Home Of The Lifetime Parts Warranty!

Blog

Serving St. John's County for Over 15 Years
Schedule Service
GET IN TOUCH OR CALL US AT
(904) 792-5022 TO GET STARTED
Happy Customers

Appliance BLog

how to clean a maytag dishwasher

Dishwasher Smells Bad? How to Clean a Maytag Dishwasher

If your dishwasher smells bad, it may be time for a good cleaning! In this guide, we will discuss how to clean a Maytag dishwasher. We will answer the question, “Why does my dishwasher smell bad?”, and provide tips on how to run a clean cycle on your dishwasher and how to remove and clean the filter. We will also discuss how to clean the arms on your dishwasher and why you may have water in the bottom of your dishwasher. Finally, we will provide tips on how to unclog your dishwasher. Let’s get started!

Our Step-By-Step Guide: How to Clean a Maytag Dishwasher

A smelly and dirty dishwasher can be a frustrating problem. The odor can be very unpleasant and can make your kitchen smell bad. Also, it’s quite likely that your dirty dishes may not be getting as clean as they need to be. Follow this guide on how to clean a Maytag dishwasher to solve this smelly problem.

how to clean a Maytag dishwasher

Why Does My Dishwasher Smell Bad?

There are several reasons why your dishwasher may smell bad. Food particles can become trapped in the filters and drain hose, along with mold and mildew growth in the humid environment of your dishwasher. Bacteria and other microorganisms thrive in this moist, warm environment, causing pungent odors.

How Do I Clean My Stinky Maytag Dishwasher?

To clean your stinky dishwasher, you’ll need first to remove any food particles and debris that may be trapped in the filters or drain hose. You can do this by running a cycle with white vinegar. White vinegar is a natural disinfectant and will help remove any mold or mildew growth. Next, clean the arms on your dishwasher. Finally, unclog your dishwasher if it is slow draining. Continue reading for details on how to perform each of these easy, DIY steps for how to clean a dishwasher!

How Do You Run a Clean Cycle on a Maytag Dishwasher?

To run a clean cycle on your dishwasher, add one cup of white vinegar in a bowl to the bottom rack of an empty dishwasher. Then, run a normal cycle on the hottest setting. The vinegar will help remove any food particles or mold and mildew growth that may be causing odors.

how to clean a maytag dishwasher
Image Source: Maytag

How Do You Clean a Maytag Front Load Dishwasher Filter?

If your dishwasher has a bad odor, a clogged filter may be to blame. A dishwasher filter screens out large food and debris particles in order to prevent them from clogging the drain. If the filter is not cleaned regularly, these particles will build up and begin to rot, causing odor and drain clogs.

Here’s how to clean a Maytag dishwasher filter to eliminate bad smells:

  1. Take out the bottom rack and locate the filter in the base of the dishwasher.
  2. Unlock the filter by rotating it, and removing it from its compartment.
  3. Wash the filter with warm, soapy water, scrubbing it gently with an old toothbrush to remove the stubborn build-up of particles. Rinse under running water until clean.
  4. Replace the filter in its compartment and twist it to lock it in place.

How Do I Clean the Arms on My Dishwasher?

The arms on your dishwasher spray water and detergent onto your dishes during the wash cycle. Over time, these arms can become clogged with food particles and mineral deposits. This can cause poor dishwashing performance and bad odors. Is your dishwasher not cleaning dishes very well?

How Do I Clean the Arms on My Dishwasher

You can clean the arms on your dishwasher easily with a vinegar solution. Simply remove the arms from the dishwasher and soak them in a bowl of equal parts vinegar and water for about 30 minutes. Then, scrub the arms with an old toothbrush to remove any stubborn build-up from crevices and the spray arm holes. Rinse under running water and reattach to the dishwasher.

Why Does My Maytag Dishwasher Have Water in the Bottom?

If you notice water in the bottom of your dishwasher, it is most likely due to a slow drain. When water doesn’t drain properly, it can pool in the bottom of the dishwasher and become stagnant. This can cause bad odors.

