Tumble dryers are our partners in day-to-day tasks. They let us dry clothes quickly, especially on cold, rainy days. But wait! You’ve noticed something not-so-pleasant from the dryer. It can be a musty, damp smell that won’t seem to go away, even after you’ve dried your clothes. Or perhaps you’re freshly laundered clothes smell off or a little odd.
Don’t worry, you’re not alone! A smelly tumble dryer is a common problem. But before you think your dryer is expired, we have mentioned some easy steps and tips in this blog post to help you eliminate that unwanted odour.
Why Does My Tumble Dryer Smell?
Do you think why the smell issue happens in the first place? There are many reasons behind it; some of them are:
- Moulds: Moisture can build up inside the dryer drum, causing a musty smell of mould or mildew.
- Lint Build-up: If lint isn’t cleared out regularly, it can trap moisture and leave off a bad odour.
- Dirty Filters: A clogged or dirty lint filter can be a cause of poor airflow. As a result, you experience dampness and unwanted smells.
- Wet Clothes in the Drum: If you leave clothes in the drum for too long, they can develop a stale smell.
- Damaged Belt: Sometimes, due to wear and tear, the driving belt slips from its place and creates unusual friction. Thus, it creates a burning smell, just like an electric wire burning out.
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” – Benjamin Franklin
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Ways to Get Rid of Tumble Dryer Smell
Now that we’ve identified the culprits, it’s time to clean and refresh your tumble dryer.
Clean the Lint Filter
Many individuals overlook this step. When lint builds up in the filter, it accumulates moisture, resulting in a funky smell. So, clean your lint filter after every cycle. Here’s how:
- Simply remove the filter and give it a good shake to remove loose lint.
- Wash it or use a vacuum cleaner to remove any stubborn build-up.
- Now dry it so no moisture is left behind.
- Finally, place it back in the dryer.
Wipe Down the Drum
The drum can collect soap scum, detergent residues, and moisture that can create a musty smell. Giving it a good wipe-down can help get rid the source of the odour.
- Unplug the dryer and open the door for allowing the drum to air out.
- Now wet a cloth with some water and white vinegar.
- Then, wipe the drum from the inside out completely.
- Finally, keep the door open to let it dry before you use it next time.
Use Dryer Balls
Dryer balls are a great and natural way to reduce odours. They work by tumbling along with your clothes. This helps to keep the clothes separate and reduce the amount of lint and moisture in the dryer. Since dryer balls have infused essential oils, they leave your laundry smelling fresh after you extract it from the drum.
Treat with Baking Soda
Want to try something unique? Try baking soda, which is a fantastic deodoriser that neutralises stubborn odours. Here’s how to use it:
- Sprinkle about 1/2 cup of baking soda inside the dryer drum.
- Run a short cycle with no clothes inside to help lift lingering odours.
- Wipe the drum afterwards to remove any residue.
Use Fabric Softener Sheets or Essential Oils
Sometimes, a dryer sheet can be your best friend in combating stubborn lingering odours. To freshen up the drum, choose a fragrance or use a natural essential oil blend on a damp washcloth. Make sure the sheets are dry completely before you pull them out.
- Tip: Don’t overload your dryer with clothes, as this will lead to the same problem of dampness and musty smells.
Clean the Exterior and Filter Trays
Don’t forget to clean the exterior of your tumble dryer and any additional trays or compartments that may hold lint or dirt. You can also vacuum around the dryer to keep the area fresh. If you live in a humid area, leave the dryer door open after each drying cycle to let the interior dry out completely.
Last Words
All in all, it’s always best to clean and maintain your tumble dryer in tip-top condition after every cycle to prevent musty smells. So next time you get that whiff of something unpleasant from your dryer, you know exactly what to do. No worse smells; get fresh clothes every time!