Home | Getting Rid of Smells | How to Get Rid of Smell in Dishwasher Filter: Step-by-Step Guide

How to Get Rid of Smell in Dishwasher Filter: Step-by-Step Guide

Reviewed by Zac Kieffer

Updated: September 19, 2025

Eliminate dishwasher filter odors easily with this simple, effective E-Cloth method. Step-by-step guide for a fresher kitchen.

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How to Get Rid of Smell in Dishwasher Filter

Tools:

- E-Cloth
- Old toothbrush
- White vinegar
- Hot water
- Dish soap

Step 1: Remove the Filter

Open your dishwasher and locate the filter at the bottom. Pull it out gently.
Check for any large bits of food or debris and dispose of them.

Step 2: Clean the Filter Thoroughly

Rinse the filter under hot running water to flush out loose particles.
Use a soft brush (an old toothbrush works wonders) to scrub away grime. Take your time; stubborn smells need a little elbow grease.
If needed, soak the filter in a sink of hot water with a splash of vinegar for about 15 minutes to break down buildup.

Step 3: Rinse and Dry

After scrubbing, rinse the filter again under hot water until all residues are removed.
Allow the filter to air-dry completely, ensuring there’s no lingering moisture which can harbor odors.

Step 4: Reinstall and Run a Cleaning Cycle

Place the filter back into its position carefully. Make sure it’s secured properly.
Run an empty dishwasher cycle on the hottest setting to cleanse the system further and zap any residual smells.

Safety Precautions

Unplug or turn off power to the dishwasher before removing the filter to avoid accidental activation.
Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from sharp debris, hot water, and cleaning agents.
Handle the filter gently to prevent damage to delicate parts and avoid injury from sharp edges.
Use only mild cleaners (like vinegar) and avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the filter or leave toxic residues.
Ensure the filter is completely dry before reinstalling to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
Double-check the filter is locked in place after cleaning to prevent dishwasher malfunction or damage.

How to Maintain Cleanliness How to Get Rid of Smell in Dishwasher Filter: Extra Tips

Regular Filter Cleaning

Frequency: Clean the filter at least once a month to prevent buildup of food particles and prevent unpleasant odors.
Procedure: Remove the filter carefully—most models have an easily detachable filter—and rinse it under hot water.
Scrub Gently: Use a soft brush or an old toothbrush with dish soap to gently scrub away any stubborn residue.
Dry Well: Pat it dry with a clean towel or let it air dry completely before reinstalling to avoid moisture buildup.

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Use Natural Cleaning Solutions

Vinegar Rinse: Run an empty dishwasher cycle with a cup of white vinegar placed in a dishwasher-safe container on the top rack. This helps break down grease and eliminate odors.
Baking Soda Boost: After the vinegar cycle, sprinkle a cup of baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher and run a short hot-water cycle to neutralize smells.
Eco-Friendly: These natural cleaners are safer for the environment and less harsh than chemical alternatives.
Regular Use: Incorporate these cycles into your monthly cleaning schedule to keep your dishwasher filter odor-free.

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Inspect and Remove Food Debris

Visual Check: Regularly inspect the filter for bits of food or grease that might have escaped the cleaning process.
Hand Removal: Use gloves if necessary to remove any trapped debris—this not only prevents odors but also maintains efficiency.
Preventive Measures: Scrape off large food remnants from dishes before loading them to reduce debris accumulation.
Consistent Monitoring: Keep a small cleaning log or reminder as part of your routine to check the filter every few weeks.

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Clean Surrounding Areas and Seals

Door Seals: Wipe down the dishwasher door seals and edges where grime can accumulate, using warm soapy water and a soft cloth.
Spray and Wipe: Use a mixture of water and vinegar in a spray bottle to regularly disinfect these areas.
Exterior Surfaces: Don’t neglect the top and sides of the appliance—clean them to ensure a comprehensive maintenance routine.
Avoid Neglect: Regular cleaning prevents the crossover of smells and ensures the overall performance of the dishwasher filter system.

Common Mistakes When Cleaning How to Get Rid of Smell in Dishwasher Filter

Skipping Decluttering

Starting to clean without removing clutter often leads to missed spots and wasted effort.
Cleaning around piles of papers, knick-knacks, or general mess makes thorough cleaning impossible, allowing dust and grime to linger.
Decluttering first speeds up the process and ensures every surface can be reached and properly cleaned.

Using the Wrong Tools and Products

Grabbing whatever is nearby, like using paper towels for every surface or mismatched cleaners, can scratch, streak, or damage surfaces.
Neglecting to choose the right product for the surface (e.g., using glass cleaner on wood) decreases cleaning effectiveness and may ruin furniture or fixtures.
Outdated, dirty, or poor-quality tools waste time and leave results looking half-done.

Ignoring the Top-to-Bottom Rule

Cleaning floors or tabletops before addressing higher surfaces causes dust to fall onto freshly cleaned areas, requiring repeat work.
This mistake results in more time spent and can leave dust and grime behind, making your space appear dingy sooner.
Always dust or clean from the highest to the lowest surfaces for the most efficient and thorough results.

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How Often to Clean How to Get Rid of Smell in Dishwasher Filter

Frequency for Cleaning the Dishwasher Filter

Monthly Maintenance: For most households, cleaning your dishwasher filter once a month is ideal. This regular schedule prevents buildup of food particles and grease that contribute to unpleasant odors, ensuring your dishwasher operates efficiently.
After Periods of Heavy Use: If your dishwasher is used for large meals or you entertain frequently, consider cleaning the filter immediately once you notice a smell. Intensified use can lead to rapid residue buildup, and prompt cleaning stops odor proliferation.
Seasonal Check-Ins: In addition to monthly maintenance, it’s wise to perform a deeper inspection during seasonal transitions. Factors like changes in water quality or heating patterns can affect residue accumulation, so seasonal check-ins keep odor issues at bay.
Low Frequency Use: Even if you use your dishwasher sparingly, a monthly cleaning routine is still beneficial. Residue accumulates over time regardless of usage frequency, and regular maintenance ensures any odor-causing buildup doesn’t get a chance to become a problem.

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