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Yes, vinegar is an excellent homemade solution to clean a dishwasher. Its acidity will cut through any buildup, while its natural deodorizing capabilities will take care of any nasty smells. 

The most common reason for a smelly dishwasher is a dirty dishwasher filter. The filter is responsible for catching food while your machine is running to prevent clogs. Over time, that filter gets more and more filled with food particles. Cleaning your dishwasher filter monthly can keep the smell at bay.

Your first instinct might be to grab the bleach to clean a moldy dishwasher, but it’s not the best product for the job. You don’t want to use bleach to clean stainless steel components if your dishwasher has them, as it can cause significant damage. In addition, the scent of bleach can linger if not rinsed well, causing your dishes to retain a smell (and even taste) of bleach.

The frequency for cleaning your dishwasher filter depends on your usage habits. If you run the dishwasher daily and don't scrape or rinse dishes before loading, you should clean the filter about once a month. For those who use it only once or twice a week and rinse items beforehand, cleaning it every three to six months may be sufficient. A clear sign that your filter needs cleaning is a musty smell, even after a wash cycle. Regularly cleaning the filter is important to prevent food buildup and clogging over time. It can be helpful to add this maintenance task to your calendar to stay on schedule.