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Have you ever opened your dishwasher to get a fresh and clean smell, instead of a musty odor that makes you want to puke? This is not your fault. Most homeowners are not aware that mold can accumulate silently behind the walls and attach itself to those hidden corners, filters, and rubber seals. It is not only disgusting, it is sick.

The positive news? You also do not have to swap out your device or waste time cleaning it unquestioningly. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to clean a moldy dishwasher using simple, safe methods that work. So long, bad smell, and welcome to the world of spotless dishes- and that begins with today.

Why Mold Grows in Your Dishwasher

The next thing you may think is that your dishwasher is self-cleaning, but this is not true. Molds thrive in warm and wet areas, and your dishwasher is ideal. Waters and food particles are trapped in filters, gaskets, spray arms, and even the drain. Add in no airflow and some leftover water, and it is a mold party invitation. Even worse is that even after a cycle has completed, dishwashers tend to keep the doors locked up hours later, keeping in humidity.

Most parts, such as the rubber door seal or the filter screen, are not washed or checked very often, and mold may be growing there even though you do not realize it. It lives on food remnants and detergent residues, something that is likely in areas of a busy household. According to some findings, about 62 percent of the dishwashers can get mold because it impairs the ability to produce mold.

That’s why learning how to clean a moldy dishwasher isn’t just about odor control—it’s about health. It is more than just getting rid of the smell because it is all about health. The mold spores may move right into your air in the kitchen and infect the dishes when you neglect them.

If you’re dealing with a persistent stench, here’s a complete guide on how to clean a smelly dishwasher.

Signs You Have a Moldy Dishwasher

Are you unsure whether your dishwasher is moldy? Here are some of the red flags to be very aware of:

That bad smell

 The first indicator is a powerful, musty smell as soon as you open the door. Washed dishes are clean, but they still have that musty smell, indicating the presence of mold.

Attributable stains

These include black or green mold stains on the rubber gasket around the door, or the rubber door hinges, or the filter, or even the spray arms.

Hazy dishes or deposits

Your dishes come out of the dishwasher with a cloudy look and some deposits that did not come out properly.

Stagnant water

When water stagnates at the bottom of your dishwasher, even after it runs, then it is a sign that molds have homes there.

The latter is the way of your dishwasher saying, “Help me!”. If you notice them, it is time to clean the moldy dishwasher and ensure that you have improved the situation before it gets worse.

Safety First: Gear Up Before Cleaning

Turn on those latex gloves, come on over, and get ready to fight off the grease in your dishwasher, but protect yourself before you do. Mold can be a lot worse than ugly; it can produce spores that you inhale, which result in irritation to your eyes, skin, and lungs, particularly in sensitive people or those who suffer allergies.

These are the preparations before cleaning:

Wear gloves

The gloves should be made of rubber or latex so your hands will not be affected by the mold, dirt, or any strong cleaning chemicals.

Wear goggles and a mask

In case the presence of the mold is extensive, your regular face mask and glasses will prevent the irritation of the spores to your airway tracts and eyes.

Air out the room

Put your windows open or use the exhaust hood in your kitchen and keep the air moving during cleaning procedures.

Bleach on stainless steel

Do not use bleach because this product will react with the interiors of stainless steel and may result in corrosion or emit toxic fumes.

If your dishwasher has a stainless steel interior, avoid bleach. It can corrode and release toxic fumes. Use vinegar or baking soda-based methods instead. Here’s more on how to clean stainless steel dishwashers safely.

How to Clean a Moldy Dishwasher Step-by-Step

You know the warning signs, your weapons are ready, let us now go through the actual procedure of how to clean a moldy dishwasher, worry-free and hassle-free at that. These are tested and proper natural remedies, which are not only safe but also do not require much in terms of resources that can be found at home.

Step 1: Remove and Clean All Removable Parts

Begin by removing all that can come off dish racks, utensil baskets, filters, and spray arms, if possible. The areas tend to gather dirt and mould in undetectable areas.

• Put hot and soapy water in your sink, and leave your items there to soak for 15-20 minutes.
• To remove visible mold, use a soft scrub brush, a toothbrush, or a sponge.
• Washing away is done, and you set everything to dry as you proceed to the dishwasher inside.

