If your dishwasher smells like eggs, it could be a sign of a problem with the appliance. A strong, rotten egg smell could indicate the presence of sewage or other contaminants in the dishwasher, which can be harmful to your health and unpleasant to deal with.
It is important to identify and address the cause of the issue as soon as possible to prevent further problems and restore the dishwasher to proper functioning. There are a few possible causes of your kitchen & dishwasher smelling like eggs, which we will explore in more detail below.
Why dishwasher smells like rotten eggs when started?
If your dishwasher smells like rotten eggs when it is started, it could be due to a few different factors. Here are a few possible causes:
1. Sewage
If your dishwasher is giving off this smell, it may be caused by a sewage issue. Sewage isn’t something most people want to think about, but unfortunately, it could be the source of the unpleasant odor coming from your dishwasher.
If the dishwasher is connected to a sewage line, it is possible that sewage or other contaminants could be entering the dishwasher through the drain. This can cause a strong, rotten egg smell form your dishwasher air gap alternatives.
If there is an obstruction preventing water from flowing freely through the pipes, it could create pressure which would then cause a backup of sewage. This can result in foul odors emanating from the dishwasher and surrounding area.
2. Bacteria
The bacteria that is causing this smell often thrives on food particles that have been left behind in the dishwasher after washing dishes, as well as the grease and grime that accumulates in the machine over time.
The dishwasher’s drain and internal components can harbor bacteria and other microorganisms, which can produce a rotten egg smell. When your dishwasher produces an unpleasant smell of rotten eggs when started, it is likely caused by hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S).
This gas is created when high levels of sulfur-reducing bacteria, such as Feacalis, Clostridium, or Peptostreptococcus species, are present in your dishwasher water.
The presence of these bacteria can indicate a malfunction in the plumbing system connected to the dishwasher or acidic water supply.
3. Chemical reaction
If you’ve noticed a foul odor coming from your kitchen appliance, it could be the result of a chemical reaction. Several common household items have the potential to interact with one another during the hot water cycle within your dishwasher and create a sulfur-smelling gas.
Dishwashing detergents that contain bleach or chlorine are often at fault for this smelly situation. When these chemicals mix with other substances like food particles, grease, or hard water deposits, they can cause hydrogen sulfide gas to form and emit a strong egg-like odor. This is especially likely if there is an overabundance of detergent used in each wash cycle and not enough hot water present to properly break down the mixture.
Additionally, buildup of food material or dishwasher pod not dissolving on the filter and components of the dishwater may also provide an environment that allows bacterial growth to occur.
Can smelly dishwasher make you sick?
The short answer is yes. A smelly dishwasher can release unpleasant odors that may contain bacteria that can make you sick. Many times dishwashers can become a breeding ground for bacteria such as Salmonella or E. coli if not cleaned regularly or if food scraps are allowed to sit in the bottom of the appliance for an extended period of time.
When this happens, these bacteria can be released into the air and breathed in – posing a health risk to those living in your home.
If you are concerned that the smell from your dishwasher is making you sick, you may want to consult a medical professional. It is also a good idea to clean and maintain your dishwasher regularly to prevent the buildup of bacteria and other contaminants that can cause odors.
How to get rid dishwasher smells like eggs
If your dishwasher has a strong smell of eggs, it is likely caused by bacteria or food particles that have become trapped in the filter and/or drain. To get rid of the egg smell, there are several steps you can take.
Total Time: 1 day
Step1 : Clean the dishwasher
Empty the dishwasher and clean the interior with a mixture of water and vinegar. You can also use a dishwasher cleaner specifically designed to remove odors.
First, clean out the filter by running it under hot water and scrubbing with a soft bristled brush. This will remove any debris that may be blocking air flow and causing odor.
Then use a damp cloth and some degreasing cleaning product to wipe down the interior of your dishwasher, paying close attention to the seal around the door and any food particles left behind on the racks or walls of your machine. Make sure you also check around filters, gaskets, knobs and buttons for odors.
Step 2: Check the drain
Inspect the dishwasher’s drain and make sure it is clear of any debris or blockages that could be causing the smell.
Step 3: Check for sewage
If the dishwasher is connected to a sewage line, it is possible that sewage or other contaminants could be entering the dishwasher through the drain. In this case, you may need to call a professional to diagnose and fix the issue.
Step 4: Run cleaning cycle
Once you’ve cleaned out your dishwasher, run a cycle with white vinegar or baking soda mixed in with hot water. The acidic nature of these ingredients helps break down food particles and neutralize odors. Afterward, leave the door open for at least 15 minutes to help remove any lingering smells.
Step 5: Maintain the Cleanliness
To prevent odors from forming in future cycles, clean out food traps after each wash cycle and keep dishes dry before loading them into your machine so that food particles don’t get stuck in hidden places like filters or drains where it can start to rot or produce unpleasant smells.
Additionally, make sure to check for cracks or loose parts in your machine as these can allow moisture buildup which could lead to unwanted scents over time if not corrected promptly
Estimated Cost: 100 USD
Supply:
- vinegar
- Detergent
Tools:
- Sponge
- Screwdriver
- Soft bristled brush.
