I smell fish everytime we dry clothes in our clothes dryer- what could be causing this, and how to fix?
2006-10-29 04:04:03 · 12 answers · asked by David S 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
This smell permeates the entire room - when I walk in, I smell the "fishy" smell...
2006-10-29 04:09:33 · update #1
have you vacuumed your dryer below the lint trap and check the exhaust vent for buildup also
it could be a mechanical part that is overheating and may need to be replaced
have it checked out
dryer fires are no joke
2006-10-29 05:08:05 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Without actually smelling it, it's obviously hard to be sure, but most likely you have a drum-belt about to break. Most dryers have a motor with a pulley on it, and a belt that runs around the pulley and then around the body of the dryer chamber. Since the belt is doing a lot of work, and also gets hot because of the heater, eventually it starts to wear out, break down, and eventually snap. It's not unusually for folks to think the disintegrating belt has a "fishy" smell to it.
If you have a screwdriver and an intrepid spirit, you can probably fix this yourself. Take the old belt off and take it to the store to get a new one before it actually breaks, it'll make the job much easier!
Good luck...
2006-10-29 04:10:44 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've never had this exact experience my self, but the drum belt answer makes the most sense. While you're inside there, take a shop vac, 'cause you'll likely find a lot of lint inside the bottom of the dryer. I almost had a fire caused by the lint inside my dryer catching on fire. I've since been told that it's a good idea to take the back of the dryer off and clean inside the dryer on a regular basis, because the trap doesn't catch all the lint. Make sure you unplug the dryer first!
2006-10-29 05:17:23 · answer #3 · answered by displacedyankee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Something might be stuck under the dryer. Can you get the dryer pulled away from where it is to look under it ? I usually do that twice a year and it is always uck under there. Moisture,animal hair, dust, chunks of stuff that have no ways of indentification. So try that first. If it is a gas dryer be careful pulling it out. if that doesn't do the trick call a service person. You could be having a belt wearing out.
2006-10-29 04:22:49 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know this sounds crazy, but have you changed detergents or fabric softeners?
I bought a bottle of Tide with Downy added in the detergent. The clothes smelled awful when they heated up in the dryer! I stopped using it and everything went back to normal.
2006-10-29 06:07:36 · answer #5 · answered by momwithabat 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might have dampness. Which means your clothes will be smelling of mildew. If you hang your clothes outside in the sun , before washing them this will help to rid the smell, I can also suggest you buy a dehumidifier , this will help remove the dampness in your closet
2016-05-22 05:21:47 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
NONE of the above! The electrical connection is bad and heating up. Either the cord or receptacle or both need replacing Get an electrician to check it out. It could certainly cause a fire.
2014-09-10 06:28:47 · answer #7 · answered by Steven 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ewww. Check your lint catcher, make sure it's free of lint. If the air can't pass through, you could have a fire.
2006-10-29 04:09:13 · answer #8 · answered by Miami Lilly 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
probably something died under or insdie dryer back panels...and NOOOO belt would ever smell that way...
2006-10-29 05:40:12 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check your pockets for an old tuna sandwich.
2006-10-29 04:11:35 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