Why does my dryer smell? 5 culprits and DIY tips
By Evan Crowther•Last updated Aug 10, 2023
Last updated Aug 10, 2023
The last thing you want to ask yourself while doing laundry is, “Why does my dryer smell?”
Unpleasant dryer odors can be the result of several different issues. In this article, we’ll explore common smells you might notice coming from your dryer, how to fix them and when to contact a dryer repair professional.
5 reasons why your dryer smells
Sometimes, you can fix strange odors with a simple DIY repair. Other times, a bad smell may point to a more serious problem, and you should hire a professional.
Read your owner's manual to see whether it can help you troubleshoot the issue. If you're stuck, here are some DIY repair tips for common problems 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 right away.
The smell of smoke or burning coming from your dryer can be alarming. The most common cause of 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 can create 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 clean the exhaust vent and make sure 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, fungi like mold and mildew can thrive in the dark, damp environment. A moldy smell can also come from hard water or from 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 can help 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 create excess 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:
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.
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