If your Whirlpool dishwasher smells bad, you’re not alone. A smelly dishwasher can make your kitchen unpleasant and even leave an odor on your cleaned dishes. Whether it’s a musty scent, a rotten food smell, or a plastic smell, the cause is often buildup from food particles, mold, or trapped water.
Without regular cleaning and maintenance, leftover food, grease, and soap residue can clog the filter and drain hose, leading to standing water and bacteria growth. Even the gasket seals and racks can develop buildup over time, making the odor worse.
The good news is that you can get rid of the dishwasher odor with simple cleaning steps. In this article, I’ll walk you through how to clean your dishwasher, remove stubborn smells, and keep it fresh. By following these steps, you’ll be able to use your dishwasher as normal without worrying about lingering odors.
What Are the Common Causes of Odors in Whirlpool Dishwasher?
Dirty Filter
A clogged filter is one of the main reasons for a smelly dishwasher. Over time, food particles and grease get trapped, leading to bacterial growth and unpleasant dishwasher odor. Without regular cleaning and maintenance, these trapped particles begin to decompose, making the smell worse.
To fix this, empty the filter, rinse it with soapy water, and scrub it with a soft-bristled brush to remove buildup.
Trapped Food Particles
Small food particles can accumulate in the gasket seals, around the rack, and inside the tub. These damp areas create the perfect environment for mold and mildew, which can lead to musty odors in your dishwasher. Wiping these areas with a sponge and warm water helps prevent buildup.
Plumbing Issues
If the drain hose is improperly installed or clogged, it can cause sewer gases to back up, leading to a bad dishwasher smell. Ensure the drain hose is connected correctly and check for blockages to keep your dishwasher draining correctly.
New Dishwasher Smells
A plastic smell is common in new Whirlpool dishwashers due to manufacturing materials. This typically fades after a few wash cycles, but running a cycle with white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe bowl on the bottom rack of your empty dishwasher can help speed up the process.
Standing Water
If standing water remains after a wash cycle, your Whirlpool dishwasher still smells bad. This usually happens due to drainage issues. Check for blockages and ensure the energy-saving dry option is used to help dry out moisture.
Grease Build-Up
Grease from dirty dishes can coat the filter, racks, and seals, leading to a smelly dishwasher. Regularly using a dishwasher cleaner and scraping dishes before loading can help prevent this problem.
Leaks and Moisture Buildup
Leaks can cause water to pool inside or under the dishwasher, leading to mold and mildew growth. Inspect the seal and other components for leaks, and wipe any moisture with a clean sponge to keep your dishwasher fresh.
What Are the Solutions to Eliminate Odor in My Dishwasher?
Clean the Filter
A clogged filter is a major cause of dishwasher odor. Food particles get trapped, decompose over time, and create unpleasant smells. To fix this, empty the filter, rinse it with soapy water, and scrub it with a soft-bristled brush to remove buildup. Ensuring the filter in your dishwasher is clean will help maintain freshness.
Vinegar Rinse for Odor Removal
Running a cycle with white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe bowl can help neutralize bad smells. Simply place the bowl on the bottom rack of your empty dishwasher, pour cups of white vinegar, and start a hot wash cycle. This method helps break down grease, soap residue, and other sources of dishwasher smell.
Check the Drain Hose for Clogs
A blocked or improperly installed drain hose can cause standing water, leading to a smelly dishwasher. Ensure the drain hose is free from kinks or clogs and is properly connected to prevent backflow. If your dishwasher still smells bad, this could be a key issue.
Use a Dishwasher Cleaner
Using a dishwasher cleaner like Affresh or Finish can help remove odor-causing buildup. Place a cleaner tablet in the dispenser, then run the dishwasher on a hot cycle to clear out grease and food debris.
Clean the Gasket Seals
The seal around the dishwasher door can collect food residue and moisture, leading to mold and mildew growth. Wipe the buildup on the gasket seals with a sponge and warm water, then wipe dry with a clean towel to prevent excess moisture.
Inspect and Clean Spray Arms
Food particles can clog the spray arm holes, reducing cleaning efficiency and causing odors. Remove the spray arms, clear blockages with a needle, and soak them in soapy water before reattaching.
