Why Does My Dishwasher Smell?

A dishwasher odor doesn't automatically mean the appliance is broken. Food debris, standing water, and buildup around accessible components are the common places to start.

Clean the filter

Check the owner's manual for the filter location and cleaning instructions. Food trapped there can create odor.

Look around the door seal

Food and residue collect around edges that don't get the same wash action as the interior. Clean accessible surfaces with products appropriate for the appliance.

Is water standing in the bottom?

If the dishwasher isn't draining normally, deal with the drainage problem instead of trying to cover the smell. Read: Why Is My Dishwasher Not Draining?

Check items before loading

Large food scraps don't need to go into the dishwasher. Follow the manufacturer's loading and preparation guidance.

Don't mix cleaning chemicals

Avoid combining household cleaners to chase an odor, and use cleaning products only as directed.

When is the smell a sign of another problem?

Persistent odor alongside drainage trouble, leaking, or wastewater backing up deserves further investigation.