Mold Taking Over Your Dishwasher? How to Get Rid of It

Opening the dishwasher door to a musty, earthy smell is a sure sign that mold and mildew have taken up residence inside. That dank odor means mold spores are circulating through the air and latching onto dishware. Left unchecked, the slimy film of mold will spread to consume plastic and rubber components. Getting rid of dishwasher mold protects your health, saves money on repairs, and freshens up your kitchen.

Mold thrives in the warm, damp environment inside a dishwasher. Tiny particles of food get trapped and provide nourishment. With each load of dishes, more moisture and more food get left behind. Regular cleaning is essential to control mold growth and prevent it from getting out of hand.

Common Signs of a Mold Problem

Detecting the signs early provides the best chance to eliminate dishwasher mold and stop it from returning. Be on the lookout for these clues that your dishwasher needs a deep clean:

• Musty, earthy smell when opening dishwasher
• Black or white specks or spots on interior surface
• Cloudy film buildup on plastic parts like racks and tub
• Stains and discoloration on dishes and glassware
• Rust spots and corrosion on stainless steel tub

If you notice these warning signs, tackle the mold growth right away before it spreads further and leads to costly repairs.

The Health Risks of Mold Exposure

Breathing in mold spores can trigger respiratory issues and allergic reactions. According to studies, up to 62% of dishwashers contain some mold growth. When you use dishes and utensils exposed to mold, you risk ingesting the harmful toxins mold produces.

For vulnerable individuals, mold can severely impact health:

• Allergies and asthma - Mold spores irritate sinuses and airways
• Respiratory problems - Toxic mold linked to difficulty breathing
• Illness - Weakened immune systems are more susceptible
• Digestive issues - Ingesting mold may cause stomach problems

Preventing your family from using contaminated dishes requires removing all traces of mold from your dishwasher. Follow these steps to eradicate mold and bacteria before they spread.

How to Stop Mold Growth

Starving mold of what it needs to thrive will impede future growth. Reduce moisture, clean away food particles, and sanitize all surfaces to make your dishwasher inhospitable to mold.

Adjust Dishwasher Settings

Mold loves warm, damp conditions. Adjust dishwasher settings to create a less mold-friendly environment:

• Run dishwasher frequently to avoid moisture buildup
• Don't overload - allows water to properly drain off dishes
• Scrape food debris before loading - don't give mold nutrients
• Use rinse aid to improve drying
• Leave door ajar after cycles to air out interior

Clean and Inspect Regularly

Stay vigilant about keeping your dishwasher pristine and dry:

• Clean door seals and joints to prevent moisture traps
• Remove debris in drain filter to improve circulation
• Check under float for trapped gunk clogging drain
• Use dishwasher cleaner monthly to remove grease

Sanitize with Bleach or Vinegar

Cleaning with disinfectants inhibits mold growth. Monthly sanitizing keeps your dishwasher fresh:

• Mix 1 cup bleach into empty wash cycle
• Run vinegar-only cycle to deodorize
• Scrub with baking soda and vinegar paste
• Spray bleach solution on walls, wait 5 minutes, then rinse

Removing Existing Mold

If neglected, mold takes hold deep inside a dishwasher's nooks and crannies. Removing every trace requires some elbow grease and powerful cleaners to eradicate mold and mildew buildup.

Natural Cleaners

For mild mold, homemade pastes scrub away stains without harsh fumes:

• Mix 1 cup baking soda with 1/4 cup vinegar into a spreadable paste.
• Use old toothbrush to scrub paste onto affected areas.
• Let paste sit for 15 minutes before rinsing.
• Spray equal parts vinegar and water and let sit for an hour.

Bleach Solution

To disinfect and sanitize affected components, use a diluted bleach solution:

• Combine 1 cup bleach and 1 gallon water in a spray bottle.
• Remove dish racks and thoroughly spray down.
• Spray dishwasher tub, walls, door seals and underside of door.
• Let solution sit 5 minutes before running rinse cycle.

Remove Parts for Better Access

Getting into crevices where mold hides requires taking the dishwasher apart:

• Detach and clean spray arms and filter basket.
• Remove bottom access panel to clean basin walls and floor.
• Take out filter and clean around impeller.
• Scrub and disinfect the rubber door gasket.

Reassembling everything tightly prevents leaks allowing moisture back in.

Run Vinegar or Bleach Wash

A sanitize cycle using vinegar or bleach circulates through the system:

• Pour 2 cups vinegar or 1 cup bleach into empty dishwasher.
• Run hottest wash cycle with nothing inside.
• Optionally run second rinse cycle.
• Always run rinse cycle until bleach smell completely gone.

Deep Cleaning for Severe Cases

Neglected dishwashers with heavy mold buildup require extensive cleaning to remove all traces. Follow these steps for a deep clean:

1. Unplug dishwasher and pull out from undercounter.
2. Lay old towels under dishwasher to catch drips.
3. Remove access panel and detach drain hose.
4. Drain water left in the basin using turkey baster.
5. Clean debris around impeller and inside drain hose.
6. Scrub basin walls and floor with bleach solution.
7. Reattach drain hose and access panel.
8. Clean and disinfect door gasket, racks, filters and arms.
9. Spray bleach solution inside tub and wipe down.
10. Run hottest cycle empty with 2 cups vinegar.
11. Push back into place and test for leaks.

Going to these lengths ensures no traces of mold survive to re-infect your dishwasher.

Stopping mold regrowth requires vigilance and upkeep. Get into the habit of monthly maintenance:

• Inspect under float, impeller and seals for debris.
• Clean away any spots of mold growth immediately.
• Run dishwasher empty on hottest setting with vinegar.
• Replace worn or cracked dishwasher parts.
• Leave dishwasher door open after cycles.
• Use rinse aid and dishwasher cleaner monthly.