You’re not alone if you’ve ever noticed a strange sewer smell coming from your laundry room. I have compiled a comprehensive guide to help you diagnose and fix the issue so that you can enjoy a fresh-smelling laundry room again.
Why Does My Laundry Smell Like Sewage?
There are several potential causes for laundry to smell like sewage. Take a look and find out what is causing your smell.
- Clogged or backed-up drain
The washing machine drain might be clogged or backed up. It can cause the water to sit in the drain and start to smell like sewage.
- Septic tank issues
If you have a septic tank, it may be full or need maintenance. This can cause sewage smells to permeate throughout the whole home.
- Mold or mildew
You need to maintain the washing machine and ventilate it properly ventilated, or it can develop mold or mildew, which can cause a sewage-like smell in your laundry.
- Dirty laundry
Leaving your clothes in the washing machine for too long before washing them can lead to a musty, sewage-like smell.
- Water quality
If your water has a high sulfur content, it can create a smell similar to sewage.
- Sewer gas leak
A sewer gas leak in your home can cause a strong sewage smell throughout your house, including in your laundry room.
- Bacteria or other contaminants
When you don’t clean your washing machine regularly or wash heavily soiled or contaminated items, it can result in an unpleasant sewage-like odor coming from the washing machine.
The washing Machine Drain Smells Like Sewage
If your washing machine drain smells like sewage, here are some steps you can take to fix the problem
- Check for clogs
First, you should check for any clogs in the drain. Remove any visible debris, hair, or lint blocking the drain. You may also want to use a drain snake or plunger to dislodge stubborn clogs.
After clearing any clogs, run hot water down the drain for several minutes. This can help break up any remaining debris and flush it out of the drain.
- Use baking soda and vinegar
Mix a cup of baking soda with a cup of vinegar and pour it down the drain. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before running hot water down the drain to flush it out. This can help eliminate any remaining odors and clean the drain.
- Clean the washing machine
It’s also essential to clean the washing machine itself to prevent any future odor issues. Run an empty cycle with hot water and a cup of white vinegar, or use a washing machine cleaner designed to eliminate odors and residue.
- Call a Professional
If you’ve tried these steps and the smell persists, your plumbing or septic system may have a more serious issue. In that case, it’s best to call a professional plumber to diagnose and fix the problem.
By following these steps, you should be able to eliminate any sewage-like odors coming from your washing machine drain and keep your laundry smelling fresh.
What is that Sewer Smell coming from my Washing Machine?
The sewer smell coming from your washing machine might be caused by a buildup of bacteria, mold, or mildew inside the machine or its parts. Here are some steps you can take to clean your washing machine and get rid of the smell.
- Clean the detergent dispense
Remove the washing detergent dispenser from the washing machine and soak it in hot, soapy water. Scrub it with a brush to remove any built-up soap scum or residue, then rinse it thoroughly and replace it in the washing machine. Also, remember to clean inside the machine where the dispenser slides into. I have had mold in there before that I cleaned with a toothbrush.
- Run a hot water cycle
Run an empty cycle with hot water and no detergent to help break down any built-up residue or bacteria in the machine. If your machine has a cleaning cycle, use it to ensure the water is hot enough to kill bacteria.
- Use vinegar
Add two cups of white vinegar to the machine and run another hot water cycle. This will help break down any remaining residue and eliminate any odors. If you have a front-loading washing machine, you can wipe down the rubber gasket with vinegar to remove mold or mildew.
- Use baking soda
If the smell persists, add a cup of baking soda to the washing machine and run another hot water cycle. This can help neutralize any remaining odors and break down any remaining residue.
- Clean the filter
Check and clean your washing machine’s filter if necessary. A clogged filter can lead to foul odors and other issues with your machine.
- Leave the door open
After using your washing machine, leave the door open for a few hours to allow it to air out and prevent moisture buildup.
These steps should help you eliminate any sewer smells coming from your washing machine and maintain a clean and pleasant-smelling machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my laundry smell like poop?
The laundry smells like poop because of the washing machine drain. Mix a cup of baking soda with a cup of vinegar and pour it down the drain to eliminate the smell.
What is that smell coming from my washing machine drain?
The smell coming from your washing machine drain is from a buildup of organic matter, such as hair, and soap scum, that has become trapped in the drain. This can cause bacteria to grow, leading to a foul odor. Cleaning the drain can help eliminate the smell.
Why does the house smell like sewer when doing laundry?
The house smells like sewer when doing laundry is due to a buildup of organic matter, like soap and lint, in the washing machine and/or drain. This buildup can cause bacteria to grow and emit a foul odor, spreading throughout the house via the laundry exhaust.
Why does my washing machine smell?
The smell in the washing machine is due to a buildup of bacteria, mold, or mildew inside the machine or its parts. This buildup can occur due to several factors, such as using too much detergent, washing clothes in cold water, or leaving the machine closed when not in use, creating a damp environment.
Why does my washing machine smell like eggs?
The washing machine smells like eggs when there is a buildup of hydrogen sulfide gas in the water supply. This gas can be produced by sulfur bacteria that grow in water with low oxygen levels or high sulfur content. The gas can create a distinct “rotten egg” smell.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, a sewer smell in your laundry room can be a frustrating problem, but it’s one that can be fixed with the correct information and tools. By following the steps outlined in our guide, you can identify the root cause of the issue and take the steps needed to eliminate the odor for good. Remember, a properly functioning plumbing system is crucial to maintaining a healthy and comfortable home environment. So don’t hesitate to take action if you’re experiencing a sewer smell in your laundry room. With the help of Fully Home, you can solve the problem and get back to enjoying a nice smelling home.
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