Ever opened your dishwasher expecting sparkling clean dishes, only to be hit by a wave of funky, unpleasant odor? You’re not alone. It’s a common kitchen grievance, and a popular home remedy you’ve likely heard of is Using Baking Soda In Dishwasher For Smell removal. But does it actually work, and is it safe for your machine? As your go-to experts at Dishwasher On, we’re here to break it all down. Forget the myths and get ready for the straight facts on how to get your dishwasher smelling fresh and clean.
Why Does My Dishwasher Smell in the First Place?
Before we dive into the solution, it’s crucial to understand the culprit. That less-than-pleasant aroma isn’t just appearing out of thin air. It’s usually a cocktail of a few key things that have built up over time.
The primary cause of dishwasher odor is trapped food particles. Tiny bits of leftover food get stuck in the filter, the spray arms, or along the rubber gasket of the door. Over time, these particles begin to decompose, creating a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and mold, which are the real sources of that foul smell. Grease and oil residue can also coat the interior of your machine, contributing to the problem.
Think of it like this: you wouldn’t leave a dirty plate on your counter for weeks, right? The same principle applies to the inside of your dishwasher. It needs a little TLC to stay fresh.
The Magic of Baking Soda: How Does It Work?
So, why is baking soda the hero in this story? It’s simple chemistry. Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a weak base. Most food-related odors are acidic in nature. When you introduce baking soda, it neutralizes these acidic molecules, effectively eliminating the smell rather than just masking it like an air freshener would.
Furthermore, baking soda is a mild abrasive. As it dissolves in water, its fine particles can gently scrub away lingering grease and grime from the dishwasher’s interior walls and racks without scratching or damaging the surfaces. It’s a one-two punch of deodorizing and cleaning power, all from a simple, inexpensive pantry staple.
The Step-by-Step Guide to Using Baking Soda in Dishwasher for Smell
Ready to get your dishwasher back to its fresh-scented self? It’s incredibly simple. This method is safe for virtually all modern dishwashers, from countertop models to fully integrated units.
- Empty the Dishwasher: Start with a completely empty dishwasher. You want the baking soda to focus on cleaning the machine itself, not your dirty dishes.
- Clean the Filter: This is the most important step! Locate your dishwasher’s filter, usually at the bottom of the tub. Twist to unlock it, remove it, and wash it thoroughly in your sink with warm, soapy water. Use a soft brush to scrub away any gunk. A clean filter is your first line of defense against future odors.
- Sprinkle the Baking Soda: Take one cup of baking soda and sprinkle it generously across the bottom of the dishwasher tub.
- Run a Hot Cycle: Close the dishwasher door and run a full cycle using the hottest water setting available (often called “Pots & Pans” or “Sanitize”). The hot water will activate and dissolve the baking soda, allowing it to work its magic throughout the entire machine, including the spray arms and hoses.
- Air It Out: Once the cycle is complete, open the door and let the interior air dry. You should be greeted with a noticeably fresher, neutral smell.
Can I Just Mix Baking Soda with My Detergent?
This is a question we get a lot, and the short answer is no, you shouldn’t. Dishwasher detergents are carefully formulated with enzymes and surfactants that work at a specific pH level. Adding baking soda, which is alkaline, can alter that pH and reduce the effectiveness of your detergent, leading to poorer cleaning performance on your dishes. It’s best to use baking soda on its own in a separate cleaning cycle.
When Baking Soda Isn’t Enough: Other Natural Cleaning Power-Ups
While using baking soda in dishwasher for smell is highly effective, sometimes you need a little extra help, especially if you’re dealing with hard water buildup or stubborn mildew.
The Vinegar Rinse
White vinegar is another fantastic natural cleaner. Its acetic acid is excellent at breaking down mineral deposits from hard water (that chalky white film) and killing mold and mildew.
Expert Tip from James Peterson, a certified appliance technician with 15 years of experience: “I always tell my clients to never mix baking soda and vinegar in the same cycle. They neutralize each other, and you lose the cleaning benefits of both. Run a baking soda cycle first, then run a separate cycle with vinegar for a complete deep clean.”
To use vinegar, place a dishwasher-safe bowl or measuring cup containing one cup of white vinegar on the top rack of your empty dishwasher. Run a hot water cycle. The vinegar will be distributed throughout the wash, sanitizing the machine and dissolving mineral buildup.
