My Washing Machine Smells Like Rotten Eggs - Causes and Cures

It's a scenario no homeowner wants to encounter - you eagerly load up the washing machine, ready to get your laundry clean, only to be hit with an overpowering stench when you open it back up. The distinct rotten egg odor signaling that something is amiss with your washer. If your clothes and linens are coming out of the wash smelling like sulfur and sewage, rest assured you're not alone. This offensive odor is surprisingly common, stemming from a variety of causes. Read on to get to the bottom of what's causing your washing machine to smell like rotten eggs, and find out ways to banish the stench for good.

A rotten egg smell, caused by hydrogen sulfide gas, is the hallmark of a sewer gas problem. But several other issues can also fill your washer with unpleasant odors that smell unmistakably eggy and sulfurous. By understanding the most common culprits, you can take steps to diagnose the root cause and get your washer smelling fresh again.

What Causes a Rotten Egg Smell in the Washer?

When opening your washing machine to discover clothes that smell like a rotten egg exploded inside, you know you have a situation that needs remedying. But to determine the best way to eliminate the odor, it helps to know exactly what's causing that eye-watering rotten egg stench in the first place.

Mold and Mildew Growth

The damp, humid environment inside a washer can become a breeding ground for mold and mildew growth. These fungi thrive in moist conditions, especially in dark corners and crevices. As mold and mildew accumulate, they release musty, unpleasant odors that can smell like sulfurous rotten eggs.

Check around the rubber door gasket, detergent dispenser and inside the washing machine drum for signs of black or greenish mold growth. A bleach-based cleaner can help scrub away stubborn buildup.

Backed Up Drain or Sewer Gas

One common source of a sewer gas smell is a drain line that's become clogged with lint, grease and soap scum. This traps foul gases like hydrogen sulfide, allowing them to waft up through the pipes. Instead of venting out through the roof line, those stinky gases end up swirling around inside your washer.

You may need to manually remove debris from your drain line with an auger or drain snake. Using enzymatic drain cleaners can also help break down gunk and clear the path for proper venting.

Foreign Object Lodged in Door Seal

On front-loading machines, odor issues tend to occur when moisture, dirt and residue get trapped in the rubber door gasket. This sealed environment becomes a breeding ground for mold, mildew and bacteria.

Make sure to fully dry the washer door seal after each use. Check for any foreign items stuck in the gasket and scrub the seals with bleach or an all-purpose washing machine cleaner.

High Humidity Levels

Laundry rooms tend to be damp places, especially if they lack proper ventilation. Excess moisture in the air can accelerate the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria. And as those organisms multiply, they give off a stronger rotten smell.

Try running a dehumidifier in the laundry room when washing clothes. Make sure the space has a vent or window that allows fresh air flow.

Overloading the Washer

Cramming too many clothes or bulky items into the washing machine drum can throw off the balance. This prevents the unit from spinning properly and draining completely. Leftover water becomes stagnant, allowing mold and bacteria to grow.

Only wash full loads and use the correct settings. Keep the drum empty between cycles to let air circulate and dry it out.

Using Too Much Detergent

It may seem counterintuitive, but using excessive detergent can make your washer reek. Most people use too much soap, which leaves a gummy, dirt-attracting residue behind in the machine.

Follow the detergent label's recommended amount based on your load size. And occasionally run the washer empty on a hot rinse cycle to clean the interior.

Infrequent Cleaning

Simply using your washing machine as usual can allow dirt, grime, mildew and bacteria to accumulate. Not cleaning on a regular basis gives those smelly organisms time to multiply.

Get on a monthly schedule of running an empty wash cycle with hot water and either bleach or vinegar to sanitize the interior. Scrub visible buildup with a soft brush.

Using Hot Water

It's logical to think hot water equals better cleaning. But the added heat actually creates the perfect conditions for mold and bacteria to thrive. Switch your washer over to cold or warm water settings instead.

How to Eliminate Rotten Egg Odors from Washer

Now that you know what causes the stench, you're ready to tackle treating that rotten egg smell coming from your washing machine. With some diligent cleaning regimens and machine maintenance, you can get your washer smelling fresh in no time.

Do a Hot Wash with Bleach or Vinegar

Run an empty hot water cycle and add either bleach or vinegar to the wash water. The heat helps activate these products to kill bacteria and break up solidified gunk. Rinse with an extra wash to eliminate any lingering bleach or vinegar smell.

Scrub Interior with Baking Soda or Cleaner

Use a soft brush or toothbrush dipped in a water and baking soda paste to manually scrub the inside of your washer. Focus on the rubber gasket, detergent dispenser and hidden crevices where grime hides. For tougher jobs, use an all-purpose washer cleaning spray.

Leave Door Open When Not in Use

Cracking the washer door open after each load allows air flow inside the drum and door seal. This prevents moisture from getting trapped and allows any musty smells to dissipate.

Monthly Maintenance Wash

You should be cleaning your washing machine monthly to control odors. Run an empty wash cycle on the hottest setting with either a commercial washer cleaner tablet or 10 cups of white vinegar to deep clean.

Check/Clean Plumbing Components

Inspect your drain line and vent pipe to ensure they aren't clogged with lint and debris. Use a drain snake to manually remove built-up gunk. Also check that the p-trap holds water to prevent sewer gas backflow.

For front loaders, examine the intake hoses as well. Clean out any accumulated film and grime using hot water, vinegar and a bottle brush.

Replace Door Seals if Needed

If smells persist after cleaning, the source may be a moldy door seal. Replace any cracked, warped or mildewy gaskets to prevent new odors. Take this opportunity to scrub the door as well.

For straightforward washing machine odors, some diligent DIY cleaning should knock out the smell. But if you've tried all the usual remedies with no luck eliminating that rotten egg stench, it's time to call in reinforcements.

A technician can use diagnostic tools and testing equipment to pinpoint the issue. They have the expertise to tackle extensive mold growth, replace damaged components, and address complicated venting and drainage problems.

Don't let a stinky washer get you down. With persistence and the right cleaning techniques, you can soon have fresh-smelling laundry loads spinning again.