How to remove the smell of moisture in clothes (when you use a dryer)

If your dryer starts to stink after a while, it’s not something that’s just unpleasant for your nose. Also there is a risk that the musty smell will spread to the clothes, which will not come out of the dryer drum smelling fresh and clean.

If the dryer starts to smell bad, deposits have most likely formed inside the device as a result of use. Bacteria and fungi (mold) thrive in these deposits, which then produce odor through their metabolism. The same thing happens, by the way, if the dishwasher or washing machine smell bad.

How to remove the musty smell from clothes when it comes out of the dryer

1. Start by cleaning the interior

In these cases, thorough cleaning of the device helps, especially, of course, in the areas where germs accumulate most easily.

Thoroughly clean the interior of the dryer with a damp sponge and an eco-friendly cleaning agent. Also clean the door and make sure no dirt remains in any crevices or creases. You should not clean rubber parts with vinegar, as the acid can attack the material.

2. Reasons why the dryer can smell bad

Most dryers have a collection tank or condenser that captures moisture which is removed from the laundry as it dries (other models have a wastewater drain). This collection tank must be emptied regularly, preferably directly after each drying process.

If you don’t empty the bin routinely, there will always be fluid in it and this promotes mold growth, responsible for the typical musty smell.

If possible, allow the collection tank to dry completely after emptying it, and clean it if it is dirty. Also, if the condensation container is not emptied regularly, filling up can stop the drying process.

3. The dryer smells like burning

If the dryer smells slightly burning, dust or lint may be the culprit. They have probably gotten into parts of the device where heat is generated.

You can remedy this by dusting the back of the dryer well and completely emptying the lint filter. A full fluff filter can also become a breeding ground for germs and therefore odours.

The lint filter should be cleaned after each drying cycle to protect the device and ensure gentle drying.

If you have the impression that the smell is coming from damaged electronic components, stop using the device. until it has been examined by a professional and repaired if necessary.

Other causes of bad smell in clothes

Some dryer models have an exhaust hose. If it is dirty, it may be the reason for the unpleasant smell. Disassemble and clean the hose.

New devices may smell of chemicals at first (“new” smell). If the odor does not go away after a few uses, contact the manufacturer

If you have a heat pump dryer, a dirty heat exchanger may be the reason for the problem. On many devices it can be removed from the machine for cleaning with a damp cloth, if necessary.

How to avoid bad odors

To avoid overloads and bad smells, do not put dirty clothes in the dryer that already smells bad in itself. If possible, avoid fabric softeners. Not only are they an unnecessary burden on the environment, they mask unpleasant odors and delay problem solving.Always leave the dryer door open for a while after drying so that as much moisture as possible evaporates from the inside and does not remain in the appliance.Your clothes smell more damp the longer they stay in the drum after drying, because no fresh air reaches the clothes. Therefore, take the clothes out of the dryer as soon as possible.Don’t leave clothes in the washing machine too long after washing, put them quickly in the dryer. Wet clothes start to smell bad after a while, an effect that the dryer can’t reverse.Various manufacturers offer so-called dryer balls, The balls are placed in the dryer and promise to leave clothes smelling pleasant. However, dirt on the device can only be covered, and not removed in this way. The same applies to so-called drying wipes, which are also intended to neutralize odors. From an environmental and hygiene perspective, both products are not necessary.Unlike washing machines and dishwashers, tumble dryers do not have to be descaled. The moisture that accumulates in the condensation tank is condensed water that no longer contains scale.

Save energy with the dryer

If you use your dryer frequently, The following tips can help you save greenhouse gases and energy:

If possible, always fully load the dryer.Do not mix fast-drying clothes with slow ones (thicker ones). The dryer continues to run until all the clothes have been dried. In this way you can considerably reduce the drying time.If available, use the eco mode of the dryer. Even if it lasts longer, it is cheaper.If you want to iron after drying, the “iron dry” setting It’s enough.If one or two pieces of laundry do not come out dry enoughit is better to hang them briefly over the back of the nearest chair than to turn the machine back on.