5 Reasons Why Your Dryer Is Making Your Clothes Stink and What to Do About It

1. Lint Buildup

A good first step when dealing with smelly laundry is to inspect the lint trap. When too much lint collects, it can block airflow, making it harder for clothes to dry fully. This restricted airflow can create a damp environment where mold and bacteria thrive, often the source of unpleasant odors. It’s also worth checking the dryer vent outside your home, as lint can build up there too, further affecting drying performance and contributing to musty smells.

How to Fix It

The good news is that resolving this issue is simple and a smart first step in figuring out what’s causing your laundry to smell. Start by thoroughly cleaning the lint trap and clearing any buildup from the outside dryer vent. If lint has accumulated deep within the venting system, it might be more difficult to remove on your own—in that case, reaching out to a local technician who specializes in dryer vent cleaning can help.

2. Damp Clothes

That unpleasant, musty odor that sometimes clings to clothes? It often comes from moisture that wasn’t fully removed during drying. If the dryer cycle is too short, the lint filter is packed with debris, or the machine wasn’t actually started, your laundry might not dry completely. Overloading the dryer can also prevent proper drying, leaving clothes damp and smelly.

How to Fix It

To solve this problem, ensure each item is fully dry before taking it out of the dryer. As you fold your laundry, feel for any damp spots—heavier pieces or thick sections like waistbands may need more time. SD Appliance Repair. If drying seems slower than usual, give the lint filter a quick clean to help improve airflow and efficiency.

3. An Unwelcome Guest

Sometimes, the outdoor dryer vent can attract small animals looking for shelter. If a nest is built inside or, in a worse scenario, an animal doesn’t make it out, unpleasant odors can travel back through the vent and into your dryer, leaving your laundry with a foul smell.

How to Fix It

This situation is best handled by a trained professional. Dealing with animals—living or dead—requires safety equipment and knowledge of how to handle them properly. A local wildlife expert can take care of the removal and nest cleanup. Once that’s done, it’s a good idea to bring in a dryer technician to thoroughly clean out the vents and ducts—unless the wildlife service already includes that step.

4. Dryer Odor

In some cases, a foul odor coming from your dryer could be due to mold or mildew developing inside. This often occurs when excess lint collects or when clothing carries leftover detergent from the wash. Even after clearing the lint trap and vent, the inside of the dryer might still hold onto unpleasant smells that end up on freshly cleaned clothes.

How to Fix It

To get rid of the odor, it’s important to give the inside of the dryer a good cleaning. Mix either vinegar or bleach with water—never both—and use a clean cloth to wipe down all interior surfaces. Afterward, leave the door open, so the inside can fully air out. Once dry, go over it again with a damp cloth to remove any remaining residue, then allow it to dry completely one more time.

5. It Might Not Be the Dryer at All

Occasionally, the source of bad smells in your laundry isn’t the dryer but the washing machine itself. If you’ve ruled out dryer-related causes and your clothes still have an unpleasant odor, it’s worth inspecting the washer. Common issues include leaving damp clothes inside for extended periods, mold or mildew developing in the machine, and detergent residue accumulating from using too much soap during washing.

How to Fix It

If your washing machine emits a foul or sewage-like smell, beginning with a thorough cleaning is key. Be sure to scrub all the hard-to-reach spots, then run a hot water cycle using baking soda and vinegar to help eliminate odors. If the problem continues, consider contacting a local plumber to inspect the drain and plumbing system, as the source of the smell might be coming from there.

When to Call a Pro

If you suspect an animal has made a home in your dryer vent, it’s best to leave the removal to a specialist. Similarly, a burning smell coming from the dryer is a serious warning that something may be wrong with the heating component or ventilation system. In either case, contacting an SD Appliance Repair professional promptly is the safest course of action.