Sink Smells like Rotten Eggs When Dishwasher Runs

A foul odor of rotten eggs wafting from your sink when the dishwasher is in operation can be a perplexing and unpleasant experience. If your dishwasher smells like eggs, it’s probably because there’s too much food in it. A lot of people don’t know their dishwashers need to be cleaned regularly.

Another common issue is that wastewater isn’t draining out of the dishwasher because of something like a drain hose or an air gap. Possible reasons behind this foul smell and provide you with step-by-step solutions to eliminate it once and for all.

Why Does Your Sink Smell Like Rotten Eggs When the Dishwasher Runs?

The answer lies in a combination of factors, including accumulated food debris, a contaminated dishwasher gasket, interaction with the garbage disposal, or the presence of deteriorating food residue.

Possible Causes:

• Accumulated Food Debris: Over time, food particles can get trapped in your dishwasher’s filter, causing foul odors to emanate during operation.
• Gasket Contamination: The dishwasher’s rubber gasket can absorb odors if not cleaned regularly, leading to the unpleasant smell.
• Garbage Disposal Interaction: If your dishwasher empties into the garbage disposal, any odor from the disposal can find its way back into the sink.
• Deteriorating Food Residue: Rotting food remnants in the dishwasher or garbage disposal can release sulfurous gases, giving off the rotten egg smell.

Step-by-Step Solutions:

Check and Clean the Gasket

A clean and well-maintained gasket is crucial in preventing foul odors from seeping into your kitchen.

• • Open the dishwasher and inspect the rubber gasket for dirt and grime.
  • Use a non-harsh cleaning agent like Dawn dishwashing detergent to clean the gasket thoroughly.
  • Ensure no detergent residue remains on the gasket after cleaning.

Clean the Filter

An accumulation of food debris in the dishwasher’s filter can be a major contributor to the rotten egg smell.

• • Pull out the bottom drawer of your dishwasher to access the filter.
  • Twist and remove the filter, then clean it under a tap to remove any food debris buildup.

Tackle the Garbage Disposal

If your dishwasher empties into the garbage disposal, odors from the disposal can find their way back into the sink.

• • To neutralize odors from the garbage disposal, throw ice, lemon juice, and vinegar down it.
  • Run the garbage disposal and hot water for 15 seconds to eliminate any lingering smells.

Use a Dishwasher Cleaner

Discover the power of a reliable dishwasher cleaner, such as Via Fresh, to maintain a clean and odor-free dishwasher.

• • Consider using a fresh dishwasher and disposal cleaner like Via Fresh once a month.
  • Follow the instructions for proper usage to ensure optimal results.

High-Temperature Wash

Unleash the cleaning prowess of your dishwasher by running it on its most powerful high-temperature cycle.

• • When using the dishwasher cleaner, run the dishwasher on the most heavy-duty high-temperature cycle for thorough cleaning.

Vinegar Rinse

For those persistent odors, we have the perfect vinegar rinse solution. Find out how this simple step can bring back the freshness to your dishwasher and disposal.

• • For disposal-only cleaning, place a tablet into the disposal and run hot water for 15 seconds.
  • Wait for 30 minutes, then flush the disposal with hot water.

How to Maintain Your Dishwasher

Your dishwasher is a workhorse that makes kitchen cleanup a breeze. To ensure it continues to function at its best and keeps your dishes sparkling clean, proper maintenance is key. Regular maintenance not only enhances dishwasher performance but also helps eliminate potential issues like foul odors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

How often should I use a dishwasher cleaner like Via Fresh?

It’s recommended to use a dishwasher cleaner like Via Fresh once a month for optimal odor elimination and maintenance.

Can I use Via Fresh in all dishwasher and garbage disposal brands?

Yes, Via Fresh can be used in a variety of dishwasher and garbage disposal brands, including GE, Bosch, Frigidaire, Kenmore, and InSinkErator.

Why does the odor return after a while, even with cleaning?

If the odor persists, it may be due to persistent food debris or a clog in the drainage system. In such cases, professional assistance may be required.

Conclusion

A sink that smells like rotten eggs when the dishwasher runs can be an unpleasant and frustrating issue. Regular maintenance, proper cleaning, and the use of effective dishwasher cleaners like Via Fresh will help keep your kitchen smelling fresh and clean, ensuring a pleasant cooking and dining experience every time!

Key Notes and Important Points:

• Regularly clean the dishwasher’s gasket and filter to prevent odors from accumulating.
• Use a non-harsh cleaning agent to avoid damaging the rubber gasket.
• Neutralize garbage disposal odors with ice, lemon juice, and vinegar.
• Consider using a dishwasher cleaner like Via Fresh once a month for thorough odor elimination.
• Run the dishwasher on high-temperature wash to ensure optimal cleaning.
• Flush the disposal with hot water after using a dishwasher cleaner for disposal-only cleaning.
• Seek professional assistance if the odor persists despite regular maintenance and cleaning.