How to Remove Dishwasher Odor (Easy Step-by-Step Guide)

Why dishwashers start to smell

A dishwasher usually smells because food scraps, grease, soap residue, and moisture get trapped inside. Over time this creates bacteria and mold, which cause the sour or rotten smell many people notice when opening the door.

The most common odor sources include:

• A dirty dishwasher filter

• Food stuck in the drain area

• Grease buildup inside walls and spray arms

• Mold on the rubber door seal

• Standing water at the bottom

The good news is that removing dishwasher odor is usually simple and takes under an hour.

Step 1. Clean the dishwasher filter first

The filter is the number one cause of smells.

1. Pull out the bottom rack

2. Twist and remove the filter

3. Wash it with warm soapy water

4. Scrub gently with a soft brush

5. Rinse thoroughly and reinstall

If the filter is clogged, no deodorizing method will work until it is cleaned.

Step 2. Remove hidden food from the bottom drain area

After removing the filter:

• Look inside the drain hole

• Remove any visible food pieces

• Wipe the bottom with a damp cloth

Even a small trapped food chunk can create a strong odor.

Step 3. Run a hot vinegar cleaning cycle

1. Pour one cup of white vinegar into a bowl

2. Place it on the top rack

3. Run the hottest cycle with the dishwasher empty

Vinegar dissolves grease, kills odor-causing bacteria, and removes residue.

Step 4. Use baking soda for final odor removal

After the vinegar cycle:

• Sprinkle baking soda across the bottom

• Run a short hot cycle

This neutralizes any remaining smell and leaves the interior fresh.

Step 5. Clean the door seal (often forgotten)

Use a damp cloth with mild soap to wipe:

• Rubber gasket around the door

• Door edges and corners

• The bottom lip under the door

This area traps grease and mold more than most people realize.

How to keep dishwasher odor from coming back

Follow these simple habits:

• Clean the filter every 2–4 weeks

• Scrape large food off plates before loading

• Leave the door slightly open after cycles

• Run one hot empty cycle with vinegar each month

• Avoid overloading greasy pans

These small steps prevent most future smells.

Signs the smell could be a bigger problem

Call for repair if:

• Sewer-like smell keeps returning

• Water stays at the bottom after cycles

• Drain hose smells strongly

• Dishwasher leaks or makes loud noises

Persistent odor can sometimes mean a drainage issue.

Dishwasher odor is almost always caused by trapped food, grease, or moisture. Cleaning the filter, running a vinegar cycle, and wiping hidden areas usually restores a fresh smell in a single session. With regular monthly cleaning, your dishwasher should stay odor-free all year.

Read More:

How to level a dishwasher properly

How to clean a dishwasher filter

How often should you clean your dishwasher?

How to clean dishwasher spray arms

How to descale a dishwasher naturally