How to Clean an LG Dishwasher That Smells Bad

When your kitchen has a foul odor, pinning down the source is usually the first priority. But what can you do when you find your dishwasher is the root of the problem? We’ll detail how to clean an LG dishwasher filter, tub, and spray arms to banish odor and prevent its return.

Knowing how to clean an LG dishwasher involves targeting odor at its source. Our dishwasher cleaning hacks address odor where it begins with the right tools and methods. But are you wondering, “Why does my LG dishwasher stink?” Before we discuss how to remove offensive odors, here’s what causes the problem.

While a typical wash cycle flushes most food particles and debris down the dishwasher’s drain, some can stay behind. Oftentimes, these particles collect in an LG dishwasher filter or on the tub walls or spray arms. As they decay, they generate a smelly bacteria that multiply rapidly in the dishwasher’s warm, moist environment. 

Without regular cleanings, this bacterial odor can quickly grow out of control. Here’s how specific cleaning steps for the filter, tub and spray arms can effectively eliminate bacteria and odor at each location.

While some model dishwashers have a self-cleaning system, most require regular cleanings based on the number of loads you run per week. Rinsing and/or scraping dishes before loading them can also affect how often you need to clean the filter. Refer to your user manual for the exact recommendations for your model dishwasher and your pre-rinsing practices. 

Here’s how to perform an LG dishwasher filter cleaning:

Food particles that stick to tub walls and in crevices can also result in an LG dishwasher that smells bad.

Follow these steps to clean the tub using basic white vinegar:

Commercial dishwasher cleaners are also effective at removing dishwasher tub odor. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for your specific cleaner and run a Machine Clean or Normal wash cycle.

How often you clean the spray arms also depends on how much you pre-wash your dishes prior to loading. Rinsing and scraping dishes before loading may mean you only need to clean the spray arms every six months. No pre-washing may require bi-monthly cleanings.

Here’s how to clean the spray arms quickly and effectively:

If your dishwasher has a top spray arm, it can be disassembled by removing the hook from the bracket. After rinsing, make sure the retainer clip is engaged when replacing.

Performing regular cleanings with the above methods can help prevent LG dishwasher smells.

These additional tips can also help avoid odor:

While knowing how to clean an LG dishwasher can help prevent odor, sometimes repairs are unavoidable. When you need a  dishwasher repair service, look no further than Authorized Appliance.