How to remove odor from a dryer?

Have you noticed a foul odor coming from your dryer? Don't worry—it's completely normal and easy to get rid of. Let's explore why your dryer smells, how to eliminate it, and which parts of your "home helper" need cleaning.

Making the stench disappear

There's a universal way to eliminate odors in a dryer. It works if the dryer is thoroughly cleaned first. What does this mean? Before the procedure, be sure to empty the lint filter, wash the drain hose, and remove dust from the heat exchanger.

A solution of citric acid helps remove odors from the dryer.

Take 100 grams of citric acid and pour it into a 200 ml glass. Next, fill the container to the brim with boiling water. Stir the solution and cool to room temperature.

Then you need to soak a clean cloth in the resulting solution and wipe:

• the inner surface of the dryer drum;
• filter seat;
• heat exchanger installation area;
• other internal surfaces that can be reached by hand.

Once you've finished processing, wait until the dryer is completely dry. Then, run a cycle with a small load of laundry. This will eliminate the odor in 90% of cases.

Cleaning the lint trap

Wiping the inside of the dryer with a citric acid solution is useless if any of the dryer's components haven't been cleaned in a while. Therefore, before cleaning, be sure to remove any dirt. The lint filter is a good place to check first.

The filter element collects dust generated during drying of clothes. It is recommended to clean the lint filter after each use of the dryer. Otherwise, your "home assistant" will work more and more slowly each time. A clogged container will also cause an unpleasant odor.

Some brands of dryers, such as Miele, have two lint filters. They are located in the drum door area. When cleaning the elements, remove debris from both the filters and the perforated tongue.

After removing lint, be sure to rinse the filter screens under running water. Wipe the container itself with a damp cloth. Dryer filter elements can be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner.

If your dryer is connected to a drain, flush the drain hose. Dirt can accumulate on its walls, which can cause an unpleasant odor.

Filter element near the heat exchanger

The next step is to clean the filter located near the heat exchanger. It's hidden behind a small cover in the base of the dryer, directly under the loading door. Whether it's on the right or left depends on the model.

Most dryers have a very easy filter removal process—just pull the special handle and remove the element. Next, rinse the element under running water, wring it out, dry it, and return it to its original position.

Be sure to dry the base filter completely. Do not return it to the machine while it's damp, as this will damage the appliance. Wipe the handle that attaches to the filter element and the outer cover separately.

Removing dust from the heat exchanger

The dryer's heat exchanger should be completely cleaned approximately once a month. If the dryer is used heavily, it should be cleaned more often. If the dryer is used only once every 4-5 days, the interval between cleanings can be extended.

Be sure to clean the heat exchanger, as dust and other debris accumulate in it.

Why is it so important to remember to clean the heat exchanger? A dust-clogged element will not only prolong the drying time but can also cause the appliance to malfunction. It also often causes an unpleasant odor.

To clean the heat exchanger, you need to:

• de-energize the dryer;
• wait until the device cools down (if the machine was working before);
• cover the floor around the dryer with rags (in case water spills from the machine when removing the element);
• find the technical hatch door, behind which the heat exchanger is “hidden” (its location will depend on the model of the dryer, usually at the bottom of the body, in front);
• open the door and turn the two locking levers towards each other;
• remove the top cover of the heat exchanger;
• remove the element itself from the dryer.

Next, rinse the heat exchanger under running water. Afterwards, if necessary, you can wipe it with a cloth. Do not use brushes or sponges with an abrasive surface, as they may damage the component.

Be sure to also clean the heat exchanger seat and sealing rubber. There's no need to wait for the part to dry completely—just let the water drain. Next, replace the element, close the lid, and return the locking levers to their original positions.

If you notice your laundry smelling bad after drying, don't panic. Cleaning your dryer is quite simple—any homeowner can do it. Empty the lint filter, rinse the heat exchanger, and wipe the insides of the machine with a citric acid solution. In the vast majority of cases, this will solve the problem.

   

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