How To Fix a Dryer When it Smells Bad?

Did you know that a bad smell coming from your dryer can actually transfer to your clothes? It’s true! In fact, one common cause of this unpleasant smell is lint buildup in the exhaust vent, which not only limits airflow but also promotes mould growth.

Another culprit could be sweaty clothes or items with smelly stains that transfer their odour to the dryer. And let’s not forget about animals creating nests in the vent, causing a foul smell.

We’re here to help you fix this issue and get back to enjoying fresh and clean-smelling laundry. Now, we’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions on how to eliminate the unwanted odour from your dryer. From cleaning the drum with a mixture of bleach, water, and vinegar to regularly maintaining the lint screen and compartment, we’ve got you covered.

So if you’re tired of dealing with a smelly dryer, keep reading. We’ll show you exactly what you need to do to get rid of that once and for all.

Understanding the Unpleasant Odor Coming from Your Dryer

Are you tired of that unpleasant odour coming from your dryer? Let’s dive into understanding why your dryer smells bad and how to fix it!

A bad smell coming from your dryer can be caused by various factors. One common culprit is lint buildup in the vent, which limits airflow and promotes mould growth. Additionally, sweaty clothes or items with smelly stains can transfer their odour to the dryer. Animals may even create nests in the vent, causing a foul smell.

Steps to Eliminate the Unwanted Odor from Your Dryer

To prevent dryer odours, make sure to clean your dryer’s vents regularly and remove damp clothes promptly from the drum. If your dryer smells like something died inside, it could be due to mould growth from wet clothes left in the drum.

To eliminate the unwanted smell coming from your dryer, it’s important to prioritize safety by unplugging the appliance before beginning any cleaning or repair tasks.

Start by cleaning the lint filter and vent to ensure proper airflow and prevent further odours.

Thoroughly clean the drum and interior of the dryer, addressing any mould or mildew growth that may be causing the unpleasant smell.

Finally, inspect and repair the heating element if necessary to ensure optimal performance.

Prioritize Safety: Unplug the Dryer

First, make sure to unplug your appliance to prioritize safety. Did you know that according to a study conducted by the U.S. Fire Administration, clothes dryers are responsible for an estimated 2,900 residential fires each year?

To eliminate the unwanted odour from your dryer, cleaning the lint buildup is essential. Start by removing lint from the lint screen and compartment. Next, wipe down the dryer drum with a mixture of bleach, water, and vinegar to get rid of any lingering smells.

Stop your dryer immediately if it smells like gas, and disconnect it from the gas source to ensure safety. Sometimes, a dryer smells like gas, indicating a potential hazard. If you suspect a gas leak, disconnect the dryer and seek professional help immediately.

Additionally, consider cleaning the vent thoroughly to prevent further issues and ensure proper airflow. By taking these steps and prioritizing safety by unplugging your dryer before any maintenance or repair work, you can effectively tackle the problem while minimizing potential hazards.

Clean Your Lint Filter and Vent

Start by regularly cleaning the lint filter and vent to ensure proper airflow and prevent unwanted odours from lingering in your dryer. This simple task can make a big difference in keeping your clothes dryer smelling fresh.

Here are some steps you can follow:

• Remove the lint filter and clean it thoroughly. Use a brush or vacuum to remove any trapped lint.
• Check the vent opening outside your home for any blockages, such as bird nests or debris.
• Disconnect the vent hose from the back of the dryer and clean it using a vacuum or brush.
• If there’s a buildup of lint inside the vent, consider using a flexible brush kit to reach deep into the vent and remove it.
• Reconnect the vent hose securely.

Use a narrow hose attachment to clean the dryer exhaust vent, which can become a source of your problem if not maintained. By following these steps, you can prevent your clothes in the dryer from developing unpleasant smells like something died.

Most of the time, cleansing the lint screen, vent, and inside of the dryer drum can effectively address the issue of a dryer that stinks. Annual dryer vent cleaning is essential to prevent bad odours caused by lint buildup and maintain optimal performance. Clean your dryer vents regularly to maintain fresh and clean laundry results and prevent any odours from lingering.

Thoroughly Clean the Drum and Interior

Wondering about a return or the dryer takes? Perform regular dryer maintenance to prevent the dryer from smelling musty situations. One important step in keeping your dryer smelling fresh is by wiping down the dryer drum thoroughly and cleaning the interior to remove any lingering odours. If your dryer takes too long to dry, it can cause smelly clothes due to inadequate ventilation and moisture buildup.

Over time, lint, dust, and other debris can accumulate inside the drum and on the walls of your dryer, causing unpleasant smells.

Firstly, unplug the dryer and remove any clothing or items inside. Then, use a damp cloth or sponge with a mild detergent to wipe down the interior surfaces of the drum. Pay special attention to areas that may have residue or buildup.

