During the summer months, heat and humidity can lead to the growth of bacteria and mold inside your dishwasher. If there’s any buildup of food particle decay, smells may seem stronger. Luckily, there are steps you can take to keep your dishwasher clean and odor-free.

Monthly Dishwasher Cleaning

Each month, clean the interior of your dishwasher. You can use a simple mixture of baking soda and vinegar and the hot water cycle. There are also store-bought products that you can use during an empty dishwasher cycle to remove food buildup and limescale.

You can also wipe down the interior of your dishwasher for a more thorough cleaning. White vinegar does a great job of removing hard mineral deposits, grease, fats, oils, and odors. Avoid using corrosive products that contain bleach. They can damage the interior of your dishwasher, including important components.

Cleaning Your Filter

Many dishwashers have a filter that traps debris before it can clog your pump or drain. Remove this filter and wash it with dish soap to cut through oil and grease accumulations. This is maintenance you should perform every one to three months.

Maintaining a Dry Interior

Allowing moisture to remain inside your dishwasher between cycles can promote the growth of mold and mildew. This leads to musty odors. When a wash and dry cycle is complete, put away all the items in your dishwasher. Then, leave the door open so the residual moisture can dry.

Rinsing Dishes Thoroughly

Before you load dishes into your dishwasher, make sure you scrape or rinse off as much food as possible. The more food particles you introduce into your dishwasher, the worse the odors may be.

Wipe the Door Gasket and Lip

All the way around your dishwasher is a door gasket that keeps moisture inside the unit. There is also a bottom lip that contains water. Both these areas can get very dirty and experience bacteria growth. Once per week, wipe down the door gasket and lip of the dishwasher’s interior using white vinegar.

Addressing Dishwasher Problems

If you notice that your dishwasher is malfunctioning, be sure to schedule professional repairs as soon as possible. Otherwise, you may start to notice foul odors coming from your dishwasher. A film may start to form on the interior of your appliance.

A common issue to look for is improper drainage. Water may remain in the bottom of your dishwasher after a cycle is complete. This likely points to an issue with the drain line or pump. Standing water can quickly lead to a dirty and smelly dishwasher. Address leaks, as a small amount of moisture can quickly lead to mold growth. If you have concerns or require dishwasher services, contact Hotshot Appliance in Olathe, KS.