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Our Picks for the Best Dishwasher in 2025
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| Num | Product | Action |
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| 1 | AIRMSEN Countertop Dishwasher - 8 Programs and 3 Useful Functions, Integrated Water Softener, Delayed Start, Child Lock, No Hookup Needed, Portable Mini Size for Home, Apartments & RVs |
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| 2 | AIRMSEN Portable Countertop Dishwashers, 5 Washing Programs Mini Dishwashers with 5 L Built-in Water Tank and Double-layered Glass Door, No Hookup Needed for Home, Apartments & RVs |
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| 3 | AIRMSEN Countertop Dishwasher Complete 2-Level Rack, Portable Dishwashers with 5L Built-in Water Tank, 3-Spray Arms & 12H Delay Start, No Hookup Needed, A01, White |
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| 4 | COMFEE\' Portable Mini Dishwasher Countertop with 5L Built-in Water Tank for Apartments& RVs, No Hookup Needed, 6 Programs, 360° Dual Spray, 162℉ High-Temp& Air-Dry Function |
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| 5 | EUHOMY Countertop Dishwasher Portable with 6 Programs, 5L Built-in Water Tank for Apartments, 167℉ High-Temp, No Hookup Needed, Mini Dishwasher with Baby Care, Air Dry/Quick/ECO/Fruit/Normal, White |
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| 6 | AIRMSEN Portable Countertop Dishwashers, 5 Washing Programs Mini Dishwashers with 5 L Built-in Water Tank and Double-layered Glass Door, No Hookup Needed for Home, Apartments & RVs |
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| 7 | BLITZHOME Portable Dishwasher Countertop, WIFI Smart Dishwasher, Compact Dishwashers with 5L Built-in Water Tank, 6 Programs, 360° Dual Spray, High-Temp& Air-Dry Function, Fruit Cleaning |
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| 8 | NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwashers, Compact Dishwashers with 5L Built-in Water Tank & Inlet Hose, 5 Washing Programs, Baby Care, Air-Dry Function and LED Light for Small Apartments |
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| 9 | EUHOMY Countertop Dishwasher Portable with 6 Programs, 5L Built-in Water Tank for Apartments & RV, 167℉ High-Temp, No Hookup Needed, Mini Dishwasher with Baby Care, Air Dry/Quick/ECO/Fruit/Normal Mode |
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| 10 | COMFEE\' Portable Dishwasher Countertop with 5L Built-in Water Tank, No Hookup Needed, 6 Programs, 360° Dual Spray, 192℉ High-Temp& Air-Dry Function, Mini Dishwasher for RVs, White |
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The Freshness of Lemon
For a final touch of freshness, you can use lemons. The citric acid in lemons helps break down grime and leaves behind a pleasant, clean scent. You can either use a few lemon wedges placed in the cutlery basket or pour a cup of lemon juice into the bottom of the tub and run a hot cycle.
A Proactive Approach: Preventing Dishwasher Odors Before They Start
The best way to deal with a smelly dishwasher is to prevent the odor from developing in the first place. A little bit of regular dishwasher maintenance goes a long way.
- Scrape, Don’t Rinse: Scrape large food scraps off your plates before loading, but there’s no need to pre-rinse. Modern dishwasher detergents need a little bit of food soil to cling to in order to work effectively.
- Clean Your Filter Weekly: Make it a habit. A quick rinse of the filter once a week takes less than a minute and is the single most effective thing you can do to prevent odors.
- Run Hot Cycles Regularly: If you tend to use eco or quick wash cycles, make sure to run a full-hot cycle at least once a week to help dissolve grease and kill bacteria.
- Leave the Door Ajar: After a cycle finishes, prop the door open slightly. This allows air to circulate and the interior to dry out completely, preventing the damp environment where mold and mildew thrive.
- Perform a Monthly Deep Clean: Once a month, run a cleaning cycle using either baking soda or vinegar. This simple routine will keep your machine in top-notch condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I be using baking soda in my dishwasher for smell?
A: For general maintenance, using baking soda once a month is a great routine. If you notice a persistent odor, you can do it more frequently until the smell is gone, and then revert to a monthly schedule.
Q: Is baking soda safe for all dishwashers, including stainless steel interiors?
A: Yes, baking soda is perfectly safe for all dishwasher interiors, including stainless steel and plastic. It’s a gentle cleaner that won’t cause scratches or damage to the components of your machine.
Q: Can I use baking soda and vinegar together in the same cycle?
A: It’s not recommended. When mixed directly, they create a chemical reaction that foams up and essentially neutralizes their individual cleaning properties. For the best results, use them in separate, consecutive cycles.
Q: Will baking soda damage my dishwasher’s seals or hoses?
A: No, baking soda is not harsh enough to damage the rubber or plastic components of your dishwasher. It’s much gentler than many commercial chemical cleaners.
Q: What if the smell persists after using baking soda and vinegar?
A: If a deep clean doesn’t solve the problem, the issue might be in your drain hose or plumbing. A clog or a kink in the drain hose can prevent dirty water from draining completely, causing it to stagnate and smell. In this case, it may be time to consult a professional technician.
A Fresh Start for Your Dishwasher
So there you have it. Using baking soda in dishwasher for smell is more than just an old wives’ tale; it’s a scientifically sound, safe, and incredibly effective method for restoring freshness to your kitchen’s hardest-working appliance. By incorporating this simple trick into a routine of regular dishwasher maintenance, you can say goodbye to unpleasant odors for good and ensure your machine runs efficiently for years to come. Give it a try and let the fresh, clean results speak for themselves.