No More Stinky Clothes: How to Get Mildew Smell Out of Dryer Today!
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- čas přidán 10. 07. 2024
- Here's a step-by-step guide on how to get mildew smell out of your dryer. By the end of this video, you'll be breathing easy and your laundry will smell fresher than ever!
Things you need...
White vinegar - fave.co/3rTjWMc
Vacuum cleaner - fave.co/45GuX1a
Mildew-removing solution - fave.co/3QqALau
Fabric softener sheets - fave.co/3tI7sHN
Dryer vent cleaning kit - fave.co/3QrenxS
This channel contains affiliate links which means we might get a commission if you make a purchase, without any additional cost to you.
Now that you have all your tools and materials ready, let's get rid of that awful smell...
Step 1: Empty the dryer
Alright, let's dive in! First things first, you need to empty the dryer of any clothes or other items. This gives you easy access to all areas of the dryer and ensures you won't get any cleaning solution on your clothes. Also, don't forget to wash those items with a mildew-removing solution, or leave them outside to air out if they still have a mildew smell.
Step 2: Clean the dryer drum
Now, let's get to the heart of the matter - the dryer drum. This is where the clothes are placed during the drying process, and it's one of the main culprits behind mildew growth. Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a bucket or container, then use a cloth or sponge to apply the solution to the inside of the drum. Make sure to get into all those nooks and crannies! Then, wipe away any excess solution, dirt, or grime with a clean cloth or paper towels.
Step 3: Wipe down the door seal and other areas
The door seal and other areas of the dryer can also harbor mildew, contributing to that pesky musty smell. So, let's tackle those spots! Using the same vinegar solution from before, scrub the door seal and any other areas that may be dirty or have visible mildew growth. Don't forget those crevices and corners! Finally, wipe away any excess solution, dirt, or grime.
Step 4: Air out the dryer
Now, let's let the dryer breathe a little! Leave the door open and let the drum and other surfaces dry completely. This will help kill any remaining mildew spores and remove lingering odors. If possible, do this on a sunny day to speed up the drying process. Remember, don't run the dryer until it's completely dry - you don't want to risk starting a fire!
Step 5: Vacuum the exhaust hose and lint screen area
Time to break out the vacuum cleaner! The exhaust hose and lint screen can become clogged with lint and debris, preventing airflow and leading to mildew growth. Locate the exhaust hose and lint screen on your dryer, and use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to suck out any lint or debris. Be careful not to damage these parts while vacuuming, and replace them if they're damaged or excessively clogged.
Step 6: Run a cycle with a damp towel or fabric softener sheets
Moving on, let's freshen up that dryer! Place either a damp towel or a few sheets of fabric softener in the dryer drum, along with a mildew-removing solution or an odor-removing laundry product. Close the door and run a normal drying cycle on low or medium heat. The heat will help evaporate any remaining smells, while the damp towel or fabric softener sheets absorb the odors. But remember - don't overstuff the dryer or use a high-heat setting, as this could potentially cause a fire!
Step 7: Air out the dryer again
After the cycle, let's give the dryer another chance to breathe. Leave the door open and allow the drum and other surfaces to air out for a few hours or overnight. This will help ensure that any lingering odors are completely gone.
Step 8: Clean the lint screen
Next up, let's tackle that lint screen! Remove the screen from your dryer and locate any lint or debris that may have accumulated on it. Use a brush or a vacuum cleaner hose to remove the lint or debris, and then place the screen back in its designated spot.
Step 9: Clean the exhaust vent
Now, it's time to clean the exhaust vent. You'll need a dryer vent cleaning kit for this step, which you can find at a hardware store or online. These kits come with brushes and other tools designed specifically for cleaning dryer vents. Follow the manufacturer's instructions, paying extra attention to any particularly clogged or dirty areas. Be careful not to damage the exhaust vent while cleaning it.
