What makes dryer smell

This makes your dryer work harder and harder as it dries more and more inefficiently over time. This can happen when the dryer is pushed too close to the wall, compressing the vent hose. When the hose is compressed, lint buildup happens faster, since the airflow is constricted. Mildew or mold can also develop in the dryer or ductwork as a result of a kinked vent hose. Most dryers have hoses that are clamped and taped off at each end, so removing the hose is a simple matter of removing any tape with a utility knife, taking precaution not to damage the dryer flange that the hose connects to and unscrewing the clamps.

If you choose to take on this do-it-yourself project, make sure to turn off the power to the dryer at the breaker box before you begin to protect yourself against injury. A bad smell you detect in the middle of a drying cycle could be caused by a variety of issues. If the dryer is new , it might emit an oily, burning smell the first few times you run it. This is considered normal, but be sure to contact a professional appliance repair specialist if the odor persists.

If the dryer is not new, the bad smell when it runs is likely being caused by something else. Occasionally, an animal might either crawl into the dryer exhaust vent and die, or might build a nest somewhere in the wall along the line of the exhaust vent.

Call Sharper Service Solutions to schedule an appointment! Privacy Policy About Us. Leave Feedback Write a Review. Send a Text Message. Book Service Online. Toll Free: Schedule Service. What to Do When Your Dryer Smells Bad Pinpointing dryer odor can seem like a mystery but there are usually several common causes with specific solutions. Why Does My Dryer Smell? These are the most likely reasons your dryer smells bad : Lint buildup in the exhaust vent : If you skip your annual dryer vent cleaning , lint can accumulate in the exhaust vent and limit airflow.

Poor circulation then results in the development of smelly mold and mildew. Yep, I discovered exactly why my dryer was making my clothes smell bad. But before I disclose my discovery, let me first go over all the different reasons why your dryer may be making your clothes smell and how to get rid of the odors. The most common smell in clothes is a mildew or moldy odor. There are two ways that this can happen. You have left your clothes sitting too long in the dryer while wet.

This can happen if you load the machine and forget to turn it on. But, more common is when the dryer shuts off before the clothes are completely dry and they sit in damp conditions for too long. Make sure that you set the dryer to run long enough to ensure completely dry clothes. If you are going to restrict the running time to the minimum, make sure that you are around to remove the clothes as soon as the machine stops.

The most common reason for a moldy or mildew odor in clothes is not even the fault of your dryer. Most likely, this problem lies with your washing machine.

High-efficiency washing machines can and will grow mold. The good news is that you can get rid of washing machine mold. Just follow my corrective and maintenance steps for removing mold in washers.

The odor inducing bacteria was probably left behind by the washing machine. Even clothes that smell fresh coming out of the washer can still have odor-causing particles left behind. It is just the heat of the dryer that releases them.

There are several things that can cause these odors to linger in the laundry. It could be that you:. Overloaded the washing machine. This makes it difficult for a high-efficiency machine to properly clean clothes. Try reducing loads to a maximum of either adult size jeans, or standard-sized bath towels, or the equivalent amounts of other clothing items. There is not enough water in the machine. This is a problem that almost all washing machines have.

It was one of my biggest dislikes with my new machine. I solved that problem by adjusting the water level sensor. Now, my machine gets plenty of water and cleans much better. Some odor-causing bacteria are more resistant than others. Remove the lint trap and wipe away any accumulated lint with a clean rag.

To remove residue, run the trap under running water, scrubbing it with a soft brush before letting it air dry. Vacuum the floor around the dryer as well, particularly under the vent. Move the dryer away from the wall and disconnect its vent. Vacuum out the vent to remove lint and foreign objects. Make sure you clean the vent opening and flaps on the exterior of the house as well. Reconnect the interior vent and reposition your dryer. Dip a clean towel in a solution of 1 cup bleach diluted with 1 gallon of cool water.

Alternatively, you can dip the towel in white vinegar. Wipe down the dryer drum with the towel, dipping it in the bleach solution or vinegar repeatedly, as needed. Wipe the dryer door and its seal as well before leaving the door open so the interior can air dry. To lessen the odor of bleach or vinegar, dampen a second cloth with water and wipe down the dryer again before air drying.