How to Get The Stink Out Of Your Dishwasher

No appliance responsible for cleaning anything should have a funky smell to it. Well, in an ideal world anyway. If it cleans items, it should clean itself, right? Unfortunately, that is not the case. While your dishwasher will remain pretty clean, over time you can start to notice a distinct funk that builds up in it. When this happens, there are a few things you need to do.

Clean the Filter

This can make the biggest difference in the smell of your dishwasher, as it is not something that appliance owners realize they need to do regularly. Your dishwasher comes equipped with a filter that filters the water that is going down the drain. It catches items like errant silverware and larger food particles in order to prevent them from going down the drain and clogging it.

Unfortunately, as this filter is typically out of sight, hidden under a cover, you don’t notice the food build-up and it can start to stink. In short, remove the cover and rinse out the filter. If the food is really stuck on there, a dip in a vinegar solution can help as well.

Wipe Down the Interior

Cleaning the drain filter will make a huge difference, but if the funk remains, then the interior needs cleaning. Typically, the dish detergent will prevent a lot of mold growth, but it can start in some of the lesser washed corners. Wipe down the interior with white vinegar. This will serve to not only kill mold and mildew but with deodorize the appliance as well.

Run a Vinegar Wash

If the smell persists, then the smell may be coming deeper from the actual drain. If this is the case, then running a long cycle with vinegar in the detergent dispenser can help. This will clean and deodorize as the empty cycle runs, hopefully leaving a smell-free dishwasher behind.

While cleaning a dishwasher is something you can do yourself, if your appliance is manifesting more serious problems, contact us today to see what Central Valley Appliance can do to help.