FixPlainly

Dishwasher smells bad

Trapped food and water that doesn’t drain away are the causes Whirlpool points to. Start with the filter.

6 checks, quickest firstAbout 83 minutes if you do them allLast checked against its sources on

Fix Finder

Fix Finder: dishwasher smells bad

Work through the checks below, in order.

Turn on JavaScript to use the interactive step-by-step version.

Before you start

  • Before reaching into the tub or under the sink: switch the dishwasher off at the circuit breaker.
  • Before touching any hose or connection: turn off the water valve under the sink.
  • Let the dishwasher cool after a cycle; the water and heating element can be hot.
  • Wear gloves when clearing filters. Broken glass ends up there.

More in appliance repair safety basics.

All the checks, in order

  1. Clean the filter

    Take careAbout 10 min

    Food trapped in the filter is the usual source.

    1. Turn the dishwasher off.
    2. Remove the filter from the bottom of the tub and rinse it under hot water.
    3. Refit it and lock it in place. Whirlpool suggests doing this at least monthly.

  2. Clear food from the tub and spray arms

    Safe to tryAbout 5 min

    Particles in the tub bottom and spray arms rot over time.

    1. Wipe out the bottom of the tub.
    2. Check the spray arms for trapped food.
    3. Avoid overcrowding so dishes don’t block the spray.

  3. Check it drains fully

    Safe to tryAbout 2 min

    Standing water smells.

    1. Run the garbage disposal to clear it.
    2. If water is left in the tub, fix the draining first.

    Open the guide: Dishwasher won’t drain

  4. Run a cleaning cycle

    Safe to tryAbout 60 min

    A hot empty cycle with cleaner clears residue and odor.

    1. Use a dishwasher cleaner such as affresh, or white vinegar, following the product instructions.
    2. Run a hot cycle with no dishes. Whirlpool suggests monthly.

  5. Wipe the door seals

    Safe to tryAbout 5 min

    Grime builds up on the rubber seals.

    1. Wipe the seals with a damp cloth and a little mild detergent.

  6. Rinse dishes you won’t wash today

    Safe to tryAbout 1 min

    Food sitting for days in a closed dishwasher smells.

    1. If you won’t run a full load soon, use the Rinse and Hold or Rinse Only cycle.

When to call a technician

  • It smells of burning or hot plastic. Turn it off at the breaker and have it checked.
  • Water won’t drain even after the drain checks.

Error codes that point here

If your dishwasher shows one of these, open it for the brand’s exact meaning.

Whirlpool F9 E1Long drain (not draining)GE C1Pump-out took too long

Questions

How often should I run a dishwasher cleaner?

Whirlpool suggests a hot empty cycle with affresh or white vinegar about once a month.

Sources

  1. Removing Odors in your Dishwasher, Whirlpool Product Help
  2. Dishwasher Not Draining, Whirlpool Product Help
Last checked against its sources on