5 Tricks to Prevent Your Dishwasher From Smelling

A dishwasher is supposed to make your kitchen cleaner—not fill it with unpleasant odors. Yet many people notice a persistent smell coming from their dishwasher even though it “looks” clean and runs regularly. The truth is, dishwashers are one of the most common places for hidden food residue, grease, and bacteria to build up over time.

The good news? You don’t need expensive cleaners or a new appliance. Most dishwasher odors come from a few overlooked habits and easily fixable issues. By making small changes to how you use and maintain your dishwasher, you can keep it smelling fresh and working efficiently.

Here are 5 effective tricks to prevent your dishwasher from smelling—starting today.

1. Clean the Filter Regularly (This Is Non-Negotiable)

The dishwasher filter is the number one cause of bad smells—and the most commonly ignored part.

Most modern dishwashers have a removable filter at the bottom designed to catch food particles. Over time, bits of food, grease, and soap residue collect there and begin to rot, creating a strong, unpleasant odor that spreads every time the dishwasher runs.

What to do:

Remove the bottom rack

Twist or lift out the filter (check your model’s instructions)

Rinse it under hot water

Use a soft brush or old toothbrush to remove stuck-on debris

How often:

At least once a week if you run the dishwasher frequently, or every two weeks for lighter use.

Why it works:

No matter how strong your detergent is, it can’t dissolve old, trapped food. Cleaning the filter removes the odor at its source.

2. Stop Overloading and Rinse Dishes the Right Way

Overloading your dishwasher might save time—but it’s a recipe for smells.

When dishes are stacked too tightly:

Water can’t circulate properly

Food residue doesn’t wash away

Grease sticks to internal parts

You don’t need to pre-wash dishes completely, but large food scraps should always be scraped off.

Best practice:

Scrape plates into the trash, not the sink

Avoid stacking dishes on top of each other

Make sure spray arms can spin freely

Why it works:

Proper water flow ensures food particles are flushed away instead of settling into hidden crevices where they decay and smell.

3. Run a Monthly Deep Clean (No Chemicals Needed)

Even if you clean the filter, grease and mineral buildup can still cling to the interior walls, spray arms, and hoses.

A simple monthly deep clean can reset your dishwasher.

Option 1: White Vinegar Wash

Place a cup of white vinegar on the top rack

Run an empty dishwasher on the hottest cycle

Option 2: Baking Soda Freshener

After the vinegar cycle, sprinkle baking soda on the bottom

Run a short hot cycle

Why it works:

Vinegar dissolves grease, soap scum, and limescale

Baking soda neutralizes lingering odors

Important:

Never mix vinegar and baking soda in the same cycle—they cancel each other out.

4. Leave the Door Slightly Open After Each Cycle

This small habit makes a huge difference.

When the dishwasher door stays closed after a wash:

Moisture gets trapped

Warm, dark conditions encourage bacteria and mold growth

Odors develop quickly

What to do:

After unloading, leave the dishwasher door slightly open for 30–60 minutes.

Why it works:

Air circulation allows moisture to evaporate, preventing mold and mildew from forming inside the machine.

This trick alone can eliminate that “musty” dishwasher smell many people complain about.

5. Clean the Rubber Seal and Spray Arms

Most people clean the inside walls—but forget the hidden parts.

Rubber Door Seal

The rubber gasket around the door traps:

Grease

Food particles

Soap residue

Wipe it weekly with a damp cloth and mild dish soap.

Spray Arms

Food particles can clog the tiny holes in the spray arms, causing poor cleaning and odor buildup.

How to clean them:

Remove the spray arms (if possible)

Rinse under warm water

Use a toothpick to clear clogged holes

Why it works:

When spray arms are clogged, dirty water gets reused instead of being flushed out—leading to smells that no detergent can fix.