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Whirlpool Dishwasher Smells Bad: Causes and How to Eliminate Them

Quick Answer

A smelly Whirlpool dishwasher is almost always a maintenance problem rather than a hardware fault. The primary odor source on WDT series models is the fine-mesh filter cylinder trapping decomposing food and grease. Secondary sources are the door gasket interior (mold and mildew in the folds) and a drain hose that does not fully empty after cycles (allowing stagnant water to develop odor).

A smelly Whirlpool dishwasher is almost always a maintenance problem rather than a hardware fault. The primary odor source on WDT series models is the fine-mesh filter cylinder trapping decomposing food and grease. Secondary sources are the door gasket interior (mold and mildew in the folds) and a drain hose that does not fully empty after cycles (allowing stagnant water to develop odor). Cleaning the filter, running a hot descale cycle, and wiping the door gasket resolves 90% of dishwasher odors.

WhirlpoolDishwasherSeverity: low90% DIY Success
Time to Fix
15–40 min
Difficulty
beginner
Parts Cost
—
Tools Needed
Soft-bristle brush, Cloth

What Does the SMELL Code Mean?

Dishwasher smells come from decomposing food in the filter, mold in the door gasket, or stagnant water in the drain hose. Clean the filter, run a hot cycle with dishwasher cleaner, and wipe the gasket folds.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Filter cylinder packed with decomposing food and grease40%
Mold and mildew in door gasket folds24%
Hard water scale and biofilm coating the tub interior22%
Stagnant water in drain hose between cycles14%

Symptoms You May Notice

  • Sour or sewage smell when opening the door
  • Musty smell from the door gasket area
  • Smell worse after the dishwasher has been idle for days
  • Dishes have an odor after washing

Can you reset a Whirlpool dishwasher to clear the SMELL code?

No reset needed for odor issues. Odor resolution is purely maintenance.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Soft-bristle brushClothMild bleach solution

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

1

Remove the filter cylinder and flat screen

Remove the filter cylinder and flat screen. Rinse under hot water, then soak both in warm soapy water for 5 minutes and scrub with a brush. The fine mesh should look clean, not grey-brown. Reinstall.

2

Run a fingernail along the door gasket folds (the rubber seal

3

Place a dishwasher cleaning tablet (Affresh

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my dishwasher smell worse in the morning?
The drain pump seals leave a small amount of water in the sump overnight. If the filter is dirty, this water absorbs decomposing food odors and the smell concentrates in the closed machine. Cleaning the filter is the fix.
Is it safe to use bleach in a Whirlpool dishwasher?
A diluted bleach solution (1 teaspoon per quart) for wiping the gasket is safe. Do not run bleach through a full cycle as it can damage stainless steel interiors and rubber components over time. Use purpose-made dishwasher cleaners for full-tub cleaning.

Related Whirlpool Dishwasher Error Codes

Code: NOT-CLEANINGWhirlpool Dishwasher Not Cleaning Dishes: 7 Causes and FixesCode: WONT-DRAINWhirlpool Dishwasher Wont Drain: 5 Causes Ranked by Likelihood

Same Fix Works on These Brands

Whirlpool shares the same hardware platform with these brands. The diagnosis and repair steps are identical.

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Models Known to Experience SMELL Errors

This repair applies to most Whirlpool dishwashers with this error code. Common model numbers include:

WDT780SAEM, WDF550SAHZ, WDT730PAHZ, WDT750SAHZ, WDT970SAHZ, WDF518SAHM, WDT720PADE

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 14, 2026