• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

House Kitchenware and Home Kitchenware Reviews

Superior quality kitchenware reviews and advice

  • Knives
  • Dishwasher
  • How-To
  • Eco Friendly
  • Green Kitchenware
  • Japanese Kitchenware
  • Kitchen Faucets
  • About me

Why Does My Dishwasher Smell Like Rotten Eggs?

Last Updated June 23, 2022

Have you ever gone to open your dishwasher after a cycle only to be met with a smell so foul it makes your nose hairs curl? If so, you’re not alone complaining ‘Why does my dishwasher smell like rotten eggs?’. But why does this happen, and what can be done about it? Read out the article to get the answers.

Why Does My Dishwasher Smell Like Rotten Eggs

Image by Rudolf Langer from Pixabay

The reason your dishwasher might smell like rotten eggs is because of the bacteria that grow inside the machine during the rinse cycle.

When cold water mixes with hot water to create the temperature needed for cleaning dishes. Sometimes this mixture gets too hot, it can cause bacteria to grow and release hydrogen sulfide gas.

so, have you ever had a dishwasher that smelled bad? Like, so bad you couldn’t even use it? The smell was so strong and terrible that you thought maybe the house had burst into flames or there was a gas leak somewhere nearby? Well luckily for you, this article is here to help.

Why does my dishwasher smell like rotten eggs?

If your dishwasher smells like rotten eggs, it could be due to a few different things. First, check if there is food build-up on the dishwasher walls or the dish rack.

Eggs in a crate

Photo by Jakub Kapusnak on Unsplash

If there is, clean it off with a vinegar and water solution. You may also want to run the dishwasher empty with a cup of vinegar in the bottom to help remove any lingering smells.

Another possible cause of a dishwasher smelling like rotten eggs is a problem with the drain. If there is food or grease build-up in the drain, it can start to smell bad.

You might also like: How to Install an Air Gap for Dishwasher?

To clean the drain, pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down it and let it sit for an hour before running hot water down the drain.

If you have checked both of these things and your dishwasher still smells like rotten eggs, there could be a problem with the water supply. There could be bacteria growing in the water supply line or in the dishwasher itself.

To clean bacteria out of the dishwasher, run it empty with a cup of bleach in the bottom. You may need to do this several times to get rid of all the bacteria. If you have city water, you may also need to have your water tested to make sure that it’s free of bacteria and other germs.

It’s likely because of a buildup of hydrogen sulfide gas too. This gas is produced when sulfur-containing materials like eggs decompose.

The gas can build up in your dishwasher if it isn’t properly ventilated, causing an unpleasant smell. You can clean your dishwasher to remove the hydrogen sulfide gas and the accompanying smell.

Start by cleaning the seals around the door to remove any food particles that may be trapped there. Then, clean the filters and spray the arm to remove any other buildup.

Dishwasher smells like eggs when running

If you notice that your dishwasher smells like rotten eggs when running, there are a few possible causes.

First, check to see if there is food trapped in the drain. If so, clear it out and run the dishwasher again. If the smell persists, it could be due to a build-up of grease and grime in the dishwasher itself.

Give it a good cleaning with a dishwasher cleaner or white vinegar and water. Finally, if the problem persists, it could be due to a sewer line backup. In this case, you’ll need to call a professional to have the issue resolved.

Major reasons a dishwasher smells like rotten eggs

If your dishwasher smells like rotten eggs, it’s likely due to a build-up of sulfates and other minerals in the water lines. This can happen if your water is high in sulfur or if you live in an area with hard water.

Below are the few reasons given that could be the cause of smell in your dishwasher:

1. Door Gasket

If your dishwasher smells like rotten eggs, one of the most likely causes is a door gasket issue. The door gasket is the seal around the edge of the dishwasher door that helps to keep water from leaking out.

Over time, these gaskets can deteriorate and develop cracks or holes. When this happens, water can leak out, and dirt and grime can get in.

