Samsung Dishwasher Stinks or has a Musty, Mildew Smell

Begin by removing all removable components, like racks, baskets, and nozzles. Remove the filter if your model has that option. See your user manual for additional cleaning instructions specific to your model.

• Clean the drain area and filter housing at the bottom with warm, soapy water. Take apart the filter and make sure to clean each piece.
• Look for all the tiny holes in the nozzles and make sure each one is clear of debris. Use a thin, pointed object (like a needle or toothpick) to help clean the holes.
• Clean around the door seal with a damp cloth soaked in white vinegar, and wipe the bottom of the door with warm, soapy water. Clean the inner part of the door with a wet cloth.
• The racks and other plastic accessories can be cleaned with a brush or cloth using warm, soapy water.

Check if your dishwasher is receiving hot water. Hot water will clean better while also eliminating odors.

Run hot water in the sink, and keep track of how long it takes to get hot. If it takes more than a few seconds, or a minute, then check your hot water heater. It should be set to 120 degrees - 149 degrees Fahrenheit. If the heater is already set to this temperature, and the water is still not hot, contact a plumber for further assistance.

A cleaning cycle is an easy way to clean your dishwasher. To run a cleaning cycle, use a cleaning agent while the dishwasher is empty. Depending on your model, you can run the Self Clean or Normal cycles. For the cleaning agent, you can use chlorine-based detergent, white vinegar, or a dishwasher cleaning tablet. Do not use detergent and vinegar at the same time.

Empty the dishwasher and start the cycle until it drains. Then, pause the cycle and add the cleaning agent.

• If you're using white vinegar, put 8 ounces in a dishwasher-safe glass and place it on the bottom rack.
• If you're using a dishwasher cleaning tablet, make sure to follow the manufacturer's directions on proper usage.

Close the door and resume the cycle until it finishes. After the cycle, wipe away any cleaning agent or debris that remains with a clean cloth. Remember to leave the door slightly open to help air out the leftover moisture.

If there's still an odor after running the cleaning cycle and cleaning the components, it may be coming from the connected sink. In most cases, the sink drain or garbage disposal will need to be cleaned.

If the odor remains after cleaning the sink or garbage disposal, you may need to contact a plumber for further assistance. This issue should be taken care of before attempting to clean your dishwasher again.

If the odor remains and it's not from your sink, then you should confirm that there are no other symptoms indicating an issue, such as a large amount of water remaining after a cycle. This means the dishwasher is not draining. A small amount of leftover water is normal.

You can also check for an error code or blinking lights. Each of these have their own troubleshooting steps and may or may not need service to correct both the issue and the cause of the odor.

If the dishwasher is working properly despite the odor, then service will not correct the odor issue.

If you store a few dirty dishes in the dishwasher while waiting to run a full load, it will most likely start to smell. This odor could remain even after the dishes have been cleaned. You can prevent a lingering odor by running a rinse cycle in between full loads.

Since a small amount of moisture and warmth is often left in the dishwasher after running a cycle, open the door to let air circulation dry it. Some models include AutoRelease Dry which will automatically open the door for you after the cycle.

Wipe down the interior of the dishwasher with a damp cloth after each cycle finishes. You should also wipe down the tub and inside of the door when you won't be using the dishwasher for a while.

Make sure to dry the interior as well so there is no leftover moisture that could cause odors.