There’s nothing worse than opening your dishwasher and being hit with a foul odor—especially when it’s supposed to be the appliance that cleans your dishes. If your Monogram dishwasher smells bad, there’s a solution!
Our Monogram repair experts have put together a list of troubleshooting tips to help you identify the cause of the odor and eliminate it for good. Whether it’s a clogged filter, poor drainage, or hard water buildup, we’ll walk you through step-by-step solutions to get your dishwasher fresh and clean again.
Why Your Monogram Dishwasher Smells Bad
Dishwasher odors don’t just happen overnight—they build up over time due to lingering food debris, grease, and moisture. Here are the top reasons your Monogram dishwasher smells bad:
- Clogged Filter: Food particles and grease can accumulate in the filter, leading to unpleasant odors.
- Standing Water: Poor drainage can leave stagnant water in your dishwasher, creating a musty smell.
- Mold and Mildew Growth: A warm, damp environment is the perfect breeding ground for mold.
- Dirty Door Seals and Gaskets: Food residue and moisture can get trapped in the rubber seals, causing bacteria to grow.
- Hard Water Buildup: Mineral deposits from hard water can cause odors and reduce your dishwasher’s efficiency.
Now that we know what’s causing the smell let’s get to work on getting rid of it!
How to Get Rid of Bad Smells in Your Monogram Dishwasher
1. Clean the Filter
The filter is one of the most common culprits behind a stinky dishwasher. If you haven’t cleaned it in a while, it’s likely full of food debris and grease.
✅ How to clean it:
- Locate the filter at the bottom of your dishwasher.
- Remove it by twisting or unlocking it (check your manual for specific instructions).
- Rinse the filter under warm water and scrub it with a soft brush and dish soap.
- Let it dry completely before placing it back in the dishwasher.
2. Check for Standing Water
If there’s a pool of water in the bottom of your dishwasher, it could be causing that musty smell.
✅ How to fix it:
- Remove any visible debris from the drain.
- Run a cycle with vinegar and baking soda (explained below) to break up any clogs.
- If the issue persists, you may need a professional drain inspection.
3. Deep Clean with Vinegar and Baking Soda
A natural, chemical-free way to eliminate odors is by using vinegar and baking soda.
✅ How to do it:
- Place one cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe bowl on the top rack.
- Run a hot water cycle (without detergent or dishes).
- After the cycle finishes, sprinkle a cup of baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher.
- Run a short rinse cycle to help neutralize odors and break down buildup.
4. Scrub the Door Seals and Interior
Mold and bacteria love to hide in the door seals and crevices of your dishwasher.
✅ How to clean it:
- Dip a cloth in a mix of warm water and dish soap or use a vinegar solution.
- Wipe down the door seals, inside edges, and anywhere grime may be trapped.
- Use an old toothbrush to scrub tight spaces.
5. Remove Hard Water Buildup
If you have hard water, mineral deposits can build up inside your dishwasher, contributing to odors.
✅ How to remove buildup:
- Run a cycle with dishwasher-safe descaler or use a cup of vinegar in the top rack.
- Regularly wipe the spray arms and interior walls to prevent buildup.
6. Leave the Door Open After Cycles
Moisture can lead to mold growth, especially if your dishwasher stays closed between washes.
✅ How to prevent moisture buildup:
- After a cycle, leave the dishwasher door slightly open to allow air circulation.
- Dry off any visible water spots with a clean towel.
Final Tip: Run Regular Maintenance Washes
To prevent your Monogram dishwasher from smelling bad in the future, run a maintenance wash once a month using vinegar or a dishwasher cleaner. Keeping your filter clean and wiping down the seals regularly will also help keep odors at bay.
If you’ve tried all these steps and your Monogram dishwasher still smells bad, it might be time to call the pros. Priority Appliance Service specializes in professional dishwasher repairs, ensuring your appliance is working efficiently and odor-free. Contact us today for expert service!
