How do I make my dryer smell clean?

Author: Tyrel Gislason PhD  |  Last update: Saturday, June 14, 2025

Soak a few sturdy towels with white vinegar until they're damp but not dripping. Place these in the dryer and run a full cycle. White vinegar's acidity acts as an organic dryer odor remover, neutralizing and banishing those foul smells.

How to get rid of bad smell in dryer?

Clean the Inside of Your Dryer

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.

How to clean a smelly tumble dryer?

Wipe down the interior

Begin by cleaning the interior with a damp cloth. You can use a lemon or vinegar-based solution to help you banish bad smells in no time. Then, we recommend using our tested and approved Care Product for Tumble Dryers.

How do you freshen the inside of a dryer?

Read on for the rundown!
  1. Clean your lint screen every time you use your dryer. ...
  2. Wipe down the inside of your dryer drum with an all-purpose cleaner or vinegar solution about once every month. ...
  3. Do a deep clean of your lint screen at least once every 6 months. ...
  4. Clean your dryer vent and duct once every 6 to 12 months.

How can I make my dryer smell nice?

Wipe down the dryer drum regularly: Spray the dryer drum with vinegar and wipe it down on a regular basis to deodorize before smells get out of hand. Follow with plain water and leave the door open to allow for air drying.

No More Stinky Clothes: How to Get Mildew Smell Out of Dryer Today!

Can you put something in the dryer to make it smell good?

Enter dryer balls infused with your favorite scented oils. These nifty little balls not only cut down on drying time and reduce wrinkles, but they also leave your clothes smelling divine. Simply add a few drops of your preferred oil, toss them into the dryer, and voila!

How do I add a scent to my dryer?

There are a few different ways to make your own scented dryer sheets. The easiest method is to simply put a few drops of safe fragrance oil onto a cloth and let it dry completely (see section above for choosing a safe fragrance). The cloth can then be tossed in the dryer with your clothing.

Why does the inside of my dryer smell?

Lint buildup in the exhaust vent can limit airflow and promote mold growth. A thorough vent cleaning should remove any buildup and solve the problem. Use these troubleshooting tips to identify, eliminate, and prevent odor when your dryer smells bad.

What is the freshen up option on a dryer?

The Air Fluff Cycle. This cycle draws air into the dryer from the surrounding area to freshen up items. This cycle is unique because no heat is used and fabrics that are placed in wet will not dry.

How to deodorize a dryer with baking soda?

Deodorize the dryer with baking soda

To use baking soda to deodorize your dryer, wet a towel and sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the material's surface. Then place the cloth in the dryer and dry it on the lowest drying cycle until completely dry.

How do I get the musty smell out of my washer and dryer?

Pour two cups of white vinegar straight into the drum. Run a hot cycle to flush out bacteria and break down odors.

Can you put vinegar in a dryer?

Whether you want to clean your washer, fabric softener, dishwasher, microwave, or dryer, vinegar is a great option. If you want to clean your laundry more frequently, try cleaning your washer with vinegar once a month.

How do you get the musty smell out of a condenser dryer?

In the case of condenser dryers, please also clean the heat exchanger and the filters as described in the operating instructions. For a quick remedy, spray a cloth with perfume or a similar fragrance and add it to the laundry during the drying cycle.

How to deep clean a dryer?

  1. Step 1: Remove lint from the lint trap. ...
  2. Step 2: Turn off and unplug dryer. ...
  3. Step 3: Wipe residue off dryer drum. ...
  4. Step 4: Pull out the dryer to access vent duct. ...
  5. Step 5: Remove clamps and detach vent. ...
  6. Step 6: Clean debris from the vent. ...
  7. Step 7: Inspect and clean the exterior vent. ...
  8. Step 8: Reattach the vent and turn on the dryer.

How to freshen a tumble dryer?

How to clean a smelly tumble dryer
  1. Clean the lint filter and drum thoroughly.
  2. Run an empty cycle with a cup of white vinegar on a damp cloth.
  3. Leave the door open between uses to allow air circulation.
  4. Check for mould in the door seal and clean if necessary.

Why do my clothes smell like wet dog after drying?

Why Do My Clothes Smell Like Wet Dog After Drying? Clothes typically have a wet dog smell after drying when there is a buildup of detergent present throughout the clothes. To avoid unwanted odors in clothes, make sure to use the correct type and amount of detergent for every wash.

How do you freshen up a dryer?

Use vinegar to clean and deodorise – using a clean cloth, dip it in some distilled white vinegar until sufficiently damp and clean the inside of your dryer. Wipe it well and make sure not to miss any areas including the door, and the area under the rubber in the door seal. Leave the door open and allow it to air dry.

What is the sanitize feature on a dryer?

Sanitize Cycle In Washer & Dryers

This feature is designed to eliminate bacteria and allergens from clothing, bed linens, and other washable items. The washing machine increases the water temperature during the wash and rinse cycles, effectively killing bacteria and ensuring a thorough cleaning process.

How to fix dryer burning smell?

Check inside the dryer drum—you may need to open the dryer panel to do so—for any trapped items or excessive lint buildup and clean as necessary. Look for signs of wear and tear on the belt. If it looks damaged, it could be melting due to friction and may be the cause of the burning smell. You should replace it.

Why do my clothes smell bad after drying inside?

High humidity levels can prolong the drying process, leading to damp smells in clothes. To manage humidity, consider using a dehumidifier or simply opening a window to let excess moisture escape. With a dehumidifier, it easier to create a more conducive environment for drying clothes.

How can I make my tumble dryer smell nice?

Other suggestions for keeping clothes smelling fresh in the tumble dryer included using scent boosters, washing pods, dryer sheets, laundry conditioner soaked into a cloth and emptying the tumble dryer regularly. Sandra Armstrong suggested: “Scent boosters that you put in the washer are brilliant, especially Lenor.”

Why doesn't my dryer smell good?

It is from the build-up of lint on the lint filter that may be causing the terrible odor. Lint is a combination of soap, clean fibers, and dirt that collects on clothing, so it is not clean. If the lint filter is full each time you dry, this blocks airflow and causes mildew to start growing.

How do you make dry laundry smell good?

13 Ways to Make Your Laundry Smell Better
  1. Clean and Deodorize Your Washing Machine.
  2. Wash Smaller Loads.
  3. Remove Wet Laundry from the Washer ASAP.
  4. Hang Your Clothes Outdoors.
  5. Pre-Treat Stains to Remove Odors.
  6. Add Essential Oils.
  7. Use Organic Wool Dryer Balls or Homemade Dryer Sheets.
  8. Don't Wait to Wash Your Activewear.

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