Thereโs nothing quite like the smell of fresh laundryโuntil your washing machine starts smelling like rotten eggs. If youโve ever lifted the lid or opened the door of your washing machine only to be hit with a foul odor, youโre not alone.
This unpleasant smell is usually caused by bacteria, mold, or a buildup of grime inside the machine, and it can make your clean clothes smell anything but fresh.
The good news? Itโs entirely fixable!
So if youโre wondering how to remove rotten egg smell from washing machine, youโve come to the right place. Keep going to know more!
Why Does My Washing Machine Smell Like Rotten Eggs?
The rotten egg smell in your washing machine is typically caused by bacteria or mold growing inside the drum, hose, or gasket. These microorganisms thrive in dark, damp environments, especially when detergent residue, dirt, or lint builds up in the machine over time.
If not cleaned regularly, this buildup can lead to an unpleasant sulfur-like smell, which is similar to rotten eggs. Standing water, trapped lint, and residue from fabric softeners or laundry detergents can all contribute to the problem, making it important to clean your washing machine thoroughly.
Essential Elements to Remove Rotten Egg Smell from Washing Machine
To remove the rotten egg smell from your washing machine, clean the drum and gasket with vinegar and baking soda, run a hot water cycle with bleach, and maintain regular cleaning routines to prevent future odors. Proper maintenance and ventilation will keep your washing machine fresh and odor-free.
If your washing machine is giving off a foul odor, follow these steps to eliminate the smell and restore freshness to your laundry routine.
Related Post: How to Prevent and Remove Washing Machine Mold?
Method 1: Run a Hot Water Cycle with Vinegar
Vinegar is a natural deodorizer and disinfectant, making it a great solution for eliminating odors in your washing machine. It helps break down detergent residue, bacteria, and mildew that might be causing the rotten egg smell.
- Set your washing machine to the hottest water setting: Make sure the water temperature is set to hot, as high temperatures help kill bacteria and mold more effectively.
- Add two cups of white vinegar: Pour two cups of white vinegar directly into the drum of your washing machine. You can also add it to the detergent dispenser if you prefer.
- Run a full cycle: Let the washing machine run a full cycle without any clothes. The vinegar will circulate through the drum, hoses, and other parts of the machine, helping to clean and deodorize everything.
Running a hot water cycle with vinegar is an easy and effective way to begin tackling the rotten egg smell in your washing machine.
Method 2: Use Baking Soda to Neutralize Odors
After running a cycle with vinegar, using baking soda is the next step in neutralizing any remaining odors. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that helps remove stubborn smells and leaves the washing machine smelling fresh.
- Add half a cup of baking soda to the drum: Sprinkle half a cup of baking soda directly into the drum. Baking soda works to absorb any remaining odors and clean the inside of the machine.
- Run another hot water cycle: Run the washing machine on a short hot water cycle again. This will allow the baking soda to dissolve and spread through the drum, breaking down any lingering buildup that could be causing the smell.
- Wipe down the drum after the cycle: Once the cycle is complete, use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the inside of the drum. This removes any leftover residue or moisture that could contribute to future smells.
Baking soda is a great follow-up to vinegar and works effectively to neutralize foul odors in washing machines.
Method 3: Clean the Rubber Gasket and Detergent Dispenser
One of the main areas where bacteria and mold like to hide is the rubber gasket (for front-loading machines) and the detergent dispenser. These areas can trap moisture, soap residue, and lint, creating a breeding ground for mold.
- Check the gasket for buildup: Open the door of your washing machine and inspect the rubber gasket. Look for signs of mold, lint, or detergent buildup. Gently pull back the folds of the gasket to check for hidden debris.
- Clean the gasket with vinegar: Dip a cloth in white vinegar and thoroughly wipe down the gasket. For tougher spots, use an old toothbrush dipped in vinegar to scrub away mold or mildew.
- Remove and clean the detergent dispenser: Take out the detergent drawer or dispenser and soak it in a mixture of warm water and vinegar. Scrub it with a toothbrush to remove any buildup, then rinse it with water before putting it back in place.
Cleaning the gasket and detergent dispenser regularly will help prevent musty smells and keep your washing machine running smoothly.
Method 4: Run a Hot Water Cycle with Bleach
If the vinegar and baking soda cycles donโt fully eliminate the smell, running a cycle with bleach is a more powerful option. Bleach is a strong disinfectant that kills bacteria and mold, eliminating the source of the rotten egg smell.
- Add one cup of bleach to the drum: Pour one cup of bleach directly into the drum of your washing machine. Do not mix bleach with vinegar, as this can create harmful fumes.
- Run the hottest and longest cycle: Set your washing machine to the hottest and longest cycle available. This allows the bleach to circulate through the drum and hoses, killing any remaining bacteria or mold.
- Wipe down after the cycle: After the cycle is complete, use a clean cloth to wipe down the inside of the drum and any accessible parts of the machine.
Using bleach is a powerful way to disinfect your washing machine, but be sure to ventilate the area well and avoid mixing it with other cleaning agents.
Related Post: Identify the Difference Between Outdoor Bleach and Regular Bleach
Method 5: Keep Your Washing Machine Dry and Ventilated
Once youโve cleaned and deodorized your washing machine, maintaining proper ventilation and dryness is key to preventing the smell from returning.
- Leave the door open after each use: Leaving the door open allows air to circulate and helps the inside of the machine dry out completely. This prevents moisture buildup, which can lead to mold growth and unpleasant odors.
- Wipe down the drum and gasket after each use: After using your washing machine, wipe down the drum, rubber gasket, and any visible surfaces with a dry cloth. This helps remove any leftover moisture and keeps the machine clean.
- Use a dehumidifier if needed: If your laundry room is particularly humid, consider using a dehumidifier to reduce moisture levels in the air. This will help keep your washing machine dry and odor-free.
Maintaining ventilation and dryness is crucial for keeping your washing machine fresh and preventing the musty smell from coming back.
Method 6: Prevent Future Smells with Regular Maintenance
To keep your washing machine smelling fresh, itโs important to maintain a regular cleaning routine.
- Clean the washing machine monthly: Run a cleaning cycle with vinegar or baking soda once a month to remove any buildup and prevent odors.
- Avoid using too much detergent: Excess detergent can leave residue in the drum and hoses, leading to a buildup of grime and bacteria. Use the recommended amount of detergent for each load.
- Use high-efficiency (HE) detergent: For HE washing machines, make sure to use HE detergent, as regular detergent can cause excess suds and residue that may lead to odors.
- Clean the detergent dispenser regularly: Check and clean the detergent dispenser frequently to prevent buildup and mold growth.
By following these maintenance tips, you can keep your washing machine in top condition and free from foul odors.
End Note
A washing machine that smells like rotten eggs can make laundry day a nightmare, but itโs a problem you can solve with the right cleaning methods.
By using natural deodorizers like vinegar and baking soda, deep-cleaning with bleach, and maintaining regular ventilation and drying practices, you can eliminate the musty smell and restore freshness to your washing machine.
Regular maintenance and simple habits like wiping down the drum and leaving the door open will ensure your machine stays clean and odor-free. With these steps, youโll be able to enjoy fresh, clean laundry again without worrying about unpleasant odors coming from your washing machine!