MetaChat - My dryer smells. How do I fix it?

MetaChat is an informal place for MeFites to touch base and post, discuss and chatter about topics that may not belong on MetaFilter. Questions? Check the FAQ. Please note: This is important.

24 February 2009

My dryer smells. How do I fix it? →[More:]

Though the washer always seems the most likely culprit, clothes come out of the washer smelling fine. They come out of the dryer, though, smelling kinda icky. It's not quite a mildewy smell, but it's close. Just a not-very-fresh scent, which I sit here all day at work wondering if other people notice.

What can I do? (I'm allergic to fabric softener sheets, by the way.)

post by: mudpuppie at: 11:33 | 5 comments

Shop-vac it out to get rid of all the old lint. And check your belts. If a belt is going, it makes a rubbery/burny smell. And be careful, don't leave the house with that dryer running.

posted by rainbaby 24 February | 11:36

I sometimes notice that smell if I've let the laundry sit wet for several hours or overnight. It's like the beginning of mildew. If it went right from washer to dryer though, I'm at a loss.

posted by Miko 24 February | 11:56

Yeah, I never let it sit in the washer because the smell is certain to appear. This is new and appears to be related to the dryer.

The lint sucking is a good idea. I'll try that.

posted by mudpuppie 24 February | 12:07

We had a towel funk issue. Try the Gardenweb forums, lots of discussion of laundry smells related to the machine itself.

To summarize: It's probably the washer, even though it seems to come from the dryer. Set the wash for Heavy Duty/Hot, run a cycle with a crapload of OxyClean and no clothes. If possible, stop it mid-cycle and let it soak for a few hours.

posted by Triode 25 February | 00:07

I trust you, triode. Thanks.

posted by mudpuppie 25 February | 00:09

← You know you're out of shape || Three-point Tuesday update. →

HOME || REGISTER || LOGIN