Tackle a moldy, musty dishwasher to make sure your dishes are really getting clean
Your dishwasher is one of the most useful time-saving tools in your kitchen. If your dishwasher develops mold, however, you may be at risk of health issues as well as having to endure musty smells and unsanitary dishes. Learn the best ways to clean mold from a dishwasher so your dishes come out clean, sparkling, and sanitized after every cycle.
Heat and moisture from all types of washers make them prone to molding without proper care. One of the telltale signs of a moldy dishwasher is a musty, stale, or pungent odor that does not go away even after a wash cycle.
When the issue escalates, black, green, or white mold patches appear inside the washer, particularly around door edges, rubber seals, and dish racks. If you smell mold but don't see visible signs, look underneath removable parts like the utensil basket.
If your dishwasher isn't fully draining, that’s another indicator of a mold issue. Mold can thrive in your washer's filter, pump, or drain. Lastly, if your dishwasher is prone to leaking, peek under it to confirm if there's mold growth.
Cleaning a moldy dishwasher requires a few thorough steps to ensure mold growth is eliminated and mold is prevented from coming back.
Before you get started, remove all dishes from the dishwasher. Then, remove all racks and any other removable baskets or trays and let them soak in a sink or tub of hot, soapy water.
Your dishwasher has a filter to catch food particles and other debris, and it’s common for mold to grow there. Clean the dishwasher filter by removing the filter (consult your owner’s manual if you aren’t sure where it’s located or how to get it out) and scrubbing it with soapy water and a soft brush, taking care not to damage or tear the filter screens.
Once the racks and filter are removed, use a scrub brush and hot, soapy water (a few drops of dish soap will work great) to clean all interior surfaces. Pay special attention to rubber seals and gaskets, the detergent dispenser, the area around the filter, and the bottom of the dishwasher. Use a damp rag or paper towels to remove any soap residue.
Next, turn your attention to the racks, baskets, and trays you removed earlier. Scrub these parts, remembering to flip them over and clean the undersides as well. Rinse well and put them back into the dishwasher.
After you’ve scrubbed the entire interior of the dishwasher, it’s time to sanitize. A great option for sanitizing a moldy dishwasher is white vinegar. Cleaning with vinegar is useful in many ways around the house, and it can effectively kill several kinds of common household mold. To use vinegar to clean your dishwasher, fill a dishwasher-safe bowl with one to two cups of white vinegar and set it upright on the dishwasher’s top rack. Close the dishwasher and run it on a regular wash cycle (without detergent) on the hottest cycle available.
Damp conditions provide the ideal environment for mold growth. When the machine doesn't dry out thoroughly after a cycle, the trapped dampness speeds up mold development. Food debris also contributes to mold growth, particularly when trapped in the utensil holder, rack, drain, and filter.
Once you’ve tackled your dishwasher’s mold problem, you’ll want to take steps to prevent it from happening in the future.
Increasing the amount of air circulation in your dishwasher can help prevent mold growth. If possible, avoid fully shutting the door except while a cycle is being run. Opening the door immediately after a cycle can help remaining moisture evaporate faster, which not only helps your dishes dry but also discourages damp conditions that invite mold growth.
You don’t need to wait for signs of mold to clean your dishwasher. Running an empty wash cycle with vinegar once a month or so can help prevent mold from taking root. In addition, wipe down seals and gaskets with hot soapy water and clean out any residue in or around the detergent dispenser. Clean the filter every few months, or more frequently if you don’t pre-rinse your dishes.
If you have a garbage disposal, it’s likely that it shares plumbing with your dishwasher. Running your garbage disposal before running the dishwasher can clear out any remaining food residue and prevent the possibility of stagnant organic material, which can lead to mold.
A cleaning service can deep clean your dishwasher. Depending on your location, the average cost of a house cleaning visit is $175 or $50 per hour. However, a house cleaner can't replace machine parts that have mold damage. Contact a top appliance repair technician if your dishwasher is no longer under warranty.
Most DIYers can handle routine dishwasher cleaning. However, a professional will ensure a more thorough result when tackling mold. When hiring a local cleaning service, make it clear you want your machine deep cleaned so they come equipped with the necessary tools and cleaning solutions. If the issues persist after the cleaning, you may need to call an appliance repair pro to address remaining mechanical issues.
Your first instinct might be to grab the bleach to clean a moldy dishwasher, but it’s not the best product for the job. You don’t want to use bleach to clean stainless steel components if your dishwasher has them, as it can cause significant damage. In addition, the scent of bleach can linger if not rinsed well, causing your dishes to retain a smell (and even taste) of bleach.
The answer to whether it’s safe to use a moldy dishwasher is: It depends. Mold exposure affects people differently. It’s possible that even a small amount of mold in your dishwasher could contribute to respiratory issues and other health problems, especially if you have an underlying health condition. Mold is capable of surviving the high heat and detergent used in a dishwasher cycle, so it’s important to ensure that you act quickly at the first sign of mold, or contact a house cleaner near you to stay on top of any potential mold problems.