This can cause a musty or moldy smell, which can quickly turn into a rotten egg smell if not addressed.

2. Foul smell of water

If your dishwasher smells like rotten eggs, it’s likely because there is dirty water trapped in the machine. Dishwashers typically have a self-cleaning cycle that is designed to remove dirt and debris from the machine.

However, if this cycle is not performed regularly, the dishwasher can become full of dirty water, which can cause a foul smell. If your dishwasher smells like rotten eggs, be sure to run the self-cleaning cycle to clean out the dirty water.

3. Drain Filter

If your dishwasher smells like rotten eggs, it’s likely because there is something caught in the drain filter. Over time, food particles and grease can build up in the drain filter, creating a perfect environment for bacteria to grow.

To clean the drain filter, remove it from the dishwasher and scrub it with a brush to remove any build-up. You should also clean the area around the drain where the filter attaches to the dishwasher.

4. Garbage disposal

Garbage disposals can harbor all sorts of nasty smells, and if yours isn’t properly maintained, those smells can start to seep into your dishwasher.

The best way to prevent this is to regularly clean your garbage disposal. You can do this by grinding up some ice cubes in it, which will help to remove any build-up of grime and odors.

5. Drain hose

Over time, food particles and grease can build up in the hose, creating a perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. If the hose is clogged, it can cause water to back up into the dishwasher, leading to that unpleasant smell.

To clean the drain hose, disconnect it from the dishwasher and flush it out with hot water. You may also want to use a pipe cleaner or other small brush to remove any buildup inside the hose.

Bosch dishwasher smells like rotten eggs

If you have a Bosch dishwasher, you may have noticed that it sometimes smells like rotten eggs. This is because the dishwasher uses a different type of water filtration system than other brands. This system can sometimes cause the water to smell like sulfur.

 

Why Does My Dishwasher Smell Like Rotten Eggs

Image by Natasha G from Pixabay

There are a few things you can do to get rid of the sulfur smell from your Bosch dishwasher. First, make sure that you are using the correct type of detergent.

If you are using a powder detergent, it can sometimes leave behind a sulphuric residue. Try switching to a liquid detergent or an all-in-one tablet.

Second, clean your dishwasher regularly with a vinegar solution. Just mix equal parts vinegar and water and run it through a cycle on your dishwasher. This will help to remove any build-up of sulfur in the machine.

Finally, if the smell persists, contact Bosch customer service for assistance. They may be able to help you troubleshoot the problem and find a solution that works for you.

Is the smell due to bad maintenance?

If your dishwasher smells like rotten eggs, it could be due to bad maintenance. Make sure you clean it regularly and keep the filters clear. If the problem persists, contact a professional for help.

Egg odors can be caused by a build-up of food particles, grease, or soap scum. If your dishwasher isn’t cleaned regularly, these things can start to rot and produce an unpleasant smell. Egg smells can also be caused by a sewer line backup or a leaking septic tank.

If you think the smell is coming from your dishwasher, you should clean it thoroughly and then have a plumber check your sewer line and septic tank.

Does water drip back causes a smell like rotten eggs?

If your dishwasher smells like rotten eggs, it’s likely due to a water drip back. This happens when water seeps back up through the drain and into the dishwasher.

The water mixes with food and other debris, creating a perfect environment for bacteria to grow. The bacteria produce a gas that smells like rotten eggs.

To fix this problem, you’ll need to clean out your dishwasher’s drain. First, remove any food or debris that’s blocking the drain.

Then, use a plunger or plumber’s snake to clear the drain of any clogs. Once the drain is clear, run hot water through it to flush out any remaining bacteria.

How to get rid of the smell?

If your dishwasher smells like rotten eggs, there are a few things you can do to get rid of the smell. First, check the drain for any food or grease build-up. If there is build-up, clean it out with a plunger or a plumber’s snake.

