warnings

• If this procedure doesn't eliminate odors or if there is a pool of standing water in the bottom of the dishwasher after it completes a cycle, the drain hose may be blocked. This part can be tricky to unclog, so unless you know what you're doing, it's best to call a plumber.