The dishwasher wasn’t rinsing properly. I found a bottle of what I thought said “dishwasher cleaner” under the sink, so I put that in the dishwasher, on a hot cycle. Well, I am partially sighted and turns out I misread the bottle. It was actually washing machine cleaner. After several cycles I managed to get rid of the suds, but not the smell. The dishwasher smells terribly of laundry detergent. And it’s strongly clinging to the glasses and dishes, making them unusable. I tried putting vinegar in, but it didn’t get rid of the smell. I am worried about my landlady’s reaction when she finds out. She is already at the end of her tether with me because I am several months behind on the rent. She has spoken before about evicting me due to the money - I’m worried this might be the final straw. what can I do to get rid of the smell?
Bicarbonate of soda gets rid of smells. Could be enough to put a plate with a few tablespoons of bicarb on it flat on the bottom, partially close the door and leave it over night. Then rinse the plate in the sink so you don’t get bicarb in the machine or on the vinegar. It shouldn’t do any harm but it froths up when vinegar and bicarb touch and you don’t want to damage any seals in the machine.