Why Does my Dryer Smell Like Mildew?
There are various reasons you may be experiencing a moldy smell in your dryer. It could be that you left wet clothes in it for too long or there may be leftover lint in your dryer that is moldy and causing the bad odor. You may also have poor vent function as smelling mold or mildew in the laundry room could be a sign that your vent system may not be functioning properly. Either way, it is important to watch out for mold and mildew odors when it comes to laundry so that you can get rid of the moldy smell before the dryer transfers it to your clean clothes.
Based on the smell that is coming from your dryer or that is lingering in your laundry room, you may be able to identify what is causing the issue.
Here are a few types of odors that may help you identify the problem with your dryer:
- Musty smell:
When your dryer smells like mildew, it may be caused by leaving wet or sweaty clothes in the dryer for a long time. Also, if you have lint buildup in your dryer duct, it may prevent air from flowing freely and mildew can grow in the duct which will cause a bad odor.
- Burning smell:
If you are experiencing a burning smell in your home, it may be due to using an electric dryer for the first time. However, the smell should disappear quickly. If you experience this smell continuously, you may have an issue with your power cord. If that is the case, it should be replaced.
- Gas:
If you have a gas-powered dryer, you may experience a gas small the first few uses. However, this smell should disappear and if it doesn’t, you should address it as you may have a gas leak or an issue with your gas supply. If you smell gas from your dryer, continuously make sure you get it checked out professionally.
- Something may have died inside your duct:
If you are getting a smell where you think something may have died inside, that may actually be the issue. Small animals can get into the dryer duct and create a bad odor if they die inside. If you experience this issue, it is important to get it addressed professionally. A professional dryer duct cleaning company will be able to clean and disinfect your dryer duct properly.
Cleaning Your Dryer
If you are having odor issues with your dryer, it is important for you to clean it properly. Below, we will explain what supplies you need and the cleaning process.
The cleaning process is simple, and you will need a vacuum, bleach, towels, white vinegar, and water to get the job done.
Here is the cleaning process to implement:
- First, clean the lint screen. It is important for this to be done by peeling away any lint that has accumulated. Any leftover pieces of lint should be removed with a wet towel.
- Next, make sure to use a vacuum to clean the lint trap and any dust or particles that have accumulated. To fully clean it you will need to create a cleaning solution by mixing one gallon of water with one cup of bleach. You can also create a paste by mixing detergent and warm water. It is extremely important to wipe the drum and door of your dryer.
- Leave the dryer door open so that it dries well before you use it again.
- After using the cleaning solution, you will need to rinse the dryer and dry it again.
- For any leftover odors, you can spray a few towels with white vinegar and run them through the drying cycle to get rid of them.
- The final step of the dryer cleaning process is to disconnect the dryer duct from the machine itself and the wall and vacuum the hose before you reconnect it. Make sure you also vacuum the vent opening on the outside of the house as well.
If you frequently experience issues with bad odors and mildew in your dryer, it is important that you regularly clean and maintain it to prevent these issues. Here are the steps to follow:
- Always clean the lint screen after every use. This helps with airflow within the dryer and lessens the chance for mold and mildew to develop.
- All damp clothes should be dried right away and not left in the dryer for prolonged periods of time. This will help keep mildew from forming in your dryer.
- You should clean your dryer ducts at least once a year to prevent any accumulation of lint that will stop the airflow to your dryer.
Are you experiencing issues with mildew in your home? Call mold remediation professionals for help. They will remove any extra moisture from your home caused by water damage, including hidden areas such as behind walls or ceilings. They will also repair the damage caused by mold and ensure that the mold or mildew has been fully removed to prevent further damage and protect the health of you and your family.