How to stop a smelly dryer?

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How to stop a smelly dryer? We have a new front loader washer/dryer combo. So far I have only used the dryer function once as it smelled terrible and made all of the items smell too. The smell was retained in the fabric for a few washes. Any idea how to avoid this? Too scared to try it again for fear of the same so we are avoiding the dryer…but we are now wasting that functionality by not using it!
After washing, we leave the door open to allow the drum to dry. Thanks in advance!

Posted by Tracey, 03/09/13

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- - GemmaLaurenMary said
  - 07 Jan 2023
    10:28 pm
Get some dryer wool balls & add a couple drops of essential oil to them. Helps the washing in dryer & dryer itself, Smell Amazing!!
- - Ellen said
  - 12 Jun 2021
    6:28 am
Did you see these at coles ?
https://shop.coles.com.au/a/national/product/fluffy-tumble-dryer-sheets-field-flowers
- - Ellen said
  - 12 Jun 2021
    6:25 am
Some good tips here ! I’ve noticed the same.
- - mom165744 said
  - 15 Jan 2016
    2:31 pm
Try putting a damp towel with lavender oil or any other scent you like in the dryer and run a cycle with it.
- - mom81879 said
  - 29 Sep 2015
    3:22 pm
I have seen little sheets of scented fabric that you pop into your dryer. Makes your clothes smell yum
- - dannsbuild said
  - 28 Sep 2015
    12:17 pm
Yes some really good comments on this!
- - june11 said
  - 25 Mar 2015
    12:16 am
With an old dryer make sure the inside of it is 100% dry before closing after use. Always empty the filter after every load. It is surprising how much lint forms with every load. The filter retains some moisture after it is emptied so you can either leave the filter out to dry for awhile or leave the door open. Just make sure nobody can climb into it, and your pets can’t either.
- - crystalangela said
  - 26 Feb 2015
    9:49 pm
I would suggest a new appliance shouldn’t smell.
I would check all the filters etc. If everything is clean and nothing smells when you wash, only when you dry, check your air intake area.
Or use fabric softener sheets to put a nice scent into your load of washing.
- - keeleynme said
  - 18 Nov 2014
    4:14 pm
Would these suggestions work for an oordinary old dryer as well?
- - scottie said
  - 24 May 2014
    9:02 am
this doesn’t sound right a new appliance – talk to the store about it
- - priyachirag said
  - 18 Apr 2014
    8:48 am
Using vinegar in the final rinse should help take nasty smells away.
- - tilly said
  - 14 Apr 2014
    8:56 am
Some great answers. You can also buy those fabric things that go into the dryer they should stop the smell on the clothes.
- - memo said
  - 06 Apr 2014
    2:14 pm
a few drops of your favourite wash conditioner on a light face washer or paper towel may help.
- - yyon4699 said
  - 31 Mar 2014
    10:16 am
take out the filter and give it a good clean. make sure you dry it fully before putting it back
- - yyon4699 said
  - 30 Mar 2014
    4:56 pm
i hope you found what was causing the smell.. it could be too much dust in there
- - mummy liana said
  - 28 Mar 2014
    3:39 am
there are some good comments here
- - neenee said
  - 05 Mar 2014
    12:09 pm
Im the same as the other ladies I find wiping out the dryer with vinegar helps. Or try it in the final rinse on your clothes and see if that helps.
- - ljsalomon said
  - 26 Jan 2014
    6:51 pm
Some good advice there below.
- - tobysmummy said
  - 03 Jan 2014
    12:18 am
Oh eww! I don’t thin I could handle that!
- - kathryn said
  - 30 Dec 2013
    9:16 am
I clean my filters on both washing machine and dryer and have never had a smelly one. If it is new I would take it back or call the place where I bought it or the manufacturer.