Pulling fresh-smelling clothes straight from the dryer is a laundry highlight but dryer odor can make even the cleanest clothes smell awful. Why does my tumble dryer smell bad? Smelly mildew can accumulate on clothes if they sit in the washer or dryer for too long. Determine the source of Bosch dryer smells and how to eliminate them with these troubleshooting tips.
3 Reasons Why Your Bosch Dryer Smells
While bad odors may seem strange, burning, mildew, and even rotten smells can be common problems. Before we detail how to remove these odors with a thorough cleaning, here’s why your Bosch dryer smells bad.
Dryer Smells of Burning
When your Bosch tumble dryer smells of burning it may be in danger of overheating, requiring immediate action. While the problem usually has a simple solution, ignoring the odor could lead to a dangerous dryer fire.
Use these tips to inspect your dryer when it smells like burning:
- Check the lint screen: If your dryer takes forever to dry and smells like burning, check the lint screen and lint trap. A full lint screen can restrict airflow inside the dryer, resulting in overheating. Always empty the screen after each drying cycle to prevent a buildup of lint. Regularly vacuum out the lint trap to remove any debris.
- Inspect the dryer vent: Even when the lint screen is cleaned regularly, lint can find its way to the dryer vent and accumulate over time. If your dryer has a burning smell, clogged vents may be restricting airflow. Disconnect the vent from the wall and dryer and inspect it for clogs, vacuuming out any lint. Be sure to reconnect the vent securely to reduce dryer noise. Also, check the external vent on the outside of your home and remove any blockages.
- Assess the electrical cord: A shorted wire in the dryer’s electrical cord can also cause a burning smell. Turn off the dryer’s circuit breaker and check the cord for black or burnt marks that could indicate a short. A damaged electrical cord must be replaced.
Dryer Mildew Smell
Why does the inside of my dryer stink like mold and mildew? These smelly byproducts can develop on wet clothes if they sit in the washer or dryer for too long. Unfortunately, mold and mildew aren’t destroyed by the dryer’s heat and can transfer to the dryer drum. Even the lint from these clothes can smell like mildew, creating a bad odor from the lint screen.
To prevent mildew, remove wet clothes from the washer and start a drying cycle as soon as possible. Clean the lint screen regularly to remove lint that may have a bad odor. As sweaty clothes are more likely to develop mildew, wash them in hot water. Try using DIY dryer sheets with a washcloth and vinegar to reduce odor.
Rotten Smell Inside Dryer
Are you wondering why my dryer smells like something died in it? Unfortunately, this odor means something likely did. Small animals and rodents can enter the dryer’s external vent opening and nest inside the warm vent. If they die inside, it can result in a rotten odor, especially during operation.
Inspect the external vent opening and vent hose for signs of infestation, like fur, droppings, or a foreign body. If these signs can’t be reached or removed, a professional service may have to clean or replace the dryer vent.
How to Clean a Bosch Dryer
Removing the source of the odor doesn’t always eliminate Bosch dryer smells. Burning, mildew, and rotten odors can linger, requiring a thorough cleaning of the dryer drum.
Here’s how to clean a Bosch dryer to remove odor:
- Clean the lint trap: Take out the lint trap and remove any accumulated lint. Use a vacuum’s narrow hose attachment to remove lint from the lint trap housing before replacing the screen.
- Mix cleaning solution: Combine 1 cup of bleach with 1 gallon of warm water. Dip a clean rag in the solution, wring it out, and wipe down the dryer drum’s interior. Don’t forget to wipe the inside of the door as well.
- Air dry: Leave the door open for at least 30 minutes or until the interior is completely air dryer.
- Remove bleach residue: With a separate cloth dampened with just water, wipe away any bleach residue from the drum and door. Allow to air dry again.
- Use vinegar for lingering odor: Spray a few towels with white vinegar and toss them in the dryer on a quick-drying cycle. This will eliminate lingering smells as well as any bleach odor.
Do persistent Bosch dryer smells still remain? Contact the experts at Advance Appliance Service for a professional assessment.
