Hydrogen sulfide is the gas that causes what most people call rotten eggs. This gas is found in sewers and is produced by bacteria metabolism.
If you smell hydrogen sulfide from your washing machines, this is likely due to a buildup in the engine or one of its components, such as the door gasket, of old soap, mold, dirt, mildew, or grime.
Most of the time, you only need to clean your washing machine.
This article will explain the reasons you may smell rotten eggs and how to get rid of them. The first two reasons are for front-loading washing machines. If you have a top-loading washing machine, please skip to number three.
There is something stuck in the seal of the door
A front-loading washing machine will have a large rubber seal around the door (sometimes called a gasket or bellow). The door seal’s purpose is to prevent water from escaping the washing machine while it is in a cycle.
A small piece of clothing, like a sock, can sometimes get caught inside the gasket, and mildew will cover it over time. This can begin to smell like a rotten egg if left unattended for a while.
You can easily check the seal by:
Look inside the door seal for loose clothing.
Remove them if you find any.
Clean the door gasket with hot, soapy water.
After cleaning the door, open it to allow air and moisture to circulate.
Cleaning tip: After each cycle, it is recommended to leave the door of your front-loading washing machine open to let it dry. It also prevents mildew or mold from developing.
Clogged drain plug
A clogged drain in your front-loader washing machine is another possible cause. Most washing machines have a drain plug on the bottom, either at the front, the sides, or the back.
Find the drain plug.
Remove the cover plate if it is present.
Turn the cap off once you’ve accessed the drain plug. You may need an old towel to absorb any water that leaks from the drain plug.
After removing the plug, remove the drain filter by reaching into the hole.
In the sink, use hot, soapy water to clean the drain plug and filter.
Use hot, soapy wash water to clean the area around the drain plugs and filters.
Pour a glass full of hot water and a few drops of vinegar into the drum of the washing machine. The water will drain through the hose, removing any dirt that may be stuck inside.
After cleaning all the parts, please place them in your washing machine. If the smell of rotten eggs persists, run your washer on a cleaning cycle. Also, check the sewer.
Your washing machine is dirty
Give your top-loading washer a thorough clean to get rid of the rotten egg odor. Mold, mildew, and grime can build up inside your washing machine without regular cleaning.
Open the door of your washing machine.
Set your washer at the highest temperature and with the most load capacity.
Add one quart (about four cups) of bleach to the water in the washer once it starts to fill.
Close the lid once the washer has been filled with water and start the long spin cycle. After the wash cycle is complete, please turn off the machine and leave it for an hour. Then turn it back on.
Add 3 cups of vinegar and 1/2 cup baking soda to the washer when the cycle is finished.
Close the lid when the washer is filled, and then turn on the long spin cycle. After the spin cycle is complete, remove the top of the washer and clean it with a soft cloth.
Let the lid of your washing machine open for two hours, and then use it again. Check the sewer to see if your washing machine smells like rotten eggs.
The sewer system is clogged
The final reason why you may smell rotten egg odors from your washing machines is that the drain or sewer is clogged. The smell will travel through the drain hose to your washing machine.
Find the standpipe to which your drain hose is attached.
Remove the hose and check for a rotten egg smell.
Start by cleaning the area around the standpipe with hot, soapy water.
It could be that the p trap is faulty, allowing sewer gases to enter the washing machine through the drain hose. Pour a bucket full of hot, soapy water into the standpipe to solve this problem. The p-trap is likely to be the cause of the smell if it disappears. The p-trap may start working again after pouring hot tap water down the drain. Other times, it may need to be changed. You will need to call a plumber if the smell returns.
