Why Your Washing Machine Might Smell Like Rotten Eggs: Causes and Solutions

Last Updated on March 9, 2022 by Kimberly Crawford

If your washing machine smells like rotten eggs, don’t panic! There are several possible causes, and most of them can be fixed fairly easily.

In this blog post, we will discuss the most common causes of this issue, as well as some solutions that you can try.

We will also provide some tips on how to prevent your washing machine from smelling like rotten eggs in the future.

Why does my washing machine smells like rotten eggs?

Common causes of this problem include a dirty washing machine, build-up of detergent residues, or a bacterial contamination.

1. Dirty washing machine

One possible reason your washing machine smells like rotten eggs is because it is dirty. If the drum of your washer is not clean, then moisture and bacteria will thrive, which can create a bad smell. To clean your washer, you can either use a commercial cleaner or make your own cleaning solution.

To make your own cleaning solution, mix one cup of white vinegar with one gallon of hot water. Pour the solution into the washer drum and run a normal cycle.

2. Build-up of mold and mildew

Another possible reason your washing machine smells like rotten eggs is because of a build-up of mold and mildew. This can happen when there is excess moisture in the washer drum. To prevent mold and mildew from growing, leave the door of your washer open after each use. You can also clean the door seal with a vinegar solution.

If you have a front-loading washing machine, then there is another possible reason why it smells like rotten eggs. This type of washer has a drain hose that goes from the washer to the wall. If this hose is not installed correctly or if it is clogged, then water will back up into the washer drum and cause a bad smell.

To fix this problem, unplug your washing machine and check the drain hose for kinks or blockages. Make sure the hose is properly installed and that there is no excess moisture in the area where it is connected to the wall.

3. Bacterial contamination

Bacterial contamination is the most common cause of a washing machine emitting a rotten egg smell. Often, this can be resolved with a simple cleaning of the washer’s interior. If that doesn’t work, you might need to descale the machine.

If your washing machine smells like rotten eggs, it is likely due to bacterial contamination. This can often be resolved with a simple cleaning of the washer’s interior. If that doesn’t work, you might need to descale the machine.

Descaling involves removing any built-up mineral deposits from your washing machine. This can be done with a commercial descaling solution or with a mixture of vinegar and water.

4. A gas leak

The source of the rotten-egg odor may be a natural gas leak from your home’s gas lines. If you have a natural gas-powered washing machine, the rotten-egg smell could be coming from the machine itself.

If your washing machine is electric, the problem is most likely with your home’s sewer line or septic tank. Sewer gases can enter your home through gaps in the pipe or through cracks in the foundation.

Solution: If you smell gas, do not try to locate the leak yourself. Shut off the gas supply at the meter and call your local utility company or fire department. There is a risk of explosion if you don’t properly shut off the gas.

5. Wrong detergent

If you’re using a laundry detergent that contains sulfur, it could be the cause of that rotten egg smell. To fix the problem, switch to a detergent that’s low in sulfur or sulfates.

6. Low temperatures

Low temperatures and dirty water are two of the most common causes of a washing machine that smells like rotten eggs.

7. Sewer is clogged

If your washing machine smells like rotten eggs, it might be because the sewer line is clogged. This can happen if you don’t regularly clean your lint trap or if something large gets lodged in the pipe.

Solution:

To unclog a sewer line, you’ll need to call a professional.

How to get rid of rotten eggs smell in washing machine

1. Clean the washing machine

Luckily, there are a few things you can do to clean your machine and get rid of the smell.

To start, you should clean the door seal and gasket. This is where a lot of dirt and bacteria can build up. You can do this by using a cloth or brush to clean the area. If there is a lot of build-up, you may need to use a cleaning solution.

Next, you should clean the detergent dispenser. This is another area where dirt and bacteria can accumulate. You can do this by taking out the dispenser and cleaning it with a cloth or brush.

Finally, you should clean the inside of the washing machine. This can be done by running an empty cycle with hot water and a cup of vinegar. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and will help to remove any dirt and bacteria.

2. Clean out the filter

If your washing machine smells like rotten eggs, the first thing you should do is clean out the filter. This will help to remove any built-up dirt or debris that might be causing the smell.

