Why does my washing machine smell like rotten eggs?
Andrew Mclaughlin
Updated on January 19, 2026
The smell of rotten eggs coming from your front load washer is often caused by a buildup of dust, mold, mildew, or even soap itself. Whenever you put your clothes in to wash, the dirt, hairs, or lint sometimes get caught in the seal, gasket, or detergent dispenser where they sit and slowly start to grow bacteria.
How do I get the rotten egg smell out of my washing machine?
Pour a glass of hot water mixed with a couple drops of white vinegar into the washing machine drum; the water should then drain out through the hose – bringing out any grime that is in the hose.How do I get the sewer smell out of my washing machine?
Run a load of hot water through the washing machine (without clothes). Add a cup of distilled white vinegar to the load. If there is a hard water issue, repeat the process with baking soda to suspend hard water deposits.Why does it smell like rotten eggs in my laundry room?
If the rotten egg smell in your laundry room is indeed coming from mold or mildew, this is due to the fungus releasing hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S). Because H2S is an irritant to humans, it can cause mild to moderate discomfort with some side effects like sneezing, headaches, dizziness, or coughing.Why does it smell like sewer when I do laundry?
However, if you cannot locate the source of the smell, examine your washing machine — the cause of the problem might be hiding in your laundry room. The most common causes of a washing machine that smells like sewage are improperly installed P-traps, drain clogs or vent pipe clogs.How To FIX a WASHING MACHINE that smells of Mould / Rotten Eggs
Can sewer gas come up through washing machine?
Your washing machine's drain line can become clogged up over time. This can lead to smells that are very similar to sewer gas. Your drain doesn't even have to be completely clogged for these smells to become an issue. Partial clogs can smell really bad due to built-up bacteria in the drain pipe.Why does my laundry smell like fart?
If your washing machine smells of stagnant gas, it may be due to a build-up of bacteria in your washing machine. Try cleaning inside the rim with bleach, then run on the hottest wash with a cup full of bleach as described in the steps above. If this does not cure the problem, seek professional advice.How do I clean my washing machine drain line?
To clear a clog from a washing machine, try unhooking the drain pipe and pouring hot water down the drain to release the soap and scum. For stubborn clogs, push a plumbing snake down the drain. As it goes down, turn the handle clockwise anytime you feel a clog, which will grab the debris and allow you to pull it out.What causes bad smell in washing machine?
Nasty smells in your washing machine are caused by a combination of mould, mildew and bacteria. When you put clothes in your machine, body oil, dirt, hair, and scum get trapped in the gasket, seal, and detergent dispenser.Why does my LG washing machine smell like rotten eggs?
Mildew BuildupHigh efficiency washers use significantly less water, which means that there can be soap and washload residue left at the end of each cycle. Over time this residue can build up and cause odor from mildew growth.
Can you put bleach in the washing machine to clean it?
Just add half a cup of bleach to your detergent drawer and run a normal wash cycle with hot water to kill germs and eliminate smells. Run an extra rinse cycle to flush out any remaining bleach.Can you put Zoflora in washing machine?
Can you use Zoflora in your washing machine? The answer is yes. Clean your washing machine by wiping down the outside with a cloth and diluted Zoflora. Clean the inside of the machine by pouring 2 capfuls into the drum of your machine and running a hot cycle.How do you know if your washing machine drain hose is clogged?
An easy way to check that the drain hose is clear is to blow air through it. If nothing is obstructing the drain tube, the problem is most likely at the washing machine pump. If the hose is worn or badly kinked, replacing the hose may improve the ability of the machine to pump water.What is the best drain cleaner for washing machine drain?
Drano or any drain cleaner can be used to unclog your washing machine drain, but make sure you run your washer without a load of laundry before normal use.How often should you descale washing machine?
It is recommended that you descale your washing machine about three times a year, more if you live in an area of hard water. Left unattended, limescale is likely to build up and may result in parts of your washing machine, for instance, the heating element, needing to be replaced, which can be costly.How do you disinfect a washing machine?
Steps to clean your washing machine
- Select hot water. Choose the hottest water temperature available on your clothes washer. ...
- Select an “extra rinse” ...
- Add Clorox® Disinfecting Bleach. ...
- Press start. ...
- Manually select an extra rinse if necessary. ...
- Repeat steps 1–5 as necessary.