It is imperative to pay attention to the filter and spray arms as they are often the most moldy.

Need help with your specific brand? Try these:

• How to clean a Maytag dishwasher
• How to clean a GE dishwasher
• How to clean a Frigidaire dishwasher

Step 2: Clean the Interior Using Vinegar

White vinegar is also a beast when it comes to mold killing and getting rid of smells in your dishwasher.

• Fill a dishwasher-safe bowl or mug that is placed on the top rack with a cup of distilled white vinegar.
• Do one of your hot water cycles and leave it empty.
• The vinegar will dissolve mold, you can get rid of greasy deposits, and deodorize.

The first thing you will love is that it is so much fresher.

Step 3: Deodorize with Baking Soda

Once the vinegar cycle is done, it’s time to freshen things up even more.

• Place 1 cup of baking soda at the bottom of the dishwasher.
• Run a short hot cycle (no dishes or detergent) to neutralize any leftover smells and break up residue.

This neutralizes any leftover smells and gently lifts stuck-on grime. It’s beneficial for KitchenAid dishwashers with residue-prone tubs.

Step 4: Deep Clean the Rubber Gasket and Crevices

Even after cleaning cycles, mold can linger in crevices and rubber seals.

• Blend a paste of baking soda and water or spray vinegar directly on a cloth.
• Wipe down the door gasket, edges, and corners where moisture collects.
• Utilize a toothbrush or cotton swab for tight spots, especially around the hinge and spray holes.

Pro Tip: If you own an LG dishwasher, this is especially important—mold often hides beneath seals in these models.

Step 5: Use Bleach Only If Safe and Needed

For extreme mold cases—especially black mold—you might consider bleach. But only use it if your dishwasher interior is not stainless steel.

• Mix 1 cup of bleach in a gallon of water.
• Take a sponge or cloth and wipe the inside with it.
• A rinse cycle should be performed, of course, completely, to remove any residual stuff.

Never combine bleach with vinegar or baking soda, as that can create harmful gases. Use one method at a time.

Following this step-by-step method to clean a moldy dishwasher’s parts and surfaces can restore your appliance to an immaculate, mold-free condition, without expensive tools or harsh chemicals. Simple, effective, and safe.

How to Prevent Mold from Returning

Once you have gone through all the work getting your moldy dishwasher clean, you will want to maintain it. Here’s how:

• Leave the door open after cycles so moisture can escape.
• Wipe the gasket and filter weekly to stop mold from forming.
• Once a month as a maintenance, run a vinegar and baking soda cycle.
• Scrape food off dishes before loading to reduce residue buildup.
• Use commercial dishwasher cleaner tabs monthly for deep-cleaning.

These simple habits help prevent future mold and keep your dishwasher smelling fresh.

Extra Tips to Keep Your Dishwasher Mold-Free

• Use the hottest water setting to kill bacteria and mold spores.
• Check the drain area for clogs or buildup weekly.
• Clean your dishwasher filter at least every 2–4 weeks.
• Ventilate your kitchen to reduce humidity.
• Fix any leaks under or around your dishwasher immediately.

Staying proactive saves time and keeps your machine working efficiently.

Conclusion

Learning how to clean a moldy dishwasher isn’t just a cleaning chore—it’s essential for your health, hygiene, and appliance longevity. Your dishwasher can last longer, clean as new, and smell fresh without any mold with a few home ingredients and regular maintenance. Take a deep clean today, create some good habits, and you will never again have sparkling dishes stink up your kitchen. Ready to breathe fresh air every time you open your dishwasher? Follow this guide today, share it with a friend, and keep mold out for good—your dishes (and nose) will thank you.

Related: How to Clean a Smelly Dishwasher in 5 Easy Steps

FAQs

Sources

https://www.tipsbulletin.com/how-to-clean-a-moldy-dishwasher

https://theproperkitchen.com/how-do-i-get-rid-of-mold-in-my-dishwasher

https://homegeargeek.com/how-do-i-clean-mold-out-of-my-dishwasher

https://applianceanalysts.com/mold-in-dishwasher

https://houseandhomeonline.com/how-to-clean-moldy-dishwasher