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Q: I’ve noticed an unpleasant odor coming from my dishwasher, and my usual dishwashing detergent clearly isn’t strong enough to tackle it. Any ideas for freshening things up a smelly dishwasher?
A : It ’s certainly ironic to suppose about such a clear convenience smelling so stinking , since the gismo ’s job is to wash and hygienise smasher . But in reality , even top - of - the - railway line machines can descend victim to stray food mote . Over time , these bantam piece get trapped in your dishwashing machine ’s filter , and the buildup can make a fainthearted odor that grow more violative by the sidereal day . gratefully , homeowners can easily fix a smelly dishwashing machine with a few childlike steps and good old - fashionedvinegar .
Step 1: Empty the dishwasher.
bump off all dishes and utensil , then use a damp microfiber material to authorize out any junk on the floor and side of meat of the dishwashing machine ’s Interior Department . You may desire to take away the bottom rack for easier access .
Step 2: Let vinegar work its magic.
Fill a spyglass cup or bowling ball with about one cup of distilled white vinegar , and place it snugly on the top rack of your dishwasher between the prongs used to separate glasses . Vinegar is a perfect agent for cleaning a dishwasher since it will trim down grease , all the way off old detergent build - up , andneutralize nutrient odors . launch the dishwasher through a single cycle on the hottest mise en scene possible . Then , once the bicycle is complete , go forth the door unresolved for about an hour to permit the dishwasher ventilate out all . ( A moist interior could direct to mildew growth , the source of yetanotherunwanted stink ! )
Step 3: Add a fresh scent.
Despite its undisputable cleaning property , not everyone is crazy about white vinegar ’s scent . If you ’d like to mask it with something more pleasant , add a few drops of anessential oilto the acetum . Lavender , orangish , lemon , or peppermint candy petroleum will produce a crisp and welcoming aroma in your kitchen . Plus , the non - toxic crucial oils have antibacterial properties to boot !
Step 4: Repeat the process four times per year.
To avoid a whiff of a smelly dish washer in the future , take over the vinegar cleanse once every few month , or whenever it ’s needed . Now you ’ll always breathe slow in your kitchen — no matter how often you launch the dishwasher .
Always take safety precautions . When strip your smelly dish washer , never mix vinegar with atomic number 17 , which can create toxic fumes . While you may not on purpose expend the two at once , they could accidentally interact if there ’s still some liquiddishwashing detergentleft over in the tray from a late wheel . Best practice : say your detergent label to see if the solution contains Cl . If so , ensure there ’s no potential for disaster by pass over out the detergent tray with a damp paper towel before you take up the motorcar .
This Is the class for a Kitchen Renovation
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Whether you ’re selling or staying , everyone can get something out of a kitchen update . find out why we consider this overhaul the Most Valuable Project of 2025 and how to stay on budget .
