How To Fix a Stinky Dishwasher

Washing dishes is not the chore it once was.

The first dishwasher was invented in 1880 by Josephine Garis Cochran from Shelbyville, Illinois. Few people are aware of the dishwasher's origin, but people have been silently thanking Cochran for freeing them from washing dishes by hand ever since her invention became popular in the 1950s. Dishwashers are relatively easy to maintain, but occasionally problems arise. If your dishwasher has a foul or stinky odor, don't be afraid to open it up and look inside.

Things You'll Need

• Rubber gloves
• Paper towels
• Bleach or vinegar

Instructions

1. Inspect the inside of your dishwasher for food particles or residue buildup. According to housekeeping expert Heloise, odors can often be caused by items left in your dishwasher. Remove the bottom tray from your dishwasher by gently pulling it all the way out of the machine. Wear protective gloves in case you discover a piece of broken glass or other sharp object. Feel around hoses and mechanisms. Remove anything you find with a paper towel and clean it as thoroughly as possible. Slide the bottom rack back into place.

2. Clean your dishwasher. Pour 1/2 cup bleach or 1/2 cup white vinegar into the bottom of your empty dishwasher and run through a normal cycle.

3. Consult a plumber if you are certain your dishwasher is clean and a smell remains. Mysterious odors can indicate you have a clogged drain or sewer pipe.

Tips & Warnings

• Using bleach or vinegar to clean your dishwasher can be done several times a year as regular maintenance to prevent odors.

References

• Project Arrow: Josephine Cochran
• Good Housekeeping: Eliminating Odor From a Dishwasher