Regular Maintenance and Drying
To prevent odors, follow a regular cleaning and maintenance routine. Avoid standing water by ensuring proper drainage and using the energy-saving dry option to remove excess moisture. Running a vinegar cycle monthly will also help keep odors away.
What Are the Tips to Prevent Smelly Dishwasher in the Future?
- Clean the Filter Regularly
A dirty filter can trap food particles and grease, leading to a dishwasher odor. Clean the filter to your dishwasher every 6–12 months, depending on usage. If you run 4 and 5 cycles per week, an annual cleaning is enough. For heavier use, clean it twice a year. - Run a Monthly Vinegar and Baking Soda Cycle
Deep clean the interior by placing white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe bowl on the bottom rack of your empty dishwasher and running a hot wash cycle. Afterward, sprinkle baking soda on the bottom and run a short cycle to absorb any remaining odors. - Use the Right Amount of Detergent
Check your owner’s manual for product help regarding recommended detergent types and quantities. Too much detergent can leave behind residue, causing a smelly dishwasher over time. - Avoid Leaving Dirty Dishes for Too Long
Food scraps left in the dishwasher can decompose, leading to bad smells. If you don’t run a full load daily, use the rinse cycle to prevent odors from standing water and leftover food. - Ensure Proper Drainage
A clogged or incorrectly installed drain hose can cause water to sit, creating unpleasant odors in your dishwasher. Inspect the drain hose periodically to ensure it’s draining correctly. - Wipe Down Gasket Seals and Racks
Mold and mildew can form on the seal and rack if moisture lingers. Use a sponge and warm soapy water to clean these areas, then wipe dry with a clean cloth. - Use an Energy-Saving Dry Option
Excess moisture inside the dishwasher encourages mold and mildew growth. Selecting the energy-saving dry option helps reduce moisture and keeps your dishwasher fresh. - Run the Dishwasher Regularly
Running cycles frequently helps prevent buildup on the gasket seals, food residue, and dishwasher smell. If the dishwasher is unused for long periods, consider running an empty cycle with cups of white vinegar to maintain freshness.
Conclusion
A smelly Whirlpool dishwasher is often caused by food buildup, grease, standing water, or mold growth. If left unchecked, these issues can make your kitchen unpleasant and even affect the cleanliness of your dishes. Fortunately, proper cleaning and maintenance can eliminate odors and keep your dishwasher running efficiently.
Regularly cleaning the filter, spray arms, and gasket seals helps prevent trapped food particles from decomposing and creating bad smells. Using vinegar and baking soda cycles can break down soap residue and grease, while checking the drain hose ensures proper water drainage.
To prevent odors in the future, follow a routine maintenance schedule, use the recommended amount of detergent, and avoid leaving dirty dishes inside for too long. By taking these simple steps, you can keep your Whirlpool dishwasher fresh and free from lingering smells.
FAQs
Why does my new Whirlpool dishwasher smell like plastic?
A plastic smell in a new Whirlpool dishwasher is common due to manufacturing residues. This odor should fade after a few cycles. To speed up the process, run a hot cycle with white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe bowl on the bottom rack to help neutralize the smell.
How often should I clean my Whirlpool dishwasher filter?
Clean the filter at least once a month to prevent food debris buildup, which can cause odors and drainage issues. If you run the dishwasher frequently or don’t rinse dishes beforehand, clean it every two weeks to maintain proper water flow and ensure fresh-smelling, spotless dishes.
Can I use bleach to clean my Whirlpool dishwasher?
Bleach can be used for cleaning, but only in dishwashers without stainless steel interiors, as it may cause damage. To disinfect and remove odors, mix bleach with water, run a cycle, and avoid combining it with vinegar or dishwasher cleaners to prevent harmful chemical reactions.
Why do my dishes smell bad after washing in a Whirlpool dishwasher?
Lingering odors on dishes may result from a dirty filter, clogged drain hose, or excess detergent residue. Ensure proper drainage, clean the filter regularly, and use the right detergent amount. Running a vinegar rinse cycle can also help eliminate unpleasant smells.