You may also need to clean the trap under the sink. Second, try running the dishwasher with vinegar or bleach. Vinegar will help to remove any lingering smells, while bleach will kill bacteria that may be causing the smell. Finally, make sure that you are using the correct detergent and that your dishwasher is properly ventilated. If you still have trouble getting rid of the smell, contact a professional for help.

Check for dead and decomposing pests

If you have recently had a rodent or other pest problem in your home, it’s possible that one of the critters died inside your dishwasher. This is especially true if you haven’t used your dishwasher in a while.

To check for this, open up your dishwasher and take a look inside. If you see any signs of decomposition, you’ll need to clean it out immediately. You may also want to call in a professional to help you get rid of the problem for good.

Does a high loop or air gap reduce the smell in the dishwasher?

If you’ve ever noticed your dishwasher smelling like rotten eggs, it’s likely due to a build-up of sulfur in the machine. Sulfur is a natural element that’s found in water, and it’s not uncommon for it to build up in dishwashers over time.

While sulfur itself isn’t harmful, the bacteria that thrive in sulphuric environments can be. These bacteria are what cause the characteristic rotten egg smell.

There are a few things you can do to reduce the sulfur build-up in your dishwasher and eliminate the unpleasant smell.

First, make sure that your dishwasher is draining properly. If water is standing in the machine after a cycle, it’s more likely that sulfur will build up. You can also try running a cup of white vinegar through an empty cycle once a month.

This will help to break down any sulfur deposits that have already formed. Finally, if your dishwasher has a high loop or air gap, this can also help to reduce the smell by allowing air to circulate better inside the machine.

Odor Neutralizer for rotten eggs smell inside a dishwasher

If your dishwasher does smell like rotten eggs, it could be due to a buildup of hydrogen sulfide gas.

This gas is produced when organic matter decomposes in an oxygen-free environment. When this gas accumulates in your dishwasher, it can cause an unpleasant smell.

There are a few things you can do to neutralize the odor:

  1. Open up the dishwasher and let it air out for a few minutes. This will help to dissipate the hydrogen sulfide gas.
  2. Mix a solution of 1 cup vinegar and 1 cup water. Run this solution through a cycle in your dishwasher. The vinegar will help to break down the organic matter that is causing the odor.
  3. Pour 1 cup of baking soda into the bottom of your dishwasher and run a cycle with hot water. Baking soda is a natural odor neutralizer and will help to absorb the hydrogen sulfide gas.

Will Cleaning the dishwasher help remove the rotten egg smell?

If your dishwasher smells like rotten eggs, it’s probably because there is a build-up of sulfur in the machine. Sulfur is a natural element that can be found in water and soil, and it’s also a by-product of decomposing organic matter.

When sulfur comes into contact with oxygen, it forms sulphuric acid, which has a strong, unpleasant smell. Over time, sulfur can build up in your dishwasher and cause the machine to smell bad.

One way to remove the sulfur build-up from your dishwasher is to clean the machine with a vinegar solution. Vinegar is a weak acid that can neutralize sulphuric acid and help remove the sulfur build-up from your dishwasher.

To clean your dishwasher with vinegar, fill the detergent dispenser with white vinegar and run the machine on a hot cycle. You can also add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to help remove any residual sulfur build-up.

If you have hard water, there may be a higher level of sulfur in your water supply. This can cause the sulfur build-up to happen more quickly. If you have hard water and your dishwasher still smells like rotten eggs, you may need to change your water filter.

How to prevent the smell from coming back

If your dishwasher has started to smell like rotten eggs, there are a few things that you can do to prevent the smell from coming back. First, make sure that you are regularly cleaning your dishwasher.

This means wiping down the interior walls and door, as well as the seals and gaskets. You should also run a cycle with just water and vinegar once a month to help remove any built-up gunk.

Keep the dishwasher ventilated by opening the door after each use and leaving it open for a few minutes to air out.

If your dishwasher smells like rotten eggs, it is likely due to a build-up of sulfur in the pipes. Sulfur is a natural element found in water and soil, and it can also be produced by certain bacteria. When sulfur comes into contact with air, it can produce a strong odor.

