How do I keep my dishwasher from smelling?
Clean the filter at least once a month, wipe the door gaskets and the bottom front of the tub, and run a cleaning cycle with a dishwasher cleaner (ideally monthly) or a vinegar rinse. Scrape plates, do not overload the racks, and make sure the machine drains fully, since standing water breeds odor.
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By Kasra Taheri, Founder, LoclisPublished
Researched and drafted with AI, then checked claim by claim against the sources listed below before it was published. Prices and rules change; the dates beside each source say when it was last checked.
Step by step
Read when to stop and call a pro, further down this page, before you start.
Step 1: Clean the filter
Remove the drain filter and rinse it under hot water to clear trapped food particles.[1]
Step 2: Wipe the tub
Clean the interior with a sponge and warm water, including the bottom front of the tub where soils tend to accumulate.[2]
Step 3: Wipe the door seals
Clean the rubber seals around the door with a damp cloth and mild detergent.[1]
Step 4: Check the drain and disposal
Look for food or obstructions in the drain or the garbage disposer and run the disposer to clear them.[1]
Step 6: Load with care
Scrape plates, do not overcrowd, and keep large items from blocking the spray arms.[1]
Most dishwasher smells come from old food and standing water, and both are easy to remove. The routine is to clean the filter monthly, wipe the tub and door seals, and run a cleaning cycle. Whirlpool says a primary source is food debris getting trapped in the dishwasher's filter, spray arms, or bottom.[1] Water that remains at the bottom due to drainage issues or a blocked filter can cause unpleasant smells.[1]
Clean the filter every month
This does the most. Clean the dishwasher filter at least once a month to remove food debris and buildup.[1] Rinse it under hot water, then check the spray arms for lodged scraps. The details are in how to clean a dishwasher filter.
Wipe where soil collects
Clean the interior with a sponge and warm water. Make sure to clean the bottom front of the tub where soils tend to accumulate.[2] Wipe down all surfaces, including the door gaskets.[2] Use a damp cloth and mild detergent on the rubber seals, since trapped grime there adds to odor.[1]
Run a cleaning cycle
Two methods are in Whirlpool's guidance. For a vinegar rinse, Whirlpool's method is putting 2 cups (500 mL) of white vinegar in an upright glass measuring cup in the lower rack. Run a normal cycle with the dry option turned off (on some models). Do not use detergent.[2]
For a commercial cleaner, place the cleaner in the dishwasher as per product instructions and run a hot water cycle without dishes.[1] Whirlpool's advice is to schedule this regularly. Regularly schedule this process—ideally once a month.[1]
Load and use it to stay fresh
Avoid overcrowding, as this can restrict water circulation and leave food particles behind.[1] Scrape plates before loading to reduce large food particles entering the filter system.[3] If dishes will sit for a day or two, run a "Rinse and Hold" or "Rinse Only" cycle on models that have one.[1]
Finally, look at the sink side. Check the drain and garbage disposer for food or obstructions, and run the disposer to clear them.[1]
A new dishwasher smell is usually normal
A plastic smell is normal and should fade; it should dissipate with time (about two weeks).[1] A petroleum odor comes from sound-deadening material on some models, and it should dissipate in 4-6 weeks.[1]
Stop and call a pro if
- The smell persists and water stays in the tub. The drain is probably blocked; start with why a dishwasher is not draining, and book service if cleaning does not clear it.
- You smell burning. If you smell burning, see damaged wiring, or the breaker trips repeatedly, stop and contact a qualified service technician.[3]
- The drain line needs plumbing or wiring work. Virginia licenses tradesmen: no individual shall engage in, or offer to engage in, work as a tradesman as defined in § 54.1-1128 unless he has been licensed,[4] so hire a licensed pro and check the licence at DPOR first.
Getting help in Virginia
Browse appliance repair answers, see appliance repair businesses on Loclis, and read what dishwasher repair costs in Virginia.
If the smell will not go away, describe the problem and local repair pros will quote it.
Common questions
- Is vinegar or a dishwasher cleaner better?
- Whirlpool lists both. For vinegar, put 2 cups of white vinegar in an upright glass measuring cup on the lower rack and run a normal cycle with the dry option turned off and no detergent. A commercial cleaner is used per its own instructions in an empty hot cycle.
- Why does my new dishwasher smell like plastic?
- Whirlpool says a plastic smell is normal and should fade in about two weeks. A petroleum smell from sound-deadening material should dissipate in 4-6 weeks.
- Can dishes left sitting dirty cause the smell?
- Yes. If dishes will not be washed right away, Whirlpool suggests a "Rinse and Hold" or "Rinse Only" cycle so food does not spoil in the tub.
- How often should I clean the filter?
- At least once a month, according to Whirlpool. The steps are in how to clean a dishwasher filter.
- The smell came back right after I cleaned. What now?
- Check that the machine drains completely. Water that remains at the bottom due to drainage issues or a blocked filter can cause unpleasant smells, so see why a dishwasher is not draining.
Sources
- [1] Removing Odors in your Dishwasher, Whirlpool Product Help. Checked October 28, 2026.
- [2] Cleaning the Dishwasher, Whirlpool Product Help. Checked October 28, 2026.
- [3] Dishwasher Not Draining, Whirlpool Product Help. Checked October 28, 2026.
- [4] Va. Code 54.1-1129, Tradesman license required, Code of Virginia, Virginia General Assembly. Checked October 28, 2026.
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