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Dishwasher smells? Do this

A smelly dishwasher is almost always caused by food debris and grease building up inside the machine. It's not a fault — it's a cleaning issue, and it's straightforward to fix.


Why this happens

How to fix it

1

Remove and clean the filter — pull it out from the bottom of the machine, rinse under warm water, scrub with a soft brush.

2

Run an empty hot cycle (60°C or higher) with a dishwasher cleaner tablet or powder.

3

Wipe the door seal with a damp cloth — mould collects in the rubber folds.

4

Check the spray arm holes are not blocked — use a toothpick to clear any debris.

5

Leave the door slightly ajar between uses to let air circulate and prevent mildew.

What we recommend

Curated for performance. We only list what works.

Finish Dishwasher Machine Cleaner

Cuts through grease and limescale in one cycle. Use monthly.

Buy now

Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner

Formulated to clean the inside of your dishwasher. Removes limescale and residue.

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As a rule of thumb: clean the filter weekly if you run the dishwasher daily, and run a cleaner cycle once a month. That alone will eliminate most odour issues permanently.