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?
EDIT: Thanks so much for all the suggestions. After wiping out the filter and multiple cycles, the smell seems to be gone!
See if your dishwasher has a filter you can access. There may be detergent caught up in food or other gunk stuck on the filter. Getting it cleaned up might help.
Side note, if it does have a filter and you're checking on it for the first time... I'm very very sorry for what you're about to experience. Good luck.
Yeah most dishwashers should have a filter at the bottom of the inside, you have to take the bottom rack out but there will likely be a plastic insert that can be pulled out or possibly a circular filter that unlocks with a twist. Yeah those things can get nasty but if you generally prewash dishes it should be fine.