What To Do When Your Dishwasher Smells [Video]

This is my friend Caroline.  And she has a problem.  She thinks her dishwasher smells like her cat climbed inside it and used it as a sandbox.  Clearly, that cat looks guilty.  But, since it's clearly dry, that obviously didn't happen. But Caroline's problem is a common one.  Dishwashers (and sinks) can sometimes smell.  Badly.  So what can you do about it?

This was Caroline's recent call for help on Facebook!

Ok, Facebook, the Google couldn't solve this one for me so I turn to you. Why do my dishwasher and sink sometimes smell like cat poop? I should note that I'm 90% sure my actual cats aren't to blame. Has anyone had this problem? How did you solve it? I've used white vinegar and baking soda. No luck.

Now, I would like to point out that the folks at Arm & Hammer are likely, as we speak, taking issue with this.  See, they claim baking soda works like a champ!

But it didn't work for Caroline.  But her Facebook friends came to her rescue with a variety of helpful tips.  Check these out!

Nikki Zoglmann: Lemon and let it set overnight.

That said, another friend says that just won't do the trick . . .

Heather Stuart: Ok, my mom had a similar problem. She tried lemon, vinegar, baking soda....nothing.

And a couple of Caroline's male friends have chimed in too . . .

Lee Sullivan:  You could have something that has melted to your heating element. If that's the case- you need a new element. It's a pain- but much cheaper than buying a new dishwasher.

Tom Spalding: Any smell is common. The venting is the issue. Probably not the interior but a pipe leading in or out of it has an issue. I'd check with a plumber on the odor issue.

Do YOU have any helpful hints about how to take care of a dishwasher or kitchen sink that stinks?