I've been having a serious issue with my dryer lately. After returning from vacation, I discovered water pooling in the drum and a strong odor reminiscent of damp clothes that had been sitting too long. I had the vents professionally cleaned, and they removed a lot of wet lint, indicating there were blockages. However, the foul smell came back almost immediately after cleaning.
I've tried using bleach and running laundry to mitigate the smell temporarily, but it keeps coming back. My dryer is in the basement near the air handler, so when I keep the door closed, the smell gets stronger, and condensation also develops inside. This has been going on for two weeks, and it's driving me crazy!
Could the issue stem from the water hookup for the Steam Cycle? I can't check the exterior vent cover since it's blocked by my sunroom's tile floor. I'm worried that there might be trapped water or mildew in the dryer itself, even though I've been running it regularly.
I'm not comfortable trying to repair it myself by disassembling the drum or removing the tile to access the vent. I've contacted several appliance repair companies, but they only help if the dryer isn't functioning properly, and the vent cleaning tech directed me to call a repair place. I'm also having trouble finding a handyman. Any suggestions on what could be wrong or what kind of professional I should seek out?
2 Answers
Hey, sorry to hear about your dryer troubles! It sounds like you've done quite a bit already. Regarding the vent, even if it was just cleaned, it’s worth double-checking it again, especially since it has several elbows. Those bends can sometimes trap moisture. I'd also recommend checking if the exterior flaps are operating properly. If they’re stuck, you might still have airflow issues.
As for the smell, it’s possible that water could have pooled somewhere else in the dryer itself. You could try running it on high heat with just a wet towel to see if that helps clear out any lingering smells.
I totally get how frustrating this is! If you’re hesitant about DIY, maybe consider hiring a specialized appliance repair person who deals specifically with dryer issues, not just general repair. They should be more familiar with moisture problems. I know it’s tough to find the right help, but it's crucial to get someone who can check the internal parts, as there could be a build-up that only a pro would notice. Best of luck!
Absolutely! Specialized technicians can definitely make a difference. It's better to get it checked out than to let it continue, as trapped moisture can lead to bigger problems.
Good call on trying the wet towel method! And yes, don’t ignore the importance of the exterior flaps. If they’re blocked, it can really mess with airflow and create dampness inside the dryer.