Dishwasher odor usually comes from trapped food and greasy residue in the filter, sump, gasket, spray arms, or drain path. Clean those areas before assuming the appliance is failing.
This applies to Bosch, Whirlpool, LG, Samsung, Maytag, and most built-in dishwashers with removable filters.
Does this affect you?
Use this if the dishwasher smells musty, rotten, or sulfur-like when you open it or while it runs, even if dishes still come out clean.
Clean the filter first
- Pull out the bottom rack.
- Find the round twist-lock filter in the tub floor.
- Turn and lift it out according to the manual.
- Rinse the mesh under hot water.
- Scrub it with a soft brush or old toothbrush.
- Look into the sump for glass, bones, labels, leaves, or food scraps.
- Reinstall the filter and lock it firmly.
- Run an empty hot cycle.
Deep clean the tub, gasket, and spray arms
- Wipe the door gasket folds with a damp cloth.
- Clean the underside of the door and tub edge where grime collects.
- Remove spray arms and clear blocked holes with a toothpick.
- Place a cup of white vinegar upright on the top rack and run a hot empty cycle.
- If odor remains, run a dishwasher-safe cleaning tablet or a baking-soda hot cycle.
Before doing hands-on checks, turn the dishwasher off at the wall switch or breaker. If you will check hoses or water connections, shut off the water supply too.
- Do only the accessible checks described here.
- Do not work around standing water with power on.
- If the dishwasher is under warranty, smells hot or electrical, leaks heavily, or needs internal door or pump work, call support or an appliance technician.
Many U.S. dishwashers drain through the garbage disposal. Run the disposal with water for 10 to 15 seconds, and run it weekly if it is rarely used.
If the dishwasher was recently installed and smelled bad from the beginning, make sure the disposal knockout plug was removed from the dishwasher inlet. A plug left in place can trap water and food at the connection.
Clean the filter every 2 to 4 weeks depending on use. Scrape large scraps before loading and leave the door cracked slightly between cycles so the tub dries instead of staying damp.
If odor comes with standing water or slow draining, troubleshoot the drain hose, air gap, disposal connection, and drain pump. Cleaning alone will not fix a dishwasher that cannot drain.
Sources
- Bosch Home – Dishwasher Has an Unpleasant Odor (2025)
- Whirlpool – How to Clean a Smelly Dishwasher (2025)
- Maytag – Dishwasher Odor: Causes and Fixes (2024)