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Washing Machine Rotten Egg Smell

Submitted by sharibrat on Fri, Jul. 23, 2010

I have a brand new (9 mos old) top load high efficiency washing machine. It recently began smelling like rotten eggs all the time. I tried running bleach, vinegar and Affresh through it. Interestingly, Affresh is made and marketed by Whirlpool, which is also the brand of washer it is. These attempts would improve the smell for just a couple of days and then it would return.

Since it is still under warranty, we had it serviced and the repairman said everything is working and it is draining properly. When he saw the we use 7th Generation detergent, he told us that was probably the reason. He said he has seen numerous households with the same problem who are using natural detergent. HE claimed that without the phosphates, the 'stuff' the washer leaves behind (human skin, etc) doesn't get cleaned away properly and remains and builds up and begins to stink.

WE are not sure we buy this. Anybody????

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Comments (3)

tatyanal
Thu, Aug. 23, 2012

Any other location for sulfur (rotten egg) smells?

You could have sulfur bacteria growing in your water heater and getting into the washer if you're using hot water to wash. Typically the test is to see if any other areas where hot water is used (shower, taps) has the rotten egg odor. Chlorine (i.e. bleach) is typically the recommended treatment for the water heater. There's more info on sulfur bacteria and water heaters at http://smellywater.com/. Not sure what they have on washing machines, but the people who run the site are always happy to reply to questions, plus there are forums on the site.

Shazleen
Thu, Oct. 27, 2011

Smelly washer

I have the SAME problem. I JUST spoke to a neighbor today who said she tried Affresh (as did I), which didn't do anything to improve conditions (as I noticed as well). She said she's been using and highly recommends: http://www.smellywasher.com/. I just went online and ordered a bottle; at $16.99 a bottle, not too cheap, but cheaper than buying a new washing machine!

greendiva
Sun, Nov. 14, 2010

I can't believe a technician

I can't believe a technician would blame the problem on your detergent. That's ridiculous! I have a couple of suggestions for you. Clean out your basin with a soap scum remover and then run a heavy duty cycle with hot water, 1 cup baking soda and almost a gallon of vinegar. After the cycle is complete, leave the lid open and let it dry for 24-48 hrs. It's a good idea to leave the lid open after each wash cycle. Water gets trapped in lots of areas and letting your machine's basin dry out after each cycle prevents mold/mildew and odors from building up. A rotten egg smell might indicate a higher level of sulfer in your water. Get your water tested especially if you have well water or even hard county/city water.