A dishwasher should make kitchen cleanup easier, not leave your dishes smelling worse than before. When every cycle ends with a musty odor, it’s more than annoying. We’ve handled this issue many times while providing appliance repair in Airdrie. A lingering damp or sour smell can mean bacteria is growing, food is stuck, or something deeper is wrong with drainage. Let’s break it down clearly so you know what steps to take, how to avoid repeating issues, and when to get extra help.
Clean the Filter and Drain First
Start with the part that most people forget. A dishwasher filter catches food scraps, but over time, it clogs with grime. This buildup holds moisture, which encourages mold. The drain underneath often traps gunk too. We recommend pulling the bottom rack out and removing the filter. Rinse it under hot water, scrub with a brush, then check the drain for food bits or gunk stuck inside.
While cleaning the filter seems simple, many people stop here. However, if you don’t rinse it regularly, moisture has nowhere to go. As a result, odors become a regular part of every cycle. This is one of the first things we check during any dishwasher repair in Airdrie, because it solves more problems than most expect.
Check for Standing Water After Each Cycle
Another common cause of odor is water that doesn’t fully drain. After the final rinse, the tub should be dry except for a few drops. If water remains in the base, that trapped liquid quickly grows mold. You might also smell old detergent, which adds to the mustiness.
We usually find the cause in one of three places: a kinked drain hose, a partially blocked air gap, or food stuck deeper in the drainage system. If you spot standing water after every load, check under the sink to make sure the hose is straight. You can also run hot water through the sink before each cycle to keep the line clear. In more stubborn cases, it’s smart to schedule appliance repair in Airdrie so we can clear buildup you can’t see.
Use the Right Detergent and Rinse Aid
People often overlook how important detergent choice is. Powder, gel, and pods all behave differently. If you use too much, residue stays behind. If you use too little, grease remains. In both cases, smells build up inside the tub. Rinse aids are just as essential. They help water slide off surfaces instead of pooling, which reduces drying time and stops bacteria from forming.
Likewise, don’t mix detergents. If you switch brands or types often, your dishwasher may react poorly. Stick with one style and follow the exact dosing amount. In our experience, overuse causes more smell issues than underuse. A consistent amount of rinse aid also prevents that muggy smell many people describe.
Run a Deep Cleaning Cycle Once a Month
Just like your washing machine, a dishwasher needs regular deep cleaning. Once a month, run it empty on the hottest setting with either white vinegar or a specialized dishwasher cleaner. This kills mildew, removes hidden grease, and flushes leftover soap. Vinegar is effective because it breaks down both odor and limescale.
Place a bowl of vinegar on the top rack and run a full cycle. Do not mix with baking soda in the same wash, or you’ll cancel out both. Afterward, wipe down the seals, corners, and sides with a microfiber cloth. These areas stay moist the longest, so they need extra care. Regular cleaning stops problems before they start.
Inspect the Spray Arms for Blockage
Spray arms rotate and spray water to clean the dishes. However, if those holes are blocked with food or mineral deposits, the water doesn’t reach every corner. That leads to partially cleaned surfaces, especially along the edges. In turn, food residue gets reheated in the next cycle and builds a foul smell.
To check, remove the spray arms and hold them under running water. You should see clear flow from every opening. If not, soak them in vinegar for an hour and poke the holes with a toothpick. We’ve seen this step resolve persistent odors many times, especially in homes with hard water. If the arms stay clogged, it’s a good time to explore local dishwasher repair services in Airdrie.
Dry the Interior After Each Use
One habit that makes a big difference is leaving the dishwasher door open after each cycle. If the door seals too tightly while still warm, moisture gets trapped and can’t escape. This humid environment becomes perfect for mold, mildew, and strange smells.
Instead, open the door just enough to let air circulate. If your model has a vent feature, activate it. You can also place a dry towel along the edge of the tub after emptying the dishes. Airdrie’s dry climate helps with evaporation, but even so, a bit of airflow goes a long way. Our team often finds that homes with persistent odor issues skip this simple step.
Examine the Door Gasket and Seals
Door seals do more than stop leaks. They also trap food particles and moisture if not cleaned. Over time, these rubber gaskets become sticky and black with mold. You might not see it unless you look closely. That’s why we check them often during every appliance inspection.
Wipe the seals down with warm water and a mild dish soap. If they’re especially dirty, use a soft brush. Never pull or stretch the rubber. Damaged seals can’t hold moisture back, which leads to bigger problems. If cleaning doesn’t remove the musty smell, the seals may need replacement. This is something we usually confirm during a full appliance repair in Airdrie.
Stop Using the Heated Dry Option Too Often
Many people assume the heated dry setting prevents mold by removing water. However, it often does the opposite. When the air gets too hot, it causes steam to rise and condense along cooler parts of the tub. That leaves water sitting in corners and under racks. Then, bacteria finds a place to grow.
Switch to air dry or energy-saving mode if your model has one. You can also open the door immediately after the cycle ends to release heat. If you notice a sour smell stronger when using heated dry, it’s time to change your routine. In our experience, this change alone prevents a surprising number of odor problems.
Use Empty Loads to Test and Refresh
Every few weeks, run your dishwasher without any dishes inside. Add vinegar, citric acid, or a tablet cleaner designed for dishwashers. These cycles clear away grease, trapped food, and old detergent that builds up in hidden spots. You’d be surprised how much gunk stays behind even after regular use.
Try alternating cleaning agents each time. For example, use vinegar one month and citric acid the next. That gives your dishwasher a better chance to fight different kinds of buildup. If musty smells come back even after these efforts, it may be time to schedule professional appliance repair in Airdrie for deeper diagnostics and support.
FAQs
Why does my dishwasher smell even though I clean it often?
Bacteria can grow in areas most people miss, like under the filter, around the seals, or in the drain line. Regular deep cleaning and proper drying are essential.
What’s the best way to clean a smelly dishwasher naturally?
Use white vinegar on a hot cycle, followed by a baking soda rinse on a separate cycle. Wipe seals and walls after cleaning.
Is it bad to run a dishwasher every day?
Not at all. Daily use is fine as long as the filter stays clean, detergent amounts are correct, and moisture doesn’t stay trapped afterward.
Can hard water cause odor issues in my dishwasher?
Yes. Mineral deposits clog spray arms and filters, which leads to less effective cleaning and more food residue left behind.
When should I call for help if the smell doesn’t go away?
If deep cleaning, filter checks, and drying steps don’t help, the issue may involve internal hoses or pump components. At that point, expert inspection is the safest option.
