Your clothes dryer is one of the most important appliances in your home. It is also one of the most neglected. But what do you do when it starts to smell bad? You may be tempted to ignore the bad smell, but that is a big mistake. A smelly dryer can be indicative of a much larger problem. That’s why it’s important to take action right away and clean your dryer. We’ll help you learn how to clean a clothes dryer and get your dryer smelling fresh again with this guide.
Our Guide To How to Clean a Clothes Dryer
If you’re dealing with some serious dryer stink, you’ll need these tips for how to clean a clothes dryer that smells bad.
1. Clean the Outside of the Dryer
Start by making sure there’s no lint or dirt stuck on the outside of your dryer in any of the cracks and crevices. If there is, give it a good scrub with a cloth and some dish soap. Then wipe everything down including the knobs, vents, and display.
2. Clean Out The Lint Trap
The lint trap is one of the most important parts of your dryer. It’s what catches all the bits and pieces that come off of your clothes during the drying process. Make sure to remove lint from the trap every time you use your dryer.
If there’s leftover lint or residue that you can’t get off, it may be time to give it a deep clean. You can do this by washing it in soap and warm water. Make sure to let it dry before putting it back in.
3. Clean the Inside of Your Dryer
If you notice a buildup of lint and debris inside your dryer, it may be time to learn how to clean a dryer with vinegar. Over time residue from dryer sheets and softeners, along with lint and dirt can build up and cause your dryer to smell bad.
To get rid of this, vacuum up all the lint that has accumulated in there. Then, mix one-part vinegar with two parts warm water. Put the mixture in a spraying bottle and spray it inside your dryer. Let it sit for five minutes then wipe everything down with a microfiber cloth.
Be sure to get into any nooks and crannies where lint and bacteria can hide. Take a look at our other blog if you would like a dryer sheet alternative to avoid residues.
4. How to Clean Inside of Dryer Lint Trap Chamber
The lint trap chamber is where all the lint that has been collected inside your dryer ends up if it doesn’t get caught in the lint trap. Remove any build-up of lint from the chamber by using a vacuum hose attachment. Once you’ve removed all the lint, wipe down the chamber with a rag and some vinegar and water.
5. Clean the Dryer Vent
The dryer vent is where your dryer sends all the heated air that it produces. That same heated air can also carry lint and other particles with it. Objects, dirt, and lint can get stuck in the vent and in some cases even small rodents, which can cause quite a stink.
The dryer vent needs to be cleaned at least once a year or you risk a fire hazard. To clean the vent, start by unplugging your dryer and then remove the dryer vent and use a shop vac to suck out any debris that might be stuck in the vent. Take a look at our complete guide for more detailed dryer vent cleaning steps.
Cleaning your dryer is an important part of keeping it in good working order. If you’re looking for a way to get rid of that musty smell, these tips for how to clean a clothes dryer that smells bad should help. Just be sure to follow all safety precautions when cleaning your dryer and make sure to check your dryer for any issues that may cause a problem before you start cleaning it.
And for any big issues, call the expert washer and dryer repair team at Sloan Appliance.
