A smell from the LG LDP6810 almost always comes from food or water left in the tub: LG names four causes, a previous cycle stopped before finishing so water remains, food in the bottom of the tub or in the filter, unwashed dishes left in the dishwasher for a long time, and the smell of detergent after cleaning, which is normal. Clean the filter and interior, run the Cancel option to remove residual water, then run the Turbo cycle empty with detergent. A vinegar cup on the upper rack is LG's fix for stale odor.
Differential
Likely causes of “LG dishwasher smells bad or musty”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Residual water from a cycle that was stopped early
What separates it A sour, stagnant smell when you open the door and water is left in the tub
How to confirm Turn on the power and run the Cancel cycle option to drain it
- 2
Food trapped in the filter or the bottom of the tub
What separates it A rotting food smell that is strongest near the filter
How to confirm Clean the filter and the interior; LG says food debris in the filter can cause odor
- 3
Dirty dishes left in the dishwasher too long
What separates it Odor after days of loading dishes without running a wash
How to confirm Run a cycle with one cup of white vinegar in a glass or bowl on the upper rack
- 4
Detergent smell after cleaning
What separates it There is a clean, chemical smell straight after a cycle because of detergent smell after cleaning
How to confirm This is normal; LG says the appliance smells like detergent after cleaning
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- When the smell happens: on opening the door, during the cycle or after drying
- Whether water is sitting in the bottom of the tub
- How long since the filter and air gap were cleaned
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedDrain any standing water
ReversibleTurn on the power and run the Cancel option. LG says the drain pump then activates, and the dishwasher powers off once it finishes draining.
Clean the filters and tub
ReversibleTake out and clean the filters with a soft brush under warm water, then wipe the tub interior. LG says remove food residue to prevent odor-causing bacteria and drainage problems.
Run an empty Turbo cycle
ReversibleWith the dishwasher empty, add detergent and run the Turbo cycle, as LG describes for odor left by a stopped cycle.
Try a vinegar cycle
ReversiblePlace one cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe glass or bowl on the upper rack and run a cycle. LG warns that vinegar is an acid and with constant use could damage the appliance.
Keep it fresh
ReversibleDo not leave unwashed dishes in the dishwasher for a long time, and clean the air gap and disposal. For a long absence LG says to clean the filter, tub and dispenser to prevent odor.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Cleaning routine from the manual
- Filter after each load or monthly in hard water; spray arms when holes are blocked; air gap and disposal when draining is slow; a Machine Clean cycle when the icon flashes every 30 cycles; vinegar or citric acid cycles for smell and film.
- Parts for this problem on the LDP6810 (RepairClinic, 2026-09-21)
- filter, part number MDJ64544301, at $69.18; drain hose, part number AEM74333104, at $66.77; valve,check, part number MJX63511301, at $7.98; tub seal, part number 3920DD3005H, at $65.73.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models LDP7808, LDPH7972, LDFN4542, LDFN3432, LDF5545.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the smell continues after the filter, tub and a vinegar or citric cycle, call LG customer service
- !If the smell is like burning plastic or electrical, stop using the dishwasher and switch off the breaker
- !If sewage odor comes from the drain, check the sink air gap and disposal or call a plumber
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
LG USA support page listing this model's manuals and warranty.
Parts and list prices as shown on RepairClinic's parts search for this model number on 2026-09-21.
Exact questions
Common questions
Why does my LG dishwasher smell?+
LG says food in the filter or tub, water left from a stopped cycle and unwashed dishes left too long are the causes. A detergent smell after cleaning is normal.
How do I clear a stale smell?+
Run a cycle with one cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe glass or bowl on the upper rack.
Is it safe to use vinegar every time?+
LG warns that vinegar is an acid and with constant use it could damage the appliance.
What is the Cancel cycle for?+
It activates the drain pump and cancels the cycle. Once draining finishes, the power turns off. LG uses it to remove residual water.
What if I leave for a while?+
LG says to clean the filter, tub and dispenser before a long absence, and to close the water valve and disconnect the power in warmer months.
Does the Machine Clean icon matter?+
The Machine Clean icon flashes every 30 cycles to remind you to run a Machine Clean cycle; press Delicate for three seconds to turn the icon off or on.
Will a smell of detergent go away?+
LG says it is normal for the dishwasher to smell like detergent after cleaning.