Rotten eggs look very nasty and their smell is nauseating. Actually, the eggs do not produce the pungent odor. It is the chemical gas - hydrogen sulfide - produced when bacteria break down the sulfates in egg, into organic matter, in the absence of oxygen, which produces the decaying smell. Apart from that, the bacterial growth that usually manifests in water treatment system, blocked pipes and broken pipes also produces rotten egg smell. Since eggs are one of the common household items, you may also leave their odor on tabletops, refrigerator shelves and floors, if they are rotten and left unattended in the areas. Learn how to get rid of rotten egg smell, caused by eggs as well as bacterial growth in other areas, with the instructions given in the following lines.
Removing Rotten Egg Smell
Sink
- Blockage in the sink leads to the growth of mold, which produces rotten egg smell in the area. It applies to broken pipes as well.
- To get rid of rotten egg smell, you need to remove the blockage first. Make use of a plumber's snake to remove the dirt accumulated in broken pipes.
- Make sure that the bacterial growth is nowhere in the system. Use a mesh wire, in case you find the formation of mold on outdoor vents.
- To clean the organic material that is blocking the sink pipes, you may use enzyme cleaning products.
Water Heaters
- If rotten egg smell is coming from your water heater, check the anode rod. If you find that the rod has decayed over time, replace it immediately.
- Mix 3% peroxide and 40 gallons of water. Pour the solution in the water heater, leave it for a couple of hours and then flush it.
- This way, you will get rid of the build up of bacteria in the water heater as well as the resultant smell.
Water Treatment System
- Accumulated gunk in water treatment systems can lead to the production of rotten egg smell.
- For getting rid of the smell, remove the old filter of the water treatment system.
- After cleaning the filter well, apply bleach on it.
- Rinse the filter with water and fit in again.
- If dirt is still accumulated in the filter, replace it with a new one.
Brine Tank
- Soft water, stored in a brine tank, may lead to the growth of bacteria, if the tank is not cleaned regularly.
- To clean the brine tank, fill its ¼ portion with salt.
- Pour ¾ cup of bleaching powder into the white tube in the brine tank.
- Leave it for next 24 hours.
- Flush the tank with water.
Floor
- Rotten egg spills can be removed from the floor easily.
- Supply yourself with a heavy-duty detergent and a scrub.
- Pour few drops of the detergent in the scrub.
- Use the scrub to wipe on the floor, where you have spilled the rotten eggs.
- After you have cleaned the soiled area, rinse with clean water.
- You may apply this method for cemented and tiled floor. Hardwood floor would need a mild cleanser for the purpose.