Several things can cause a slow drain, including a clogged drain hose or clogged garbage disposal. If your dishwasher has a slow drain, you’ll need to unclog it to prevent water from pooling in the bottom and causing bad odors.

How Do I Unclog My Maytag Dishwasher?

If your dishwasher is slow draining, there are several things you can do to unclog dishwasher drain and prevent bad odors.

First, check the drain hose for any clogs. The drain hose is the flexible pipe that connects the dishwasher to the drain. If you notice any clogs, remove them with a plunger or pliers.

how to unclog a dishwasher

If the drain hose is clear, then the issue is most likely with the garbage disposal. Make sure to run the garbage disposal before every dishwasher load to ensure the drain is clear. However, if there is a clog in the garbage disposal, you can attempt to remove any disposal clogs with a plunger or pliers manually.

Once you’ve unclogged the dishwasher, run a cycle with white vinegar to remove any lingering odors.

What Is the Best Way to Deep Clean a Maytag Dishwasher?

If your dishwasher still smells bad after taking these cleaning measures, it may be time to deep clean it. Deep cleaning a dishwasher is easy and only takes a few simple steps.

We recommend using Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner to deep clean your dishwasher. This specialized cleaner is made to remove build-up, odors, bacteria, mold, and mildew from your dishwasher without damaging it.

deep clean maytag dishwasher
Image Source: Affresh on Amazon

How to Use Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner:

  1. Add the Affresh cleaner to the detergent dispenser of an empty dishwasher. Do not add dishes or detergent.
  2. Run the dishwasher on the normal cycle, allowing it to complete.
  3. After the cycle is complete, use a soft rag to gently wipe out any remaining residue from the dishwasher tub.
  4. Gently clean around the dishwasher gasket or door seal to remove any dirt, grime, mold, or mildew.
  5. Repeat this process once a month to keep your dishwasher clean and odor free.

How Do You Get Water Spots Off Glassware?

If your glassware is coming out of the dishwasher with water spots, there are a few things you can do to prevent this. If your dishwasher leaves watermarks, you likely have hard water.

Image Source: Maytag

First, make sure you’re using the right detergent. We recommend using Finish Quantum Max Powerball Dishwasher Detergent Tablets. These tablets are designed to dissolve quickly and leave dishes spotless.

If you’re still having issues with water spots, consider adding a rinse aid to your dishwasher. Most modern dishwashers include a special compartment to hold the rinse aid in the detergent dispenser.  Rinse aids help to prevent water spots by causing the water to sheet off of dishes and glassware during the final rinse cycle.

If you’re experiencing problems with your dishwasher, such as bad odors or water spots, there are several things you can do to remedy the situation. We’ve provided a few tips on how to clean a dishwasher and how to unclog it if it’s slow draining. If these measures don’t work, you may need to contact your professional dishwasher technician. CD Appliance Repair Service offers fast, professional dishwasher repair. Call us today!

Need Your Appliance Repaired?
Give Us A Call Today!
Schedule Service
FILL OUT THIS FORM OR CALL US AT
(904) 792-5022 TO GET STARTED

WHY CHOOSE US?

At CD Appliance Repair, we prioritize customer satisfaction and understand the urgency of getting your appliances up and running quickly. Here’s why customers in St. Augustine, FL, and across St. Johns County rely on us:

Locally-Owned Integrity

Being a locally-owned business, we value honesty, transparency, and personalized service. Our team believes in treating each customer like a next door neighbor.

15+ Years of Experience

With over 15 years of experience in the appliance repair industry, we have the expertise to handle a wide range of appliance issues, ensuring reliable, lasting repairs.

Qualified Technicians

Our technicians are highly trained and equipped with the tools and knowledge to repair various appliances. Whether it’s a residential or commercial appliance, we have the skills to diagnose and resolve problems efficiently.

Prompt, Reliable Service

We understand how crucial functional appliances are to daily life. That's why we pride ourselves on prompt response times, clear communication, and thorough repairs to minimize disruption to your routine.