There are several other things you can do to prevent your dishwasher from smelling like rotten eggs:

  1. Run hot water through the dishwasher before using it. This will help to remove any sulfur that has built up in the pipes.
  2. Make sure that your dishwasher’s drainage pipe is not blocked. A blockage can cause sulfur-containing water to build up in the dishwasher.
  3. Use a dishwasher cleaner regularly. This will help to remove any sulfur that has built up on the inside of the dishwasher.

Maintenance tips

If your dishwasher does smell like rotten eggs, it could be due to a build-up of food particles and grease. Over time, these particles can rot and produce an unpleasant smell.

To prevent this from happening, it’s important to clean your dishwasher regularly. Here are some tips on how to clean your dishwasher and keep it smelling fresh:

  1. Run a cycle with hot water and vinegar: This will help to remove any build-up of food particles or grease.
  2. Clean the filters: Over time, the filters in your dishwasher can become clogged with dirt and debris. Cleaning them regularly will help to keep your dishwasher smelling fresh.
  3. Wash the gasket: The gasket is the rubber seal that runs around the edge of your dishwasher door. This can become grimy over time, so washing it with hot soapy water will help to keep your dishwasher smelling fresh.
  4. Leave the door open: After running a cycle, leave the door of your dishwasher open for a few hours to allow any moisture to evaporate. This will also help to prevent any musty smells from developing.

Safety precautions when cleaning your dishwasher

If your dishwasher smells like rotten eggs, it could be a sign that there is a gas leak. If you suspect a gas leak, immediately evacuate the area and call your gas company. Do not try to clean your dishwasher or any other appliances until the gas leak has been repaired.

If you notice a smell coming from your dishwasher but you don’t think it’s a gas leak, there are still some safety precautions you should take.

First, unplug the dishwasher from the power outlet. Then, open all the doors and windows in the room to ventilate the area. If possible, move the dishwasher out of the room so that you can work in a well-ventilated space.

Once you’ve taken these safety precautions, you can start cleaning your dishwasher. First, remove any food debris or grease from the inside of the machine.

Then, clean all of the parts with warm, soapy water. Be sure to pay special attention to the seals and gaskets, as these are often where smells originate. Finally, run a cycle with plain water to rinse away any residue.

Conclusion

The smell coming from your dishwasher is very likely to be something you cannot find a solution for, but the steps given in the article could help you a lot. As we have written these after great research and recommendations.

Your dishwasher could be experiencing several issues, including problems with the air filter, leaking pipes, and clogged drains.

A repair may be needed to make sure you’re able to use your dishwasher once again. If it has been a while since your last cleaning session, have you cleaned your dishes properly and thoroughly?

If not, you could be dealing with a build-up of food and gunk that needs to be washed away. The smell from your dishwasher could be one of the signs that your dishwasher is having an issue.

To prevent the smell from coming back, make sure to clean your dishes thoroughly and wash your dishwasher regularly.

What is your experience with cleaning your dishwasher? Would you like to share any tips? Feel free to leave a comment below.

 

Also, check out these awesome articles related to Dishwashers!

» Does a Dishwasher Need a Dedicated Circuit?

» High Loop VS Air Gap for Dishwashers

» How to Reset the Kenmore Elite Dishwasher?

» Does Dishwasher Detergent Expire?

Filed Under: Blog, Dishwasher

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Recent Entries:

  • Air Gap VS Air Break
  • How To Clean Kenmore Dishwasher?
  • The Dishwasher Smells Like Sewage
  • Why does my dishwasher smell like burning plastic?
  • Why Does My Dishwasher Smell Like Rotten Eggs?
 

HOME          Contact          Affiliate Disclosure          Terms of Service          Privacy Policy

 

badasskitchenware.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Endless.com, MYHABIT.com, SmallParts.com, or AmazonWireless.com. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.


Copyright © 2022 badasskitchenware.com, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.