Why does my dryer smell? 5 culprits and DIY tips.

5 reasons why your dryer smells.

Sometimes, you can remedy strange odors with a simple DIY fix. Other times, these bad smells may result from a serious problem, in which case you should hire a professional.

Read your owner's manual to see if it can help you troubleshoot the problem. If you're stuck, here are some DIY repair tips for common issues that can make your dryer smell bad.

1. Burning smell.

"Why does my dryer smell burnt?" If your dryer smells like it's burning, address it ASAP.

The smell of smoke or burning coming from your dryer can be alarming. The most common cause for a burnt smell is a buildup of lint or debris in the lint trap or dryer vent. When lint and debris come into contact with the heating element, it leads to a burnt smell.

How to fix: 

• Clean the lint trap thoroughly using a vacuum cleaner hose attachment.
• Replace the lint trap after removing the lint and try the dryer again.
• If it still smells, try cleaning the exhaust vent.

If the smell persists, play it safe. Use the circuit breaker to turn off your dryer, and contact a dryer repair professional. You may also want to hire a vent and duct cleaning professional to address the exhaust vent to ensure it's lint-free.

One more important note: If you see smoke, leave the property and contact your local emergency services immediately.

2. Mildew odor.

A musty or moldy smell is usually the result of mildew growth. When moisture gets trapped in your dryer, funguses like mold and mildew can thrive in the dark, damp environment. A moldy smell can also come from hard water or simply trying to dry too much wet laundry at once.

How to fix: Clean your dryer. You can use store-bought products or white vinegar to deodorize a mildewy dryer.

• First, wipe down the dryer drum with a damp cloth.
• Wet a towel with vinegar and run it through a dryer cycle. The vinegar will remove the odor and kill the offending mold.
• Leave the door open so the interior can dry completely between drying cycles. This can help prevent the smell from returning. Air drying will make the dryer less inviting for mold.

If you discover that instead of mildew, you have a large mold problem in your dryer and laundry room, it's time to call a professional. Contact a mold remediation professional to help you get rid of the mold and unpleasant smell.

3. Rotten egg smell.

A rotten egg smell can point to a serious issue with your dryer. The pungent, sulfur-like smell can appear in gas dryers.

If you smell rotten eggs near a natural gas source, it may indicate a gas leak — in which case you should leave your home immediately and call the authorities.

How to fix: If you smell rotten eggs near your dryer, call local emergency services, the gas company and a dryer repair professional immediately. Don’t attempt to repair the issue, as natural gas can be extremely dangerous.

4. Smell of burnt rubber or plastic.

The smell of burning rubber or plastic generally indicates a mechanical issue with a belt. A loose or worn belt can slip out of position and encounter excessive friction, leading to a smell of burnt rubber.

How to fix: Sometimes, you can realign the drive belt. A DIY enthusiast with some mechanical knowledge may be able to repair or replace the belt. If you aren’t comfortable with mechanical repairs, hire a professional. 

5. Strange odors during drying cycles.

If your dryer smells bad when running, there are a few potential causes. If you’ve tried all the fixes we’ve covered, it may be your clothes or detergent.

How to fix: 

• If you only notice strange smells when you run your dryer, you may need to air dry certain clothing items.
• Any clothes you wear while working with strong-smelling chemicals could cause a strong smell when exposed to the heat of a dryer. Chemicals like motor oil and paint thinner can linger on fabrics even after washing.
• Try a different detergent or fabric softener if you’ve checked your lint screen and dryer vent.
• If you still can’t eliminate the smell, contact a professional instead.

More resources to help fix smelly dryers.

You can try checking the online resources provided by your dryer's manufacturer:

• GE dryer odors
• Samsung dryer smokes or smells
• Odors and smells in Whirlpool dryers
• What to do if you smell gas around your LG dryer

Find a dryer repair professional on Thumbtack.

If you have a persistent odor in your dryer that you can’t get rid of, get a free estimate from a local appliance or dryer repair company. These professionals specialize in appliances like dryers and washing machines and can quickly diagnose and repair your dryer.

Download the Thumbtack app today to find a professional near you.