You’d think a machine that washes with hot water would stay clean. But dishwashers sit warm, wet and closed between cycles, with bits of food trapped in the filter and seals. That’s why people find black spots on the door gasket or notice a musty smell when they open it.
Where Mold Hides in a Dishwasher
- The rubber door gasket and the bottom edge of the door
- The filter at the bottom of the tub
- Spray arm holes and around the drain
- Corners of the tub and the detergent dispenser
How to Clean a Moldy Dishwasher
Check your owner’s manual first. Some manufacturers list specific cleaners to use or avoid, especially for stainless steel interiors.
- Empty it and pull out the racks.
- Remove and wash the filter in warm, soapy water with a soft brush.
- Scrub the door gasket and edges with warm soapy water and an old toothbrush. Get into the folds and the bottom of the door.
- Clear the spray arm holes with a toothpick if they’re clogged.
- Run an empty hot cycle with a dishwasher cleaner, or a cup of white vinegar upright on the top rack if your manual allows it.
- Leave the door open to dry completely.
Never mix bleach with vinegar or other cleaners, and don’t use them in back-to-back cycles.
How to Keep It From Coming Back
- Scrape food off dishes before loading
- Clean the filter every few weeks
- Crack the door open after a cycle so it can dry
- Run it regularly; a dishwasher that sits for weeks with damp residue is more likely to grow mold
When the Mold Is Outside the Dishwasher
A dishwasher can leak slowly from its supply line, drain hose or door seal, soaking the floor and cabinets around it without anyone noticing. Warning signs:
- Warped, lifting or soft flooring in front of the dishwasher
- Swollen cabinet sides or a musty smell in the cabinet next to it
- Water under the sink where the dishwasher connects
- Stains on the ceiling below, if the kitchen is upstairs or in a condo
See mold under the kitchen sink and mold on cabinets and baseboards for what to look for next.
Free Visual Inspection in South Florida
If you think your dishwasher has been leaking, FL Cleanup offers a free visual inspection with moisture readings and an infrared (thermal) camera across South Florida, and handles licensed mold remediation and drying. We answer 24/7, and hablamos español. Call 877-224-2532 or request a free visual inspection online.
About the author: James Rice-Peña is the owner of FL Cleanup and a Florida-licensed Mold Assessor (MRSA4035) and Mold Remediator (MRSR4158). He has worked in property restoration in South Florida since 2012, and FL Cleanup has earned 200+ five-star Google reviews.