Afterward, rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly. Additionally, consider using a vinegar spray and disinfect the drum.

By regularly cleaning the drum and interior of your dryer, you can ensure it remains fresh-smelling.

Address Mold or Mildew Growth

If you’re wondering, “Why does my dryer smell?” the source of the smell might be lingering in the inside of your dryer or within the drum of your dryer.

If your dryer smells musty, it’s time to tackle the issue of mould or mildew growth because they can thrive in warm, damp environments, making your dryer an ideal breeding ground. 

If your dryer smells like mildew, consider using a clean paper towel or a hand with a clean cloth to wipe down the inside of the dryer. Leaving wet clothes inside the dryer drum can lead to a stinky dryer, so always remember to remove wet clothes after each cycle.

Start by unplugging your appliance and removing clothes or lint from the drum. Mix a solution of equal parts bleach and water, and use a cloth or sponge to clean the drum’s interior thoroughly. Pay special attention to areas where mould or mildew may be present, such as around the door seal or in the lint trap compartment.

After cleaning, allow the drum to air dry completely before plugging in your dryer again. Regularly cleaning and maintaining your dryer will help prevent future mould and mildew growth and keep your laundry smelling fresh.

To tackle the issue of a dryer that smells bad when running, you should clean your dryer thoroughly, paying attention to the dryer lint screen and any towels in the dryer.

Inspect and Repair Heating Element

Make sure you inspect and repair the heating element if your dryer is overheating or getting too hot. The heating element is responsible for generating the heat needed to dry your clothes, but over time, it can become damaged or worn out.

Here are some steps to help you address this issue:

• Unplug the dryer and turn off the gas supply (if applicable) before starting any repairs.
• Remove the back panel of the dryer to access the heating element.
• Inspect the heating element for any visible signs of damage, such as cracks, breaks, or discoloration.
• If you notice any issues, replace the heating element with a new one, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Remember always to prioritize safety when working on your dryer and consult a professional if you’re unsure about performing these repairs yourself.

Inspect and Repair the Vent

When using the dryer, keep an eye on the vent from the dryer to ensure proper airflow and prevent any bad smells from developing. 

To inspect the vent, start by disconnecting it from the dryer and removing any visible lint or debris. Use a flashlight to check for any blockages or damage inside the vent. If there are blockages, use a vent-cleaning brush or vacuum cleaner to remove them.

Additionally, check for any signs of wear or tears in the vent tubing and replace if necessary. Once the inspection is complete, reconnect the vent securely to the dryer and ensure that it is properly aligned with no kinks or bends that could restrict airflow.

If your clothes dryer stinks as well, you may need to clean the entire system, including the lint screen, trap, and vents. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your vent will help eliminate bad odours and ensure the safe operation of your dryer.

Ready to Enjoy Fresh and Clean-Smelling Laundry Again? Contact Us for Expert Dryer Repairs

Looking to enjoy fresh and clean-smelling laundry again? Give EZFIX Appliance Repair a call at (888) 316-7773 because who needs the hassle of dealing with a smelly dryer? If you’re facing persistent issues with a dryer that smells, don’t hesitate to contact professionals for clothes dryer repair.

Our expert team is here to help you eliminate those unpleasant odours and get your dryer back in top shape. We understand how frustrating it can be when your clothes come out smelling less than fresh, even after washing them. That’s why we offer professional dryer repair services.

With our knowledge and expertise, we can inspect and repair the vent of your dryer, ensuring proper airflow and eliminating any trapped odours. Don’t let a bad-smelling dryer ruin your laundry experience.

Contact us today for reliable and efficient dryer solutions that’ll leave your clothes smelling like new again!

Key Takeaways

• Regularly clean and maintain the lint screen and compartment to prevent odour buildup in the dryer.
• Clean the drum and interior of the dryer using mild detergent, water, and vinegar to eliminate odours caused by lint, dust, and debris.
• Address mould or mildew growth in the dryer by cleaning with a bleach and water solution and allowing the drum to air dry completely.
• Inspect and repair the heating element and the vent to ensure optimal performance, prevent overheating, and eliminate odours.

Frequently Asked Questions

To conclude, addressing a smelly dryer is essential for maintaining fresh and clean-smelling laundry. By understanding the underlying causes, such as lint buildup or sweaty clothes, we can take proactive steps.

Regular cleaning of the lint screen, compartment, and dryer drum with a mixture of bleach, water, and vinegar can effectively combat unpleasant smells. In addition, practicing preventive measures like frequent vent cleanings and using less detergent will help maintain a pleasant laundry experience.

Remember, if odour persists after these efforts, it’s advisable to seek professional repair assistance.