How to Clean Dishwasher Drain & Get Rid of Smelly Odors
If your dishwasher smells bad and seems to be draining slowly, we can help. While you can’t use Liquid-Plumr® in your dishwasher, you should know that a clogged dishwasher drain is often caused by a blockage in your kitchen sink drain or garbage disposal. Read on, and we’ll get things cleared up together.
STEPS
STEP 1: CHECK THE CONNECTION
Look under your sink and check the connection between your machine’s drain hose and your garbage disposal. If the connection is loose, clean up any dirt and tighten the clamp with a screwdriver.
STEP 2: UNSTINK THE SINK
Use your favorite Liquid-Plumr® drain cleaner to flush out your garbage disposal and clear away any blockage in your kitchen sink drain. For tough clogs and stains, we recommend Liquid-Plumr® Pro-Strength Clog Destroyer Gel.
STEP 3: FIND YOUR FILTER
Now open up your dishwasher and check the filter. Remove the filter and rinse it under clean running water to remove the debris. Once the filter is clean, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to replace it.
STEP 4: FLUSH IT OUT
If your machine is still slow to drain, pour vinegar and baking soda into the basket at the bottom of the dishwasher. After 15 minutes, flush with hot water.
STEP 5: RUN A RINSE
Once your dishwasher drain is flowing smoothly, run the rinse cycle on your machine. If your dishwasher still won’t drain, consult your user’s manual or contact a professional plumber. For more information, check out this article about when to leave plumbing problems to the pros.
MAINTENANCE & CLEANING TIPS
TIP #1: RINSE BEFORE LOADING
The pre-load rinse is a good habit. If you’re noticing dishwasher odor, the culprit could be food particles in your machine’s filter. Over time, this can lead to unpleasant odors and clogs.
TIP #2: MIND THE WASHER DRAIN
Inspect your machine after every wash. Whenever there’s food caught in the drain system of your dishwasher, be sure to remove it and wipe the area clean as soon as you can.
TIP #3: KEEP A CLEAN MACHINE
Clean the interior of your dishwasher and its components once a month. We recommend using a gentle vinegar and water solution and an old toothbrush, but always follow manufacturer’s instructions.
TIP #4: KEEP A HEALTHY KITCHEN SINK
Clogged washer drains are often caused by clogged sink drains, so maintain your kitchen pipes by regularly flushing them out with baking soda and vinegar solution and hot water. If you do experience a stubborn clog, try Liquid-Plumr® Clog Destroyer Plus+ Foaming Clog Fighter™.
For more, check out our tips on how to maintain the drains in your home.
CLEANING A DISHWASHER: DO’S AND DON’TS
DO'S
DO pre-rinse your dishes.
DO wash dishes with warm or hot water.
DO inspect your dishwasher and drain occasionally for buildup of food particles.
DONT'S
DON'T overload your dishwasher.
DON'T use too much dishwashing detergent. (Follow instructions from dishwasher manufacturer on detergent packaging.