Dishwashers are absolute lifesavers when it comes to cleaning up after meals.

But let’s be real—sometimes they can get a little... stinky. You know the feeling: you open the door expecting sparkling dishes, but instead, you’re greeted by a musty, sour smell that makes you question everything. Ugh.

The good news? Making it smell better is easier than you might think. And you don’t need any fancy gadgets or expensive cleaners either.

In this post, I’ll show you how to make dishwashers smell better.

#1 Clean The Filter And Door Gasket

The easiest way to make your dishwasher smell better is to clean the filter and door gasket.

Most dishwashers have a filter at the bottom that traps food particles. Over time, these bits of food can rot and cause funky smells.

If you’ve never cleaned it before, don’t worry—it’s not as scary as it sounds. Pull out the bottom rack and look for the filter. It’s usually a small cylinder or flat piece near the spray arm.

Unscrew or pop it out, then rinse it under warm water. If it’s really grimy, try soaking it in a vinegar solution for a few minutes to loosen up any stubborn debris. Once it’s clean, you’ll notice a big difference.

Don’t forget about the door gasket!

This is the rubber seal around the door, and it’s a prime spot for mold and mildew to build up. Just use a damp cloth and some mild soap to wipe it down. Make sure you dry it thoroughly afterward.

#2 Run A Vinegar Cycle

Running a vinegar cycle is one of the easiest ways to freshen up your dishwasher.

Vinegar works wonders as a natural deodorizer and cleaner.

Here’s how to use it in your dishwasher: Grab a bowl or cup that’s dishwasher-safe. Fill it with white vinegar—about a cup should do the trick. Place it on the top rack and run a hot water cycle on the longest setting.

The vinegar will help break down any lingering grease, grime, or food particles that are stuck to the inside of your dishwasher. It’ll also help get rid of any odors.

After the cycle, your dishwasher will be smelling a lot better, and you’ll notice that it looks cleaner too.

Also Read: Dishwasher Not Cleaning Bottom Rack

#3 Use Some Baking Soda

Baking soda is another great way to make your dishwasher smell better.

It’s great at neutralizing odors and it’s super easy to use.

Just sprinkle about half a cup of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher. Let it sit overnight. This gives it plenty of time to work its magic. In the morning, run a quick cycle with just hot water. No detergent needed.

The baking soda will neutralize odors and leave your dishwasher smelling clean and fresh.

Plus, it’s gentle enough that it won’t damage any parts. Win-win!

It’s a cheap, effective solution that’s worth trying out every couple of months to keep things smelling nice.

#4 Air Out The Interior

Sometimes, dishwashers smell bad simply because they’re closed up all the time.

Think about it—they’re dark, damp, and warm after a cycle. That’s the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow.

The solution? Open the door. Seriously, it’s that easy.

After each cycle, crack the door open a bit. This lets air circulate and helps everything dry out faster. If you’re worried about pets or kids getting into it, just prop it open slightly instead of fully opening it.

If you’ve been dealing with a persistent smell, try leaving the door open for a few hours or even overnight.

Fresh air does wonders for clearing out stale odors. It’s such a simple step, but it makes a huge difference. Plus, it’s free!

Also Read: how to make drawers smell good

#5 Add Some Essential Oils

Essential oils aren’t just for your diffuser – they can work magic in your dishwasher too!

Adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil can help make your dishwasher smell fresh and clean.

You can either add the oils to the door gasket or put a couple of drops onto a small cloth and hang it inside your dishwasher.

Some of the best oils for this are lemon, lavender, or eucalyptus. They’re light, fresh, and really effective at neutralizing odors. You’ll get a fresh, pleasant scent every time you open the door.

#6 Toss Some Citrus Peels

Citrus peels are also a great way to make your dishwasher smell better.

Orange, lemon, or grapefruit peels are perfect for this.

Save the peels from fruits you eat throughout the week. Place them in the silverware basket or directly on the bottom rack. Run a normal cycle. The heat from the water releases the oils, and voilà—your dishwasher smells like sunshine.

Just make sure the peels aren’t covered in dirt or pesticides. Nobody wants that in their dishes.

This method is especially great if you’re trying to reduce waste. Instead of throwing those peels away, you’re putting them to good use.

Plus, it’s a nice reminder of summer, even in the middle of winter.

#7 Lemon-Scented Dishwasher Pods Or Detergent

Sometimes the solution is as simple as switching up your detergent.

If your current detergent isn’t cutting it, try a lemon-scented option. These tend to have a clean, fresh smell that’ll linger after the cycle is done.

Plus, lemon has natural deodorizing properties that can help tackle lingering odors.

There are plenty of brands out there that offer lemon-scented dishwasher pods or liquid detergents. You can easily swap them in for your regular detergent and enjoy the fresh, citrusy smell that comes with it.

It’s an easy upgrade that can make a big difference.

#8 Dishwasher Scent Tabs

If you’re not into mixing essential oils or using citrus peels, you can always grab some dishwasher scent tabs. These little guys are designed to be placed in your dishwasher, and they slowly release a fresh scent during the wash cycle.

They’re available in a variety of scents, like lemon, lavender, or even “fresh linen.”

Using them is a breeze. Drop one into the detergent compartment or directly onto the bottom rack. Run a cycle as usual.

They’re a simple way to add a nice fragrance to your dishwasher, and they can help with the overall freshness of your appliance.

Just pop one in, and you’re good to go!

Bottom Line

And there you have it - eight easy ways to make your dishwasher smell better.

None of these methods are complicated or expensive. You probably already have most of these at home.

Regular maintenance and a few simple tricks – like cleaning the filter, running a vinegar cycle, or using some baking soda – can keep your dishwasher fresh and odor-free. Plus, using a few extra touches like essential oils or citrus peels can leave your appliance smelling great without much effort.

So, the next time you want your dishwasher to smell better, try out these tips, and you’ll have it smelling fresh again in no time!

How To Make Dishwasher Smell Better (8 Easy Ways)