How to get a dryer to smell better?

Author: Marcellus Zieme  |  Last update: Saturday, February 7, 2026

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 fix a smelly dryer?

  • Clean the Drum: - Vinegar Solution: Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the inside of the dryer drum and wipe it down with a clean cloth. Vinegar helps neutralize odors.
  • Run a Cleaning Cycle: - If your dryer has a cleaning cycle, run it empty on a high heat setting. This can he

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.

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 do you refresh a smelly tumble dryer?

Spray or dip a cloth into a non-abrasive cleaning product or a solution of white vinegar and water. Wipe over the whole of the drum and the inside of the door. Leave the door open to let it dry. Use the same solution to wipe down the front, sides and back of the machine to keep everything looking tip-top.

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How can I freshen up my tumble dryer?

If you're dealing with a smelly tumble dryer, try these solutions to keep it fresh:
  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 not smell fresh after tumble drying?

If you haven't used the appliance for a while, certain unpleasant smells can start to crawl their way through the appliance drum. Cleaning the tumble dryer with a care product will keep odours away and ensure your load comes out perfectly dry every time.

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 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.

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 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 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 can I make my washer and dryer smell better?

To eliminate odors in your washing machine, run a hot cycle with 2 cups of white vinegar to kill bacteria and break down odors. Then, run another hot cycle with 1/2 cup of baking soda to neutralize any remaining odors.

How to make your 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.”

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.

Should I use dryer sheets?

Should I use dryer sheets? It depends on the load. Dryer sheets work well for most everyday items made of natural fibers, such as cotton shirts, pants and socks, but it's best to avoid using dryer sheets on athleticwear & microfiber, towels, flame-resistant clothing and water-repellent fabric.

How do I get the funky smell out of my dryer?

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 do you clean and freshen a dryer?

If your dryer is electric, rub the drum with a soft cloth dipped in warm water and dish soap. For a gas dryer, wipe down the inside with a liquid, nonflammable household cleaner. Then, for gas or electric, wipe out the drum with a wet sponge or towel and tumble a load of clean clothes or towels to dry the drum.

Why is my dryer so smelly?

One of the most common culprits behind a smelly dryer is lint buildup (we know it's the main culprit for almost anything dryer-related!). While most of us regularly clean the lint screen, lint can accumulate in harder-to-reach areas, which can trap moisture and begin to smell musty or mildewy.

How do people get their laundry to smell so good?

Using Fabric Softener:

Fabric softeners are specially designed to add a soft, pleasant scent to your clothes while reducing static and making them feel cozy. Simply add fabric softener to your laundry during the rinse cycle and let it work its magic.

Is there anything you shouldn't put in the dryer?

1. Items that use spandex (bras, gym clothes, swimwear etc.) Spandex and other elastic materials are great for wearing comfort, but they often don't do that well in a dryer. The high temperatures can damage the material, breaking it down and ruining the shape of your clothes.

How to fix a smelly tumble dryer?

Wipe down the interior

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. Don't forget that if your fluff filter is clogged, or damaged, your tumble dryer will not work at its optimum.

Can I put scent boosters in the dryer?

Scent boosters go in the washer drum before inserting your garments or linens. Do not put laundry scent boosters in the dryer as you risk starting a dryer fire. Scent boosters dissolve by liquid, not hot air.

Why does my laundry smell bad after drying?

The answer lies in three main culprits: trapped moisture, poor ventilation, and mould growth. Trapped moisture occurs when clothes are not dried properly, leaving excess moisture that gives rise to that damp smell.

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