How to clean out the filter:

-Start by unplugging your washing machine from the power outlet.

-Locate the filter (usually located near the bottom of the machine).

-Remove the filter and clean it with warm water and soap.

-Rinse the filter thoroughly and replace it back into the washing machine.

-Plug your washing machine back in and turn it on.

3. Check the hoses

Another common cause of a smelly washing machine is a leaky hose. Check both the hot and cold water hoses for any signs of leaks or cracks. If you find a leak, replace the hose right away.

4. Run a clean cycle with hot water and a cup of baking soda.

This will help remove any residual smells. If your washing machine still smells like rotten eggs, it could be due to a build-up of bacteria in the gasket or drain pump. Clean these areas with a vinegar solution or bleach to get rid of the odor-causing bacteria.

How to run a clean cycle with hot water and a cup of baking soda:

– Add baking soda to the washer’s drum.

– Select a hot water cycle and run the machine.

– The baking soda will help remove any residual smells.

5. Dried P-trap

If your washing machine is located in an area where there is not a lot of ventilation, the P-trap can become dried out. This will cause the rotten egg smell to come back. The solution is to pour a cup of water down the drain to re-wet the P-trap.

If your washing machine is connected to a septic tank,

Another possible cause of a smelly washing machine is a connection to a septic tank. If your washing machine drains into a septic tank, there could be something wrong with the tank that is causing the bad smell. Have your septic tank checked to see if it needs to be cleaned or repaired.

6. Use a bleach additive

If you have determined that your washing machine is not leaking and is not connected to a septic tank, you can try using a chlorine bleach additive to help get rid of the bad smell. Add a cup of bleach to your next load of laundry and see if that helps freshen up your washing machine.

7. Use vinegar and water to clean the washing machine

If your washing machine smells like rotten eggs, it might be because of bacteria build-up. You can clean the washing machine using vinegar and water.

Pour one cup of white vinegar into the washer’s detergent dispenser and run a hot cycle without any clothes in the machine.

The vapors from the vinegar will help to kill the bacteria and remove the smell. After the cycle is finished, run another hot cycle with a cup of baking soda in the machine to help neutralize any remaining odors.

If you have tried all of these solutions and your washing machine still smells like rotten eggs, then there might be something wrong with the machine itself. In this case, it is best to call a technician to inspect the washer and find the source of the problem.

How to prevent your washing machine from smelling like rotten eggs in the future

If your washing machine smells like rotten eggs, it is likely due to a build-up of hydrogen sulfide gas. This gas is produced when water and certain detergents mix together, and it can cause your machine to smell unpleasant. There are several things you can do to prevent your washing machine from smelling like rotten eggs in the future.

First, make sure you are using the correct type of detergent for your machine. Heavily scented detergents can produce more hydrogen sulfide gas, so try to use a mild detergent instead. Also, be sure to rinse your clothes thoroughly before putting them in the washer. If there is any soap residue left on your clothes, it will mix with the water and create more hydrogen sulfide gas.

Finally, try to avoid washing large loads of laundry. A small load of laundry will produce less gas than a large one, so it is best to wash smaller batches whenever possible. If you follow these tips, your washing machine should not smell like rotten eggs anymore.

Take preventative measures

Once you have cleaned your washing machine, you can take preventative measures to stop the problem from happening again. First, make sure that you regularly clean out your machine. built-up dirt and grime can cause your washing machine to smell bad.

Second, leave the door open after you use it. This will allow air to circulate and prevent mold and mildew from growing inside. Finally, use a washing machine cleaner once a month to keep your machine clean and smelling fresh.

If you follow these tips, you should be able to keep your washing machine smelling fresh and clean. However, if you find that the problem persists, you may need to call a professional. A plumber or appliance repair person will be able to diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs.

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Conclusion

If your washing machine smells like rotten eggs, it’s most likely due to a buildup of sulfur in the water. This can be caused by using hard water, not cleaning the machine regularly, or using too much detergent. To fix the problem, you’ll need to clean your washing machine and use a water softener. If you have hard water, you may also need to install a whole-house filter. With these simple solutions, you can get rid of that rotten egg smell for good! Thanks for reading.

Do you have any other tips for getting rid of a washing machine smell? Share them in the comments below!