Why Do My Dishes Smell After They Come Out Of the Dishwasher?

Why Do Dishes Smell After the Dishwasher?

When your dishes smell after a dishwasher cycle, several underlying issues could be to blame. These common causes often contribute to lingering odors:

Residual Food Debris

Trapped food particles in your dishwasher’s filter, spray arms, or door seals can rot and emit foul smells. Over time, this buildup creates a musty or sour odor that sticks to your clean dishes.

Grease & Grime Buildup

When grease isn’t fully rinsed away—due to cooler water temps or overloaded racks—it forms a sticky residue along the interior of your dishwasher. This residue can transfer onto your dishes after each cycle.

Mold, Mildew, and Bacteria

Dishwashers are naturally warm and moist, a prime environment for mildew, mold, and odor-causing bacteria. These microorganisms can thrive in door gaskets, filters, and poorly ventilated areas, causing a musty dishwasher smell.

Standing Water or Drainage Issues

Improper drainage can leave dirty water at the bottom of your dishwasher, allowing bacteria and foul smells to grow. During the next wash, that odor can transfer to your dishes, leaving them smelling dirty even after being cleaned.

Plastic Dishware & Smell Retention

Plastic containers are more porous than glass or ceramic, which means they absorb and retain smells more easily—especially during hot wash cycles. If your plasticware smells after the dishwasher runs, it may be clinging to the scent of past meals.

Low Water Temperature

If the water in your dishwasher isn’t hot enough, it won’t fully dissolve food particles or kill bacteria, leaving behind odor-causing residue. Many older dishwashers or eco-friendly cycles run cooler by default, which might be part of the problem.

How to Eliminate Smells from Dishes After Dishwasher Cycle

With these quick, effective solutions, you can eliminate odors at the source, so your dishes come out clean, fresh, and ready to use:

Clean the Dishwasher Interior and Filters

Start by removing any visible debris and wiping down the inside walls, door seals, and spray arms. Take out the filter, rinse it under warm water, and use a soft brush if there’s any buildup.

Run an Empty Cycle

Run the hottest cycle with the dishwasher empty. Add one cup of white vinegar to the bottom or place it in a bowl on the top rack. This sanitizes the interior, dissolves residue, and kills the bacteria that’s causing your dishes to smell.

Check the Drain & Garbage Disposal

A clogged drain or dirty garbage disposal can send odors back into your dishwasher during each cycle. Make sure the drain is clear and that your garbage disposal is running freely. If your dishwasher is connected to the disposal, cleaning both can make a big difference in how your dishes smell after the dishwasher completes a cycle.

Increase Water Temperature

Verify that your water heater is set to at least 120°F. Hotter water is more effective at breaking down grease and eliminating bacteria. If available, use your dishwasher’s sanitize mode for added odor control.

How to Prevent Dishes from Smelling After the Dishwasher

The best way to stop foul smells in your dishwasher is to prevent them before they form. A few small habits can go a long way in keeping your dishwasher—and your dishes—smelling clean and fresh:

Rinse Dishes Lightly Before Loading

Scrape off large food bits and give your dishes a quick rinse before loading them in. This prevents food particles from getting trapped in the filter or recirculated during the cycle. Less debris means fewer odors after each wash.

Clean Monthly With Vinegar

Once a month, run an empty hot cycle with a bowl of white vinegar on the top rack. It naturally breaks down grease, kills bacteria, and neutralizes any lingering smells.

Clean Weekly to Prevent Buildup

Wipe down the door seals, remove food particles from the filter, and check for gunk around the drain every week. These quick cleanups keep grime from building up over time.

Avoid Blocking Spray Arms and Drains

When loading dishes, make sure nothing blocks the spray arms or covers the drain at the bottom of the machine. Proper water flow is key to rinsing off food and keeping odors from sticking.

Use Rinse Aids

Rinse aids help water slide off your dishes, speeding up the drying process and reducing spots and smells. They also prevent leftover moisture that can lead to mold or mildew. Most dishwashers have a dedicated rinse aid compartment—keep it filled for best results.

When to Replace Your Dishwasher

If your dishes still smell after the dishwasher runs despite cleaning and maintenance, it may be time to upgrade to a more efficient appliance, such as FOTILE’s 2-in-1 and 3-in-1 in-sink models, countertop dishwashers, or classic built-ins.

Here are some telltale signs your dishwasher may be ready for retirement:

• It’s over 10 years old and needs frequent repairs
• Dishes consistently come out dirty or smelly despite regular cleaning
• The machine makes loud or unusual noises during cycles
• You notice standing water at the bottom after every wash
• The interior smells musty no matter what you do
• Rust, cracks, or visible wear are starting to appear
• Your energy or water bills are higher than usual due to inefficient performance

Key Features of a Quality Dishwasher

Even with regular maintenance, older dishwashers simply can’t match the efficiency of today’s models. Consider upgrading your dishwasher if:

• It’s 10+ years old
• You notice water pooling or poor drying
• It runs loudly or inconsistently
• Dishes remain dirty or spotty
• Your water or electricity bills are rising
• You want modern dishwasher features like touch controls or smart cycles

Upgrade to a Fotile Dishwasher for a Cleaner, Fresher Wash Every Time

If you're tired of smelly dishes after every wash, FOTILE’s innovative dishwashers are equipped with innovative drying features for a clean, fresh cycle every time. With High-Pressure HydroJet Technology, pasteurizing convection drying, and odor-free storage for up to 96 hours, our appliances keep your dishes sparkling.

Explore our full collection of dishwashers to find a space-saving, high-performance model that fits your kitchen.