How do I remove the odor from a dead animal in my dryer vent?

Question

I recently had a bat fly into my dryer vent, get stuck, and die. Removing the bat carcass largely eliminated the odor from my apartment, but the inside of my dryer still smells faintly of dead animal. I've tried running the dryer for several cycles with lots of dryer sheets, but the smell still lingers. Any suggestions for getting rid of the smell?

Answer 1

Soak a towel in vinegar then put it in the dryer leave it there for a few minutes before drying it. I have used vinegar in the past to get rid of the scent of dead animals. Not under the circumstances you have though. When you dry the towel do not use HOT dry. Let it dry on the lowest temperature your dryer allows for.

Answer 2

did it fly into the tube part? if so just replace that. it's cheap and not worth cleaning. i've had a similar problem when a snake crawled in the tube part one winter. he died and took me forever to figure out where the smell was coming from. i eventually found it by letting the dog in the house (she loves the smell of dead animals - gross i know) she went crazy in the laundry room and kept pawing and barking at the vent. i took it off and the snake slid out. she ran off with it before i could get it from her. hope this helps. oh and not to worry about my dog it was just a texas rat snake (nonvenomous).

Answer 3

have you tried wiping the inside of the dryer out with a cleaner?...that might help...you might leave a box of open baking soda in it..baking soda is good at absorbing odors....

good luck!!

Answer 4

Are you able to remove and replace the trap portion of the lint screen? Maybe it is in there. How is that warranty's expiration date....yikes, bro.

Answer 5

Time and patience....... or a new dryer. By the way that totally sucks!!!

Answer 6

oh wow ummmm..... maybe trying put some sort of liquid smell like lavander or something in there maybe i dont know......