At a Glance:
How To Clean a Whirlpool Dishwasher Smells with Vinegar
How To Clean Whirlpool Dishwasher Interiors with Baking Soda
How To Clean Whirlpool Dishwasher Filters
How to Clean Whirlpool Dishwasher Drains
Preventative Whirlpool Dishwasher Maintenance
Recommended Whirlpool Dishwasher
Nothing is worse than a stinky dishwasher. Unfortunately, over time, it is typical for your appliance to develop odors. This happens because food debris, grime, grease, and bacteria can build up in dishwasher filters and drains. Regularly cleaning the machine will help prevent smells, but depending on the severity of the problem, it might be necessary to replace the unit. Read through these tips and tricks on how to clean a dishwasher to help you decide if it is time to buy a new appliance.
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Shop NowHow To Clean a Whirlpool Dishwasher Smells with Vinegar
Vinegar is a natural cleaner and disinfectant. It is best to use distilled white vinegar or apple cider vinegar to wash your dishwasher:
- Make sure the dishwasher is completely empty.
- Put a dishwasher-safe bowl in the top rack of your dishwasher.
- Add one cup of vinegar to the container. Do not add any dishwashing soap or dishwasher taps.
- Select the hottest wash cycle that does not include a dry cycle.
Run the dishwashing cycle through to completion. Once done, check the gaskets, cutlery baskets, and other small areas for any leftover grime. You can detail-clean these areas with a toothbrush or small sponge. Finally, leave your dishwasher open for a few hours to let the appliance dry completely. If this hack on how to clean a dishwasher with vinegar doesn’t work, try following up the vinegar cleanse with baking soda.
How To Clean Whirlpool Dishwasher Interiors with Baking Soda
Baking soda helps to control odors. First, make sure the dishwasher is empty. Then sprinkle one cup of dry baking soda over the floor of the dishwasher. Next, run a hot water cycle. Choose a rinse cycle only. You want the dishwasher to dry naturally after the cycle is complete.
For an extra dirty dishwasher, follow the steps for a vinegar cleaning cycle first. Then, once that step is completed, run a second hot water rinse cycle with the baking soda method.
How To Clean the Inside of a Dishwasher
When you open your dishwasher, you might notice scum and debris built up around the edges of the door. You will need to clean this away by hand. Grab a soft-bristled toothbrush, sponge, hot water, and dish soap. Gently scrub at the grime, regularly rinsing with hot water and a sponge. Be careful around the door seals, as vigorous scrubbing can cause tears that can lead to leaks. Use an all-natural abrasive cleaning solution if you can't remove the leftover food. Make sure the cleanser is completely wiped away before running the dishwasher again.
How To Clean Whirlpool Dishwasher Filters
Dishwasher filters can get clogged with small food particles, grime, and grease. This film can cause a nasty odor and affect your appliance's efficiency. Luckily, learning how to clean a dishwasher filter is easy.
The filter is located on the floor of the dishwasher, and screws into place. Arrows should be printed on the top of the filter showing how to remove it. Each dishwasher model has a slightly different filter design, so make sure to follow the manual. Once you have the filter removed, fill a large bowl with hot water. Add a few drops of dishwashing soap and soak the filter for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, rinse the filter thoroughly. If you still see food particles, dip a soft-bristled toothbrush in vinegar and gently scrub. Be careful not to press too firmly so as not to damage the mesh of the filter.
Dishwasher filters tend to collect unseen bacteria, so even if you aren't smelling anything funky, clean the filter at least once a month. This practice will extend the life of your appliance and prevent invisible gunk from being deposited on seemingly clean dishes and cutlery.
How to Clean Whirlpool Dishwasher Drains
The dishwasher drain is located beneath the filter. In some instances, food particles make it through the filter but get trapped in the drain. This debris can cause nasty odors.
To clean the dishwasher drain:
- Remove the filter and clean it thoroughly.
- Pour a quarter cup of baking soda into the drain hole.
- Follow that up with a cup of distilled white vinegar. The solution will begin to foam.
- Once the foam has settled, replace the filter and run a hot water rinse cycle.
