How to Remove Rotten Egg Smell From Laundry — Fast, Effective Method

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Why Laundry Smells Like Rotten Eggs

A rotten egg or sulfur smell in laundry usually comes from one of three sources: bacteria trapped in fabric, hard water minerals reacting with detergent, or buildup inside the washing machine. The good news — all three are easy to fix.

What You Need

  • White vinegar
  • Baking soda
  • Hot water
  • Oxygen bleach (optional)
  • Washer with soak or deep clean cycle

How to Remove Rotten Egg Smell From Laundry

  1. Reload the clothes into the washer. Do not add detergent yet.
  2. Run a hot rinse cycle. Heat helps loosen odor‑causing bacteria.
  3. Add 1 cup white vinegar to the rinse. Vinegar neutralizes sulfur odors and breaks down buildup.
  4. For strong odors:
    • Add 1/2 cup baking soda directly to the drum.
    • Run a full wash cycle with hot water — still no detergent.
  5. Optional deep clean: Add oxygen bleach and run another wash cycle for heavily affected items.
  6. Run an extra rinse cycle. This ensures all odor‑causing residue is removed.
  7. Dry completely. Damp fabric can trap odors again.

If the Smell Comes From Your Washer

If clothes smell fine before washing but bad afterward, the washer is the problem.

  • Run a cleaning cycle with 2 cups vinegar.
  • Scrub the gasket on front‑load washers — it traps bacteria.
  • Clean the detergent tray monthly.
  • Leave the door open after every wash to prevent moisture buildup.

How to Prevent Rotten Egg Smells in the Future

  • Use less detergent. Too much detergent causes buildup and odors.
  • Wash towels and workout clothes in hot water. These fabrics trap bacteria easily.
  • Clean your washer monthly. Prevents sulfur‑smelling residue.
  • Check for hard water. Mineral buildup can cause sulfur‑like odors.

Helpful Internal Resources

Trusted External Resource

For more information on laundry odors and bacteria, see:
CDC — Laundry Hygiene

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