It’s easy to assume that your dishwasher gets cleaned every time it runs, but that’s not always true. While it’s great at scrubbing off food and saving you time, it can also quietly become a breeding ground for mold and bacteria.

In homes around Smyrna, where humidity hangs in the air for much of the year, dishwashers offer the perfect combo of warmth, moisture, and darkness that mold loves. If you’ve noticed a funky smell when you open the door, or if you haven’t checked your dishwasher in a while, this guide is for you. Let’s look at the hidden ways your dishwasher might be causing mold, and what you can do to stop it.

Let’s break down 3 common ways your dishwasher could be causing mold, plus a few tips to keep it clean and safe.

1. Leaks You Can’t See

Some leaks are obvious. Others? Not so much.

Water that slowly drips behind or underneath your dishwasher can go unnoticed for weeks, even months. That hidden moisture can soak into cabinets or flooring, and once that happens, it’s just a matter of time before mold shows up.

What you can do:
🛠 Slide your dishwasher out once in a while (or ask a pro) to check for soft flooring, water spots, or musty smells. If anything feels damp, it’s time to investigate.

2. The Door Seal Trap

The rubber gasket around the inside of your dishwasher door is meant to keep water in, but it can also trap food particles and moisture. Over time, that creates a sticky, slimy mess that mold absolutely loves.

You might not even notice it unless you look closely, but run your finger along the seal... you’ll know if it needs attention.

What you can do:
🧼 Wipe the gasket weekly with a mix of warm water and vinegar or baking soda. It takes 2 minutes and makes a huge difference.

3. Poor Ventilation After Each Wash

Once your dishwasher finishes a cycle, there’s still steam and moisture trapped inside. If you close the door and walk away, all that humidity just lingers and that’s when mold can start growing on the walls, racks, and even your dishes.

What you can do:
💨 After each load, crack the door open and let it air out. Letting the inside dry out naturally helps prevent mold from taking hold.

Also, keep an eye on your drain. If water isn’t flowing out properly, moisture will stick around longer than it should.

Mold in Dishwashers: Why It Matters

Aside from the gross factor (because let’s be real, mold near clean dishes is not ideal), mold in your dishwasher can also affect your indoor air quality. It can spread to other parts of the kitchen or trigger allergy-like symptoms.

In a humid climate like Smyrna’s, staying proactive is your best defense.

When It’s Time to Call a Professional

If the mold smell keeps coming back, or you notice black spots no matter how much you clean, the issue might be deeper than surface grime. Mold can spread behind walls, under appliances, and into surrounding areas—especially if leaks have gone unnoticed.

At Big Bear Restoration, we help homeowners in Smyrna and across Cobb County handle mold problems from the inside out. Whether it started in your dishwasher or somewhere else, we’ll get to the root of it and restore a healthy, clean space.

📞 Ready for a Mold Check?

If your dishwasher (or any part of your home) smells off, let’s take a look.
Contact us today for a professional mold inspection and peace of mind.