Opening your dishwasher should reveal sparkling dishes and a fresh scent, not a wave of musty mildew or the sour stench of spoiled food. If your Maytag dishwasher smells, it’s a clear sign that something is amiss deep within the appliance. While the exterior may look spotless and your dishes come out clean, internal residue and buildup can cause persistent odors. Fortunately, our professional technicians at Callahan’s Appliance have the expertise—and the cleaning strategies—to help you eliminate that smell and prevent it from coming back.
Why Your Maytag Dishwasher Smells (And What You Can Do About It)
When your Maytag dishwasher smells and emits a foul odor, the cause is typically trapped food particles, grease buildup, or mold thriving in hard-to-reach areas like the filter or drain. Even the drain hose and connected garbage disposal can contribute to a persistent smell. These components are often overlooked during routine cleanings, allowing grime to accumulate over time.
To address this issue thoroughly, you’ll need to clean several parts of the dishwasher system using simple household items. This guide outlines every step. And if the odor lingers or you’re unsure about disassembly, our team at Callahan’s Appliance is always ready to assist with reliable dishwasher repair in Fort Worth.
Here’s What You’ll Need
To effectively clean your dishwasher, we recommend gathering the following items before getting started:
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White vinegar
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Baking soda
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Bleach (only for dishwashers without stainless steel interiors)
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Dish soap
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Old toothbrush
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Microfiber cloth
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Straightened wire hanger
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Owner’s manual (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Eliminate Odors
1. Wipe Down the Interior
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Use warm water and dish soap with a microfiber cloth to clean the interior walls, door, and spray arms.
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Pay special attention to the rubber gasket around the door—this area traps food debris and moisture.
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Rinse the racks with hot water to remove residue.
2. Run a Vinegar Cycle
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Place a dishwasher-safe bowl filled with one cup of white vinegar on the top rack.
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Run the dishwasher on the hottest setting.
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This helps break down grease, remove buildup, and neutralize odors.
3. Follow Up With Baking Soda
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Sprinkle one cup of baking soda directly onto the floor of the dishwasher.
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Run a short hot water cycle.
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Baking soda naturally deodorizes and leaves the interior smelling fresh.
4. Use Bleach for Persistent Mildew
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If mildew remains and your dishwasher does not have a stainless steel interior, pour ½ to 1 cup of bleach onto the bottom of the unit.
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Run a complete cycle on the hottest setting.
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Never mix bleach with vinegar and never use bleach in stainless steel models.
5. Clean the Filter
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Remove the lower rack and spray arm to access the filter.
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Twist and lift out the filter and mesh screen.
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Scrub both with warm, soapy water using a toothbrush.
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Wipe the filter cavity with a damp cloth before replacing the filter securely.
6. Unclog the Drain or Garbage Disposal
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Disconnect power to the dishwasher before starting.
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Inspect the drain below the filter; remove any visible clogs using a straightened wire hanger.
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For garbage disposal clogs, disconnect the hose and clean thoroughly, flushing with white vinegar and cold water.
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To clean the drain hose, follow your manual to remove it, clear any obstructions, and reattach it securely.
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Restore power and run an empty cycle to confirm the system is clear.
If, after following these steps, your Maytag dishwasher smells persistently or you’re noticing additional issues—such as it not filling with water—it may be more than just a cleaning problem. Mechanical failures like a faulty water inlet valve or a clogged float switch can prevent proper rinsing, which contributes to lingering odors.
For a detailed guide on diagnosing water fill problems, we recommend reading our guide on why your dishwasher may not be filling with water. When deeper mechanical issues arise, our expert technicians at Callahan’s Appliance are just a call away, ready to restore your dishwasher to peak performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my dishwasher smell even after cleaning?
Hidden residue can linger in areas not reached during regular cleaning.
Odors may continue due to a buildup in the drain hose, garbage disposal connection, or interior components like spray arms or filters. Deep cleaning every component is essential to truly eliminate the source of the smell.
Can I use bleach in any dishwasher?
Only use bleach in dishwashers with plastic interiors.
If your dishwasher features a stainless steel interior, avoid bleach entirely, as it can cause permanent damage. Stick to vinegar and baking soda for safe, effective cleaning.
How often should I clean my dishwasher to prevent odors?
A monthly deep clean is recommended.
For households that use the dishwasher daily or frequently handle greasy meals, cleaning the filter and running a vinegar cycle every two to three weeks is a good practice.
Is it worth repairing a smelly dishwasher?
Yes—especially if it’s still mechanically sound.
A dishwasher that smells bad is often fully functional but simply in need of maintenance. A thorough cleaning or a quick visit from one of our professional technicians can restore performance and freshness without the cost of replacement.
Expert Advice for Your Maytag Dishwasher Smells
To keep your dishwasher running efficiently and odor-free, we suggest placing a slice of lemon in the utensil basket once a week. It adds a natural fresh scent and helps break down grease in the drain system. Regular maintenance is the key to avoiding bigger problems down the line. And remember—if your Maytag dishwasher smells no matter what you try, Callahan’s Appliance is here to help. With decades of experience and trusted service throughout Fort Worth, we’re your go-to team for reliable results.
