Ways to Banish Mildew Smell in Dryer

Dealing with a mildew smell coming from your dryer can be unpleasant and concerning. That musty, damp odor signals excess moisture and possible mold growth inside your appliance. Left unchecked, mildew buildup can lead to ruined laundry loads, damage to your dryer, and potential health issues if inhaled regularly. Fortunately, with some investigation and elbow grease, you can banish that bothersome mildew stench for good.

With the proper knowledge and products on hand, you can keep your dryer fresh and mildew-free for years to come.

Identify Source of Mildew Smell in Dryer

Before tackling a mildew issue, it's important to pinpoint exactly where it's coming from. Tracing the odor's origin will allow you to target problem areas directly. Here are a few common culprits of mildew smells inside a clothes dryer:

Location of Mildew Growth

Mildew tends to thrive in dark, damp places with limited airflow. Inside your dryer, pay close attention to the drum, door seals, ducts, and lint screen housing. These areas don't fully dry out between cycles, allowing mold and mildew to take hold if moisture lingers.

Impact of Moisture and Heat

When you wash clothes, excess water gets spun out in the washer but items remain damp going into the dryer. As heat is applied during drying, some moisture evaporates but some remains trapped in fabrics. Over time, this creates an environment suited for mildew growth if ventilation is inadequate.

Common Culprits for Mildew Odor

• Wet loads left in dryer too long before drying
• Clogged lint trap or vent hose
• Kinked or bent vent hose
• Failing to clean dryer interior regularly
• Not allowing dryer drum to fully dry out between uses

Thoroughly Clean Inside of Dryer

Once you've identified the source of the mildew smell, it's time to thoroughly clean the interior of your dryer. This will remove existing mold and mildew growths along with built-up lint and debris that allows smelly spores to thrive.

Unplug Dryer and Remove Lint Trap

Start by unplugging your dryer from the electrical outlet for safety, then pulling out the lint trap. Use a small brush or old toothbrush to dislodge dirt and lint stuck inside the trap housing. Remove any visible clumps of lint within the dryer body with your hands or a vacuum hose.

Wipe Down Drum, Ducts, Seals with Hot Water and Vinegar

Mix equal parts hot water and distilled white vinegar, then dip clean cloths or rags into this solution. Carefully wipe down the dryer drum, rear ductwork, door edges and seals. Vinegar is a natural deodorizer that helps eliminate mildew smells. Be sure to get into crevices and corners where moisture can hide.

Use Brush to Access Tight Spaces

Use a narrow lint brush, old toothbrush, or pipe cleaner to dislodge debris in hard-to-reach areas. Remove any lint, dirt, or gunk buildup you find, which serves as "food" to feed mold growth. Getting rid of this material eliminates resources mildew needs to thrive inside your dryer.

Dry All Areas Completely

It's critical to fully dry your dryer's interior after cleaning. Lingering moisture allows mildew and mold to quickly return. Place dry towels inside the dryer drum and run a short cycle to absorb excess dampness. Or allow the dryer several hours to air dry with the door propped open before using again.

Tackle Mildew Buildup

In addition to a thorough scrub-down, dealing with established mildew growth requires some stronger techniques to destroy spores and eliminate difficult stains and smells.

Create Baking Soda Paste

For set-in mildew stains in your dryer drum, seals, or ductwork, make a paste with baking soda and water. The abrasive texture lifts stains while the alkaline composition inhibits mold and mildew regrowth.

Generously Apply to Affected Areas

Use an old toothbrush, lint brush, sponge or rag to apply a thick layer of baking soda paste anywhere you see mildew stains or detect a musty odor. The paste's grittiness scrubs away stubborn buildup when wiped.

Allow Paste to Sit Before Wiping Away

Let the baking soda paste sit for at least 15 minutes up to a few hours. This allows the solution time to penetrate and loosen mildew stains and neutralize musty odors. After sufficient dwell time, use a clean rag or sponge to wipe away.

Repeat as Needed for Stubborn Buildup

If mildew stains or smells linger after your initial baking soda treatment, repeat the paste application process. Severe mildew issues may require several rounds of scrubbing and sit time to fully eliminate years of exposure.

Prevent Future Mildew Growth

After tackling existing mildew issues in your dryer, it's wise to adopt some preventative habits moving forward. With increased awareness and minor routine adjustments, you can avoid problematic mold and mildew growths coming back.

Quickly Remove Wet Loads

When a cycle finishes, promptly remove laundered items instead of allowing damp fabrics to sit. This reduces available moisture for mildew spores to feed on. Even 15 extra minutes in a humid drum invites mold issues.

Frequently Change Lint Trap

Clear the lint trap before every load, without exception. Lint buildup blocks airflow, trapping heat and moisture - two essentials for mildew to multiply rapidly.

Periodically Sanitize with Bleach

Every few months, perform a sanitizing bleach wash cycle to kill lingering mildew spores. This inhibits future colony growth and the accompanying musty smell inside your dryer.

Leave Door Open When Not in Use

Avoid closing the dryer door between drying loads. Keeping it open allows ventilated air movement to evaporate moisture and dry out the drum fully.

Have Ducts Professionally Cleaned

Lint and debris inevitably accumulate inside dryer ductwork, reducing airflow. Schedule annual duct cleaning services to remove this material before clogs trigger vent moisture that feeds mildew growth.

Here are a few key tips to remember that help prevent problematic mildew odor in your clothes dryer:

• Clean the lint trap before every load without fail
• Never leave damp clothes sitting in the drum for extended periods
• Occasionally sanitize the dryer drum with bleach or other antimicrobial cleaners
• Inspect ductwork for lint buildup or kinks that can trap moisture
• Always make sure previously washed items are properly dried before transferring to the dryer

Catching mildew growth early and staying vigilant with preventative habits will keep your dryer fresh for years. But if smells do arise again, refer back to these proven cleaning tips and solutions to permanently banish that bothersome mildew odor.