How To — Clean Dishwasher Drain Hose

A bucket and absorbent towels to catch residual water.

That musty smell coming from your dishwasher? Dishes not drying properly? Standing water at the bottom after a cycle? The culprit might not be the filter—it’s likely the drain hose . This corrugated tube connects your dishwasher to the sink drain or garbage disposal, and over time, it traps grease, food scraps, and soap scum. Here’s how to clean it in 5 steps.

Once the water runs clear through the hose: how to clean dishwasher drain hose

Check for kinks or visible blockages. You can use a straightened wire hanger or a flexible brush to gently push through clogs. For a natural chemical flush:

Turn off the power to the dishwasher at the circuit breaker. Then, turn off the water supply under the sink (or unplug the unit). A bucket and absorbent towels to catch residual water

Secure the hose back onto the connection point with the clamp. Ensure the hose is routed in a "high loop" (secured to the underside of the counter) to prevent future backflow. Run a short rinse cycle to check for leaks and confirm the water drains smoothly. When to Call a Professional

If the hose is grimy but not fully blocked, a chemical clean is best. Standing water at the bottom after a cycle

Now for the fun part. Take your stiff wire (the coat hanger) and insert it into the disconnected hose.