Have you ever opened your dishwasher and encountered a musty, fishy, or sewer-like smell? You’re not alone. Homeowners often struggle with smelly dishwashers. Read on to see how to tackle those odors.
Why does my dishwasher smell musty?
Trapped bits of food, grease, water build-up, or a slow drain can cause nasty dishwasher smells. The dark and damp conditions inside your dishwasher can also foster bacterial growth, leading to that unpleasant smell.
What causes a sewer smell in a dishwasher?
If your dishwasher smells like sewage, it could be the result of issues with the drain hose. Incorrect installation or bends and clogs in the hose can impede proper water drainage. This can lead to sewer gases backing up into the machine.
If you don’t clean the dishwasher filter often, it can get smelly from trapped food and grease that can release a sewer-like odor. Regular maintenance and proper installation of the dishwasher’s components are vital to prevent these smells.
How do I get the sewer smell out of my dishwasher?
To remove bad smells from your dishwasher, you will need to deep clean it. Using Glisten® Dishwasher Cleaner is the simplest, most effective way to do this. Glisten® Dishwasher Cleaner cleans the inner workings of your dishwasher. And it’s the only product on the market that also disinfects your dishwasher.
Not to mention, it’s incredibly easy to use. No need to pre rinse or gently scrub — the process is virtually hands-free.
Start with an empty dishwasher. Simply pop off the Glisten® cap and place the bottle upside down in the silverware basket or the bottom rack (not the top rack). Then run the dishwasher on the hottest cycle.
Here’s what it does:
Cleans the Filter
Your dishwasher’s filter traps food particles and grease — common culprits for unpleasant odors. Most dishwasher manufacturers place the filters at the bottom of the machine, and removing it can be a daunting, time-consuming process. Glisten® Dishwasher Cleaner effectively cleans the filter, and you don’t even have to remove it.
Cleans the Drain Hose
Your drain hose can also hold onto smelly food particles. Glisten® Dishwasher Cleaner washes away the buildup from your drain hose.
Always ensure that you have installed the drain hose correctly and that it is free of kinks or blockages. The hose should run high before connecting to the kitchen sink drain or garbage disposal to prevent backflow.
Deep Cleans Inside Your Dishwasher
Glisten® Dishwasher Cleaner deep cleans and disinfects all parts of your dishwasher, including the hidden and hard-to-reach areas. It cleans your dishwasher by targeting different parts like the tub, water jets, filters, spray arms, and pipes.
How do you clean the drain hose on a dishwasher?
Here’s how to clean smelly dishwasher drain hoses if you want to do it the hard way. The easy alternative is to just use Glisten® Dishwasher Cleaner, which will clean the drain hose as it cleans the rest of your dishwasher.
First, turn off the dishwasher and disconnect it from the power source.
Next, locate the drain hose at the back of the dishwasher, usually attached with clips or screws. Detach it carefully. Check for any clogs or debris inside the hose by running water through it. If you find a blockage, use a straightened coat hanger to gently remove the clog.
Another way to clean the hose is with baking soda and vinegar. Pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar into the hose and let it soak for 15 minutes. Then flush the hose with hot water to clear any remaining residue.
When you’re finished, reattach the hose securely, making sure there are no leaks. This routine maintenance can make your dishwasher more efficient and prevent odors.
Can a dishwasher drain hose smell?
Yes, it’s not uncommon for a dishwasher drain hose to develop a foul smell. Food particles and grease buildup inside the hose usually cause this issue, which can also result in clogs and poor drainage. Regularly cleaning your dishwasher with Glisten® Dishwasher Cleaner can help prevent these issues and keep your dishwasher smelling fresh.
How do you clean the drain hose on a dishwasher?
To effortlessly clean your dishwasher drain hose, opt for Glisten® Dishwasher Cleaner. No need for manual unclogging or DIY mixtures — Glisten does it all while ensuring a fresh and efficient dishwasher.
How to Clean Dishwasher Drain Hose Without Removing It
Want to clean the dishwasher drain hose without taking it out?
The easiest way to remove clogs and buildup in the drain hose is to use Glisten® Dishwasher Cleaner. It deep cleans even the hidden parts of your machine.
What products should I avoid using to clean my dishwasher?
You should avoid using bleach or abrasive tools to clean your dishwasher. These types of cleaners cause damage to the interior and other components of your dishwasher.
Instead, you should reach for dishwasher-safe cleaning agents. These safe-to-use products include Glisten® and Plink® dishwasher cleaners and fresheners.
Does baking soda and vinegar clean a dishwasher?
People often use distilled white vinegar and baking soda together for DIY dishwasher cleaning. But experts have different opinions on their effectiveness for cleaning dishwashers.
Mixing baking soda and vinegar makes carbon dioxide bubbles and water, which sometimes helps clean up food bits and grease.
However, this reaction may not be strong enough to tackle more stubborn build-up or deep-set stains. For tough cleaning tasks, use special dishwasher cleaning products to make your dishwasher clean and efficient again.
How to Clean Dishwasher Without Vinegar: Glisten® and Plink®
Take the guesswork out of maintaining your dishwasher. To clean and freshen your dishwasher, use Glisten® Dishwasher Cleaner, Glisten® Dishwasher Cleaner & Freshener, or Plink® Washer & Dishwasher Freshener & Cleaner. They can work better than cleaning a dishwasher with vinegar and baking soda. Here’s why:
Glisten® Dishwasher Cleaner — Use Monthly
Glisten® Dishwasher Cleaner is the only EPA-registered dishwasher disinfectant*. Its deep clean formula is not just about aesthetics—it’s about health.
Ensuring your dishwasher is free from harmful bacteria has never been so easy. In fact, you’re just one cycle away from a spotless machine. And with its EPA Safer Choice approval, you’re choosing a good for the environment option too.
Glisten® Dishwasher Cleaner & Freshener — Use Weekly
Regular cleaning helps prevent the odors. Experience the convenience of in-cycle cleaning with natural ingredients that get the job done. You can fight odors during your regular wash cycle by simply dropping in a Glisten® Dishwasher Cleaner & Freshener tablet.
Plink® Washer & Dishwasher Freshener & Cleaner — Use As Needed
Say goodbye to “how to make my dishwasher smell good inside” searches. Plink® does more than just mask odors; it eliminates them. When you need to freshen up your washing machine or your dishwasher, Plink is your ally against that unwelcome odor. Just pop in a tablet, run your regular cycle, and enjoy the refreshing scent.