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Clothes Dryer Smells Moldy

What to do When Your Clothes Dryer Smells Musty

When your clothes dryer smells like mildew or even moldy, it can be a warning sign of an issue with your dryer vent system. Your local Dryer Vent Wizard® service professionals will help identify and resolve vent blockages, moisture buildup, and mold growth quickly and effectively.

What to do When Your Clothes Dryer Smells Musty
Female homeowner pulling clothes out of dryer.

How to Eliminate Damp Clothes or Dryer Odor

If your clothes dryer stinks, try cleaning inside your dryer drum with a solution of warm water and detergent to remove any mildew or mold buildup. If your next load still comes out smelling off, schedule service with Dryer Vent Wizard services to ensure you don’t have any underlying issues with your dryer system.

Male dryer vent cleaning professional holding dryer door open while speaking with female homeowner.

  • Dryer Vent Cleaning

    A load of laundry contains more than a half gallon of water. When your dryer vent is clogged with lint or debris, airflow is restricted, preventing moisture from escaping. This creates ideal conditions for mold and mildew growth, potentially leading to health hazards and a dryer which smells moldy. Professional dryer vent cleaning improves the efficiency of your dryer vent system and reduces any dryer odor problems.

  • Lint Screen and Trap Cleaning

    Cleaning the lint screen and trap helps combat damp clothing and moldy smells. Regularly cleaning these dryer parts reduces obstructions, promotes proper airflow, and helps clothes fully dry in a single cycle. Addressing the root cause when your clothes dryer smells like mildew will reduce the likelihood of these unpleasant smells returning.

Schedule Your Dryer Vent Service

If your clothes dryer smells like mildew or you're dealing with persistent dryer odor issues, contact your local Dryer Vent Wizard team to schedule a dryer vent service appointment. All our services are backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise®, ensuring you'll be satisfied with our work.

This article is intended for general guidance only and is not applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property and situation. Dryer Vent Wizard is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of advice and/or guidance derived from its blog content. 

Some Dryer vent Wizard services vary by location. Contact your local Dryer Vent Wizard franchise for more information.

FAQs About Clothes and Dryer Smell

Dryer Vent Wizard is the name homeowners and businesses trust to keep their dryer vent system running optimally and their laundry area safe from potential fire hazards. Our commitment to customer satisfaction also includes applying our industry knowledge and years of experience to answer your questions. Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about when your clothes dryer smells musty.

  • When your clothes dryer smells musty despite regular lint trap cleaning, the problem likely extends deeper into your vent system or you may need debris and clog removal. Lint and moisture can accumulate throughout the entire vent line, creating perfect conditions for mold growth. While cleaning the lint trap is important, professional vent cleaning addresses the hidden buildup that causes persistent odors and efficiency issues.

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