It is not a good idea to dry freshly-washed clothes in a tumble dryer with a bad odour. Why does my tumble dryer smell so foul? Too long drying time can cause mould and mildew to form on clothing. You can find out the reason your clothes tumble dryer stinks, and what you can do to eliminate it.
Help! What do I do if my clothes tumble dryer smells?
Although drying clothes by air may work temporarily, it is important to eliminate odours and keep tumble dryers running smoothly. With a few simple cleaning steps and supplies, we’ll show you how to do this. It is crucial to identify the cause of your tumble dryer’s odour before you can combat it.
Why Tumble dryer smells bad
Tumble dryer odours can result from a number of possible causes, but most are caused by poor maintenance or improper care.
These are the most common causes of clothes drying out.
- Damp clothing: Allowing clothes to sit in the tumble dryer or washer for too long can lead to mould and mildew growth. The tumble dryer drum can retain clothes even after drying, creating an unpleasant odour.
- Pests in tumble dryer ducts: Small animals will often use tumble dryer vents to nest, and can enter through the exterior duct. What happens if the tumble dryer smells of something dying? The odours of animals can be worsened if they die in the vents and ducts.
- Lint buildup: If lint collects in tumble dryer vents it restricts air circulation which allows for lingering odours. Your tumble dryer taking too long to dry clothes is another sign that your airflow is restricted. If your tumble dryer takes too long to dry clothes, lint from smelly clothing may also cause the tumble dryer to smell foul.
How to clean a tumble dryer that smells bad
Tumble dryer odours can be eliminated by a thorough cleaning.
Here’s what you need:
- Use a clean, dry rag
- Towels
- Bleach
- Water
- White vinegar
Follow these steps after you’ve turned off the tumble dryer’s electricity:
Step 1: Clean the Lint Trap
Take out the lint trap, and use a clean towel to remove any lint. For smaller particles, you can use the narrow hose attachment of a vacuum. You can remove any residue by running the trap under water and then gently brushing it with a soft toothbrush before drying it.
Step 2: Clean the Lint trap housing
Use the vacuum hose attachment to clean out any lint trapped in the trap’s case while it is drying. Also vacuum the floor surrounding the tumble dryer, including under the vent.
Step 3: Rinse tumble dryer vent of lint
The tumble dryer should be moved away from the wall. Vacuum the vent to get rid of lint and other foreign objects. Clean the vent openings and flaps at the exterior of your home. Re-attach the tumble dryer and reconnect the interior vent.
Step 4: Dry the tumble dryer’s interior
A solution of 1 cup bleach and 3.7 litres of cool water can be used to dip a clean towel. Alternately, dip the towel in white wine vinegar. The towel can be used to wipe the tumble dryer drum, and then you can dip it in the bleach solution. The tumble dryer door and seal should be cleaned thoroughly before the interior can dry. Use a damp cloth with water to reduce the vinegar and bleach odours.
Step 5: Wash the exterior
When your clothes tumble dryer smells bad, don’t forget about the outside. Lint and dirt could build up. Use a damp cloth to wipe the tumble dryer’s exterior and dry it well before you turn on the tumble dryer.
Tips to Prevent Tumble dryer Odours
Simple maintenance can keep your tumble dryer from coming back once it is clean and free of odours.
These tumble dryer maintenance tips can help keep bad odours away
- Do not wait to dry damp clothing: This will help prevent mould and mildew.
- Clean the lint trap prior to drying. Use a towel or your hand to remove lint. Regularly clean the trap with a vacuum attachment.
- Tumble dryer vents should be cleaned annually to get rid of lint. They may need to be cleaned more often if there are bad odours returning or the tumble dryer is drying clothes too slowly.
Do you still have bad smells from your tumble dryer? Or is it not functioning as it should? Perhaps it is time to have a professional assess your tumble dryer.