✅ Note: This method cleans the drain of minor build-up but will not dispel clogs. If you are experiencing flooding or drainage issues with your dishwasher, contact a plumber or follow the manufacturer's protocol for unclogging.
Preventative Whirlpool Dishwasher Maintenance
Is it possible to prevent your dishwasher from developing odors? Yes! Follow these everyday best practices to extend the life of your appliance.
- Wipe away excess food and debris before putting dishes into the dishwasher.
- Run vinegar cleaning cycles once a month.
- Rinse and unclog the dishwasher filter every three weeks.
- Leave the door to your dishwasher cracked or open after every cycle. Doing so will allow the inside of the unit to dry faster, leaving less time for bacteria and mold to develop.
With that being said, keep in mind that the average life expectancy of a quality dishwasher is 10 years. If you are experiencing persistent odors, partially washed dishes, or excessive grime build-up, consider replacing the appliance.
Recommended Whirlpool Dishwasher
If you followed the methods of how to clean a whirlpool dishwasher and you are still dealing with foul odors, it is probably time for a new appliance. Dishwashers do more than just clean food off of dishes and cookware. They also sanitize your plates, glasses, and cutlery. If your dishwasher is smelly, that means old food and bacteria are stuck in the appliance. This gunk can get deposited on your dishes, leaving them dirtier than they were before going into the dishwasher.
So, if after following the steps of how to clean a Whirlpool dishwasher and you’re still wondering how to clean a smelly dishwasher, we recommend exploring a newer model.
Whirlpool Dishwasher Recommendation: Whirlpool® 24" Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Built In Dishwasher
This large-capacity Whirlpool dishwasher makes quick work of dirty dinner plates and cookware. It has a convenient third rack that frees up more space for dishes, bowls, and pans. In addition, an extra utensil rack can be removed for added storage.
Like its users, we also like having the second rack that is height adjustable. Easily move the rack down to accommodate tall water bottles, wine glasses, or specialty dinnerware. Whirlpool included all of their best wash cycles in this appliance, including the following:
- Normal wash cycle for moderately soiled dishes and glasses
- Heavy wash cycle that breaks apart baked food from casserole pans and baking dishes
- The sensor wash cycle automatically adjusts the time and water temperature based on the load's soil level.
- The cleaning cycle keeps the inside of your dishwasher looking and smelling great.
And with its stainless steel exterior that’s smudge- and fingerprint-resistant, this model is also attractive.
This Whirlpool dishwasher has been reviewed over 5,000 times. Check out this customer's high praise in their glowing five-star rating:
“Very capable and not a lot of techie features! Bought this to replace one that had given a few issues over the years and was too costly to repair. Really like the SIMPLE controls vs. the tricked-out ones in the old one - just enough to get the job done. Third rack and quiet operation were strong selling points. We could have spent twice as much on a dishwasher, but this one is a great value in our opinion.”
The dishwasher is a crucial time-saving appliance in your kitchen. If it isn't performing well, even after you’ve followed the steps on how to deep clean a dishwasher, consider replacing the unit with a brand-new one from the Texas Appliance Store. Our showroom has tons of Whirlpool dishwasher models on display, and our friendly and knowledgeable sales staff will help you select the perfect dishwasher for your home.
Why Trust Texas Appliance?
With roots back to the 1950s, Texas Appliance is an established, locally owned and operated, residential major appliance retailer serving both residential and builders’ needs. Our 4 locations allow us to offer a full spectrum of appliances to meet your every need. With over 40 major quality brands, Texas Appliance has one of the largest displays of built–in and free–standing appliances in the state of Texas.
We will be the best appliance dealer in our markets by exceeding our customers' expectations in every way. We will treat our customers, vendors and fellow employees with respect, honesty, integrity and appreciation. The difference between a "Good" company and a "Great" company lies in its' employees' determination.
Shop Whirlpool Dishwashers at Texas Appliance
Stop by Texas Appliance’s Fort Worth Store and Outlet locations to see what a difference buying local with an experienced staff can make. Or shop dishwashers online! Our friendly experts are always happy to help you learn how to clean Whirlpool dishwasher messes— whether you call us at 817-299-2800, use our online chat feature, or visit us in person.
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