Tired of dealing with a smelly dishwasher? Don’t fret! I have years of first-hand experience and expert insights. I’ve crafted a full guide to banishing those odours and dirt for good. Follow these simple steps and enjoy a fresh, clean dishwasher every time.
How To Clean A Dishwasher To Reduce Smells & Dirt
For a fresh-smelling dishwasher, clean the filter often. Put vinegar in the top rack for one cycle. Then, use baking soda at the bottom for another rinse. This tackles odors and residues, ensuring your machine stays clean and odor-free.
My journey to a spotless and fresh-smelling dishwasher began when I moved into a new home. The dishwasher had a terrible smell. It was like tiny bits of food had turned into disgusting debris. They made a warm, moist environment perfect for odours to thrive.
The drain filter is often the culprit behind strange odours. Food particles and debris, like glass or popcorn kernels, collect here. Following the Use & Care guide, I removed and cleaned the filter, eliminating obstructions.
Next, I placed a bowl filled with distilled white vinegar on the top rack. Running the dishwasher on the hottest cycle without detergent is key. The acid in the vinegar dissolves residues and removes smells. As it dries, the vinegar smell dissipates.
After the vinegar cycle, I sprinkled a cup of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher. The baking soda ran in a short, hot water cycle. It acted as an odour neutralizer. It tackled any remaining smell problems.
To prevent future smells and dirt, I rinse dishes before loading and clean the filter each month. I also repeat the vinegar and baking soda treatment each month. Avoiding warm, moist environments keeps the dishwasher clean. It also keeps it fresh and ready for use.
I invested time and energy in these simple steps. Now, my dishwasher runs well. It leaves dishes clean and the inside smell-free. Each time I open the door, the change from terrible to pleasurable has been remarkable.
Are Dishwasher and Washing Machine Cleaning Products the Same?
Cleaning a dishwasher might seem strange. Shouldn’t it clean itself as it cleans your dishes? But, build up from food bits, limescale, and mineral deposits can affect its efficiency. Here’s a deeper dive into getting it spotless with personal insights.
Before using any cleaner, check the filter at the bottom. Look for debris like glass, popcorn kernels, or paper bits. In my experience, removing these obstructions significantly improves cleaning power and prevents clogs. Most dishwashers come with a Use & Care guide. It’s crucial to follow these instructions for removing and cleaning filters.
For a thorough clean, I swear by Affresh® dishwasher cleaner. It’s specifically formulated to descale and remove stubborn build up. Place one tablet in the detergent tray for a normal load. If your machine is very dirty, put a second tablet on the bottom rack. This helps tackle any build-up missed by the main detergent tray.
- Glassware and dishes can contribute to cloudiness from build up. Running a cycle with dishwasher cleaner helps restore their sparkle.
- For outside cleaning, use a damp cloth and affresh® stainless steel cleaning spray. They can polish the steel exteriors beautifully.
- Don’t forget to clean under the washer/dryer and replace any old hoses to keep everything in top shape.
From my own routine, making sure the hottest water cycle runs with the cleaner helps a lot. This is especially true in hard water areas. Following up with a cleaning spray on the exterior. This leaves the machine working and looking like new.
Also Read: What Is Affresh® Dishwasher Cleaner?
What causes a Smelly Dishwasher?
A smelly dishwasher can turn a kitchen into a nightmare. It is often caused by food residue, standing or hard water, and mouldy or old dishwashers. Each issue, with its unique challenges, requires targeted strategies to prevent and treat. Let’s delve deeper.
The main cause of a smelly dishwasher is food and debris. They build up over time. Despite the machine’s cycle, particles are left behind from plates and dishes. They can start degrading and cause an unpleasant smell.
Alicia Sokolowski is the President of Aspen Clean. She says that even a few days of build up can make a difference. She stresses the need to check the filter and spray arms often. They can trap food residue.
Rinsing plates before or washing them quickly by hand can prevent this smell a lot. Also, run a self-cleaning cycle with hot water and fresh lemon. This can keep the dishwasher fresh.
Standing water in the dishwasher is a top cause of odours. This is according to Duane Miller, CEO of Stellar Plumbing. Clogged drains and pipes can cause water to stand. This creates a breeding ground for bacteria and microorganisms.
Stagnant water causes a foul odour. It also leads to mineral build up from hard water, making the smell worse. Fixing this issue involves two things. You need to regularly check the drain for clogs. And you need to ensure proper drainage. Using a cleaner is key. It is made to remove and prevent mineral build up.
Miller advises loading the dishwasher with bulky items at the bottom. Tilt them to help run off. But, be careful not to put bowls, brushes, or art supplies in the dishwasher. Glues, glitters, and gunk can clog drains and cause problems.
An old dishwasher that has seen full use over many years can start to emit an unpleasant odour due to wear and tear. Tubes may become rotted and need to be replaced, says Sokolowski. Mold and mildew thrive in moist places.
They are often not cleaned and maintained well. This leads to a musty, mouldy stench. You can use a vinegar and water solution. Or, you can use a commercial dishwasher cleaner. It’s also advised to leave the door open to air dry, promoting a less moist environment.
Check the manual to see the set ideal lifespan of your dishwasher. It can show when it’s long overdue for a change.
Also Read: The Scorching Truth About Dishwasher Drying!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why do dishes smell after washing?
Dishes may smell after washing. This is due to contaminated water or bacteria lingering in tiny cracks of dishware. Leftover food residue is also a cause. It’s not properly rinsed off. This can lead to an unpleasant odour.
Why does my Frigidaire dishwasher smell?
Your Frigidaire dishwasher smells. This is likely because of dirt or food. Cleaning the filter at the bottom removes collected debris, helping disappear odours. Ensure to run a cycle with a small amount of water to flush out any lingering rot.
Why do dishwashers develop a bad smell?
Dishwashers can develop a bad smell due to trapped food particles in seals and spray arms. Insufficient cleaning of hidden areas like the filter leads to foul odours. Establishing a regular dishwasher cleaning routine prevents odour build up.
In Summary
Experience a dishwasher transformation with simple yet effective cleaning methods. Tackle odours and dirt by clearing filters. Use vinegar and baking soda cycles. Also, use dishwasher cleaners like Affresh®. Maintain a fresh-smelling machine effortlessly for sparkling dishes and a delightful kitchen ambiance.