Step 10: Run a high-heat cycle with towels or sheets
Last but not least, let's kill any remaining mildew spores that may still be lurking in the dryer. Place a load of towels or sheets in the dryer drum and set the heat setting to high. Close the door and run a normal drying cycle. Just be cautious not to overstuff the dryer or use a high heat setting for any heat-sensitive items that may shrink or get damaged.
And there you have it! You've successfully learned how to get mildew smell out of your dryer in 10 simple steps. Your dryer should now smell fresh and clean, and your clothes will be free of that musty odor. - Jak na to + styl
Things you need...
White vinegar - fave.co/3rTjWMc
Vacuum cleaner - fave.co/45GuX1a
Mildew-removing solution - fave.co/3QqALau
Fabric softener sheets - fave.co/3tI7sHN
Dryer vent cleaning kit - fave.co/3QrenxS
This channel contains affiliate links which means we might get a commission if you make a purchase, without any additional cost to you.
This is one if the BEST videos I've seen for cleaning! Thank you, I'm showing this to my bf
Thanks for the kind words.
With that water and vinegar mixture you said to spray in the drum, will your clothes end up smelling like vinegar?
Thank you, sir, for making this video. Can’t wait to try out your tips on the dryer at work. Towels and mattress covers smell terrible after coming out of the dryer. God bless you. You have a great voice.
Thanks for the kind words.
Thanks for the video. Planning to try this soon. I’m moving into a high rise apartment complex, and the dryer has a fabric softener smell even though it hasn’t been used in a month. Any idea why a laundry scent would linger there? Could it be from other tenants’ dryers?
You[re welcome!
There are several reasons why a fabric softener smell might linger in a dryer, especially in a high-rise apartment complex:
Residual Fabric Softener: Fabric softener sheets or liquid softeners can leave a residual scent on the dryer drum. This scent can be quite persistent and last for a while, even if the dryer hasn't been used recently. Some fabric softener fragrances are designed to be long-lasting, so a residual smell is not uncommon.
Ventilation Shared with Other Units: In some high-rise complexes, dryer ventilation systems can be interconnected or share a common exhaust duct. If this is the case, the scents from one apartment's laundry can potentially permeate other apartments' dryers. The smells might be carried through the ventilation system and be noticeable in your own dryer.
Dryer Filters: Lint traps and filters can retain residues from fabric softeners and detergents. Even if the dryer hasn't been used recently, the lint trap might still be holding onto some of that scent.
Moisture: If there's any lingering moisture in the dryer, it can help to "lock in" and preserve certain smells. High humidity or a lack of complete drying can contribute to this.
Residual Lint: Lint can get trapped in various parts of the dryer, not just the lint trap. This trapped lint can hold onto scents and release them over time.
To mitigate the scent:
Clean the Dryer: Wipe down the interior of the dryer with a mild detergent or white vinegar solution. This can help remove any residues causing the scent.
Vacuum and Clean the Lint Trap: Clean the lint trap thoroughly, and consider using a vacuum to get into any crevices or deeper sections of the lint trap area.
Run an Empty Load: Consider running an empty dryer cycle with a few clean, damp cloths and a cup of white vinegar. This can help to neutralize odors.
Check the Ventilation: Ensure your dryer's vent is clear of any blockages and is venting properly. If the vents are shared, there might not be much you can do about smells from other apartments, but making sure your own vent is clear can help.
Consider Using Dryer Balls: If you want to avoid adding additional scents, you can use wool or rubber dryer balls. They can help to soften clothes without the use of fabric softeners and can also reduce static.
If the smell persists or if you notice that it's a recurrent issue, you might want to discuss it with your apartment's management to see if there's any insight or solution they can provide.
Question, can I put clothes, towels, and blankets in the dryer to dry all at once?
You technically can throw clothes, towels, and blankets in the dryer together, but it might not be the most efficient way. Here's why:
Drying times: Clothes, towels, and blankets typically dry at different rates. Towels are thick and absorb a lot of water, so they take longer to dry than most clothes. Blankets can also be thick depending on the material. If you toss everything together, your clothes might be over-dried by the time the towels and blankets are finally ready.