- damp cloth
Materials: vinegar or baking soda mixed in with hot water
How do you deep clean a dishwasher?
On occasion, a dishwasher can become musty or have an off-putting odor, such as that of boiled eggs. To prevent this smell from recurring, it’s important to deep clean your dishwasher regularly. Here are some steps you can take to accomplish this:
1. Cleaning Cycle
Run a cycle on the hottest setting with two cups of white vinegar in place of detergent. The high temperature and acidity of the vinegar will help remove food particles and residue stuck on the dishwasher surfaces including inside gaskets and seals. If you don’t have white vinegar, you can also use distilled white wine or 2 tablespoons of citric acid instead.
2. Clean the Filter Screen
Clean the filter screens to remove any residue that may have been lodged into it or accumulated around its perimeter by unscrewing the lower access panel if your dishwasher is so equipped. Rinse them in warm, soapy water to make sure all dirt is gone and replace them once finished cleaning.
It’s important to do this as clogged filters negatively impact wash performance by reducing water flow through openings in filter screens which could cause dishes not to get cleaned properly leading back to bad odors over time due to food residue remaining intact inside the machine’s tub-like cavity housing walls (if not cleaned out with every cycle).
3. Wash The Interior
Wash off the interior surfaces with a solution made from one teaspoon of liquid bleach for each quart (4 cups) of hot water used for your cleaning solution (not recommended for stainless steel interior plates on newer model machines). As well add two drops of liquid dishwashing detergent if desired although it is not necessary given that the surfaces are being manually scrubbed only lightly by a damp cloth/sponge using just plain water either way.
Just make sure no excess liquid remains behind afterward as increased amounts may accumulate over time within crevices leading back into deeper crevicess where bacteria can cause serious issues long term otherwise left unchecked (best done right after running an entire cycle briefly afterwards).
4. Scrubbing
For better results and more thorough cleaning, use a damp cloth dipped in baking soda solution added before hand onto it beforehand for more effective scrubbing action whilst avoiding scratches upon contact! This will help release caked-on scent particles and food within its surface environs quickly providing satisfaction guaranteed growth rather than lack thereof immediately visible when wiped clean afterwards showing off exfoliated smoothness that is sure to impress!
Tips to Keep Your Dishwasher Clean by Professionals
Keeping your dishwasher clean and odor-free requires regular maintenance and prevention of buildup. Suitable cleaning agents, such as vinegar, baking soda, and warm water solution can help to eliminate odors or bacteria that may be present in the dishwasher.
Here are a few tips to keep your dishwasher clean:
- Wipe down the interior of the appliance with a damp cloth once per week
- Run an empty cycle with a suitable cleaner or with white vinegar on a monthly basis
- If you notice any strange smells after running a cycle, use an appliance freshener that is designed specifically for dishwashers
- Properly load dishes to prevent food particles and grease from getting trapped in hard-to-reach areas of the appliance
- Clean out filter screens at least every couple of months or if food buildup is present
- If you experience unpleasant odors for extended periods of time such as rotten eggs or ammonia smells it may be time to call an authorized technician for assistance.
ARE FOOD PARTICLES TRAPPED IN SOAP SCUM OR OTHER BUILDUP?
Food particles can become trapped in soap scum or other buildup in the dishwasher, which can contribute to unpleasant odors and reduced cleaning performance. To help prevent this from happening, it is important to regularly clean and maintain your dishwasher. Here are a few steps you can take to help prevent food particles from becoming trapped in soap scum or other buildup:
- Rinse dishes before loading them in the dishwasher: Removing any large food particles or debris from the dishes before loading them in the dishwasher can help prevent them from getting trapped in soap scum or other buildup.
- Use a dishwasher detergent that helps prevent soap scum: Some dishwasher detergents contain ingredients that can help prevent soap scum and other buildup from forming in the dishwasher.
- Regularly clean and maintain the dishwasher: Run the dishwasher on an empty cycle using a dishwasher cleaner or a mixture of water and vinegar every month or so to help remove soap scum and other buildup.
How often should you clean your dishwasher?
It is generally recommended to clean your dishwasher every month or so to keep it in good working order and prevent the buildup of bacteria and other contaminants. This will help ensure that your dishwasher is able to effectively clean your dishes and maintain a pleasant smell.
Can I put vinegar in my dishwasher cycle?
Vinegar can be used as a dishwasher cycle additive to help prevent and remove unpleasant odors in the dishwasher. Use one cup of white vinegar during the pre-wash cycle, either by pouring it directly into the bottom of the device or into the detergent compartment.
White vinegar is a natural cleaning agent that works to eliminate bacteria, dirt, grease and other deposits which cause odors. For more severe smells, add a half-cup of baking soda along with the vinegar; this will also help to deodorize your dishwasher.
Why does my dishwasher smell like sewer when I run it?
The most common cause of a dishwasher smelling like sewers is blocked or frozen drain lines. This happens if food particles get caught in the drain or clog the filter, preventing water from draining out properly. If your dishwasher is not draining properly, it will start to smell like sewage and leave you with a nasty odor in your kitchen.
To avoid this, make sure you wipe down the tub of your dishwasher between uses and keep an eye out for any blockages in the filter system.
