Why does dishwasher stink?

Answer 1

The simple answer is bacteria caused from rotting food particles trapped in the drain and parts inside the dishwasher itself. There are dozens of cleaners on the market now that will clean and sanitize your dishwasher. Most simply require you to place the cleaner inside the dishwasher and run a cycle.

In a pinch- add a 1/4 cup of regular bleach to the detergent port and run a "scour" or heavy cycle. Might take a couple of cycles but you should see-and smell- an immediate difference.

Another possible problem is that the unit may be leaking and mold has began to grow around the leak. This requires the unit be pulled-leak repaired- and the mold cleaned up. A spray bottle with about 16ounces of water- 4ounces of bleach and 2 ounces or hydrogen peroxide works well on killing the mold and preventing it's return.