Air circulation: For even drying, clothes need good air circulation in the dryer. Towels and blankets can bunch up and block airflow, especially for lighter clothes.
Here's what I recommend:
Check care labels: Always be sure to check the care labels on your clothes, towels, and blankets. Some items might not be suitable for machine drying at all.
Separate heavy items: It's best to dry towels and blankets together in a separate load from your clothes. This will ensure they all dry thoroughly without risking over-drying your clothes.
Empty the lint trap: Make sure to empty the lint trap before every load to improve airflow and drying efficiency.
By following these tips, you can get all your laundry dry without wasting time or damaging your clothes.
That's a very thorough stepped process to clean and deodorize the dryer
Thanks for the kind words.
Why would a sunny day increase the process when your dryer is in the house not in the front yard?
😂
Assuming it is near a window...?! 🤷🏽♀️🤣
Can Cleaning Vinegar be used instead of regular White Vinegar?
Yes, cleaning vinegar can be used instead of white vinegar. Here's why:
Both are effective: Both white vinegar and cleaning vinegar are acidic solutions that can kill mildew and neutralize odors.
Similar acidity: Cleaning vinegar typically has a 6% acetic acid concentration, while white vinegar is around 5%. This slight difference won't significantly impact its effectiveness in this case.
That said; if the cleaning vinegar is a higher concentration than 6%, dilute it with water before using it on the dryer.
@@getridofit thank-you!
Most of the clip was cleaning a washing machine.
My front loading dryer smells like cat piss all a sudden, but I don’t have a cat. I don’t have any animals 😅
I understand how frustrating and puzzling this must be! While a cat urine smell in a dryer without a cat is unusual, there are a few possibilities:
Possible explanations:
Sewage backup: This can happen due to clogs or blockages in the sewer line, causing a sewer smell to back up into the house and seep into appliances connected to the drain. Check for any wet spots or drains with foul odors near your dryer.
Mold or mildew: Dampness in the dryer drum or vent system can lead to mold growth, which can smell similar to ammonia, often mistaken for cat urine. Check for visible mold or condensation anywhere in the dryer, including the vent hose and exterior vent opening.
Bacterial growth: Similar to mold, bacteria can thrive in warm, moist environments. If your dryer hasn't been properly aired out, bacteria can build up and create an unpleasant odor.
Previous contamination: If the dryer was used by someone with pets before you, the smell could be lingering from a previous incident.
Chemical reaction: Certain cleaning products or laundry additives can react with other substances in your laundry or the dryer itself, creating an odd smell. Consider if you recently changed laundry detergents or used any unfamiliar cleaning products.
Steps to take:
Air out the dryer: Leave the dryer door open for several hours or even overnight to allow any trapped moisture or odors to escape.
Clean the dryer: Thoroughly clean the interior of the dryer, including the drum, lint trap, and any accessible areas of the ductwork. Use a hot, soapy water solution or a vinegar and water mix for cleaning. You can also run an empty cycle with white vinegar on a high heat setting to help neutralize odors.
Check the vent: Clean the dryer vent and ensure it's not clogged or obstructed. Consider hiring a professional if you're uncomfortable doing this yourself.
Identify the source: If the smell persists, try to identify the source. Look for any visible mold or wet spots near the dryer or in the vent system. Consider if any recent changes in your laundry routine might have contributed to the odor.
If the smell persists:
If you've tried these steps and the smell continues, it's best to consult a professional appliance repair person. They can diagnose the source of the odor and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Could be rats.
While I appreciate your video, it doesn't make sense. Please explain why if a clothes dryer is an indoor appliance, you should clean it on "a sunny day". What difference would it make to an indoor appliance if the sun is shining?
I'm sorry but I believe common sense will help with this. You take the dryer outside
@@alexisblount4606 lmfao.... i was thinking the same shit....like why wouldnt you just ...throw some shit in there and turn it on?...how much fuckin water was this person using?