Have you noticed that your dryer smells like mildew? You’re not alone. Mildew odors are a common problem in many dryers. The good news is there are ways to prevent and remove these unpleasant smells from your dryer. This blog post will discuss the causes of dryer smells, signs of mildew growth in your appliance, how to prevent it from happening again, and professional maintenance services for keeping it clean.
Before we dig into the details, let's discuss mold and mildew and why removing them and stopping their growth ASAP is critical! While mold is a known threat to human health and your furry friends that share your home. Most don't understand that mildew is usually a mix of mold and bacteria, and some of it can be particularly nasty to humans and pets.
Causes of Mildew Smells in Dryers
Lint Buildup
Lint buildup is one of the dryer's most common causes of mildew smells. This can be caused by various factors, such as not cleaning out the lint trap regularly or using too much fabric softener. When lint builds up inside the dryer, it traps moisture and creates an ideal mold and mildew growth environment. To prevent this from happening, make sure to clean out your lint trap after every use and avoid overusing fabric softeners.
If you think about the processes of a clothes dryer, the same exhaust system that gets rid of moisture in the clothes is also used to get rid of lint that gets through the lint trap, holding moisture in the exhaust duct.
Poor Ventilation
Poor ventilation can also lead to mildew smells in dryers and the laundry room. If your exhaust vent is blocked or clogged with debris, it will cause warm air to become trapped inside the machine, leading to excessive moisture accumulation. Moisture accumulation is a common cause of mildew smells in dryers. This can happen if there isn’t enough airflow within the machine or if the water reservoir after each cycle has finished running is not completely emptied. Make sure all drain hoses are not partially clogged.
Signs of Mildew in Your Dryer
Visible Mold Growth
One of the most obvious signs of mildew in your dryer is visible mold growth. This may appear as black or green spots on the drum or other surfaces inside the appliance. If you notice any discoloration, it’s best to take action immediately before it spreads further. It's also wise to inspect your washing machine regularly since it's more prone to growing mold and mildew than your dryer. The growth of mold and mildew may start with the washing machine.
The laundry room is a hotspot for mold and mildew growth. Constant use of water in the washing machine and a dryer that's changing water into water vapor. This means an increase in humidity levels in the air. I'm not sure why it's not standard to have exhaust vents in laundry rooms as they are in bathrooms with showers. Any while we're talking showers, check the drain for musty odors. We have a full article on correcting issues associated with shower drain odors.
They should be installed in the laundry room, also. If that's not feasible, maybe placing a small dehumidifier in the laundry room is a better option for you and your situation. However, it needs day-to-day monitoring to empty the reservoir.
Musty Odors
Another common sign of mold or mildew in your dryer is a musty odor inside the appliance when running or after use. This smell indicates mold and bacteria could grow in the machine and should not be ignored as this could lead to more serious problems if left untreated. Cleaning is a must.
How to Prevent Mildew Smells in Your Dryer
Clean the Lint Trap Regularly
Cleaning the lint trap regularly prevents mildew smells from forming in your dryer. Make sure you clean out the lint trap after every load of laundry, as this will help reduce moisture buildup inside the drum and exhaust duct, which can lead to mold growth. Also, check behind the lint filter for any accumulated excess build-up over time.
Check and Clean the Exhaust Vent Regularly
The exhaust vent should also be checked and cleaned regularly as it can become clogged with debris or dirt, preventing the hot air from exhausting outside the home and increasing humidity levels, leading to mold growth in the machine and laundry room.
Leaving the door open after use allows air circulation within the drum, reducing moisture levels and decreasing the chances of mildew formation.
How to Remove Mildew Smells from Your Dryer?
Mildew smells in your dryer can be removed by using white vinegar and water to wipe down all reachable surfaces and keep the area clean and as dry as possible.
Clean the Drum with Vinegar
The first step is to clean the drum with vinegar. Use an old rag, sponge, or even spray bottle to spread vinegar onto the inside of the drum. Let it sit for 10 minutes before wiping away any residue with another damp cloth or paper towel. This will help eliminate odors while cleaning out any dirt or grime that may have built up over time.
Use an Odor-Eliminating Product on the Drum and Vents
After cleaning out the drum, you should also use an odor-eliminating product on the drum's interior and all vents leading outside your home (including those behind your dryer). These products are designed specifically to neutralize odors caused by mold growth, so they’re perfect for this job. Be sure to follow all instructions listed on each product carefully before using them to ensure maximum effectiveness against mildew smells.
Run an Empty Cycle with White Vinegar
Finally, run an empty cycle with only sprayed white vinegar inside your dryer once you’ve completed the abovementioned steps. This will likely make your laundry room smell strongly of vinegar. This will help further deodorize any lingering mildew smells that may remain after using other methods previously discussed today. Spray the inside of the dryer just as you did before and let it run. Don't add an excess amount; only use enough to lightly coat the surface inside of the drum.
Professional Dryer Maintenance Services
Professional dryer maintenance services are essential for running your dryer safely and efficiently. A thorough cleaning of the lint trap, exhaust vent, and drum is necessary to remove any debris blocking airflow or causing moisture accumulation. This can help prevent mildew smells from developing in your home. Additionally, a professional inspection should be done to check for leaks, blockages, or other issues that could cause problems with the performance of your dryer. If any parts need to be replaced due to wear and tear or damage, they can do this as part of their service.
Having an appliance repair man come out once a year will cost about 150 dollars a year for them to inspect and clean your washer and dryer, but not having them come and perform maintenance annually can cost untold thousands in damages from mold, mildew, and water damage in your laundry room.
The worst part is most don't know this is happening to their home until it's too late.
Conclusion
Removing the smell and restoring your appliance immediately is important if your dryer emits mildew odors. Professional dryer maintenance services are available to help you identify the source of the odor and provide solutions for removing it. With their expertise, you can ensure that your dryer will remain free from mildew smells so that it continues to work properly for years to come.
Damage Control 911 is a water damage restoration and mold remediation contractor in Orlando, Florida. We can help identify the source of your issue and provide effective solutions to eliminate any potential health risks from hazardous odors or airborne contaminants.
