Are you dealing with a Samsung dryer that smells bad? You’re not alone – this is a common issue faced by many appliance owners. Unpleasant odors coming from your dryer can be frustrating, especially when they affect the freshness of your clean laundry. We’ll explore the possible causes of why your Samsung dryer smells bad and provide you with practical, easy-to-follow tips on how to eliminate dryer odor. Get ready to tackle those pesky smells and enjoy fresh, clean laundry every time!
What To Do When Your Samsung Dryer Smells
To help you solve this problem, let’s chat about the possible reasons behind those nasty smells coming from your dryer. We’ll discuss why your Samsung dryer might smell like mildew, why it could have a burning plastic smell, and what to do about it.
Most importantly, we’ll share some tips on how to clean your dryer so you can get back to enjoying the sweet smell of clean laundry again. So, let’s dive in and find out how to banish those unwanted odors!

Samsung Dryer Smells Like Mildew
One reason your Samsung dryer might be stinky with a mildew smell is moisture hanging out in the drum. If you leave wet clothes in there for too long, it’s like an invitation for mold and mildew to move in. And if your dryer vent is clogged or not getting rid of the damp air properly, you’ve got another reason for mildew to grow.
Dryer Smells Like Burning Plastic
Now, if your dryer smells like burning plastic, that’s a whole different issue. It usually means something’s up with the dryer’s parts, like the heating element, motor, or wiring. Sometimes, lint or other junk gets too close to the heating element and starts to burn, which gives off that nasty plastic smell. This is a big deal and needs to be taken care of ASAP since it can be a fire hazard.
How to Clean Your Samsung Dryer
If you want to get rid of those bad smells, it’s important to know how to clean your Samsung dryer. We’d recommend making sure you don’t have a stinky washer first, as smelly clothes will not help the situation. Check out these steps to keep your dryer smelling fresh:

- Clean the lint filter: Don’t forget to clean the lint filter after every single use. This helps stop lint from building up and causing smelly problems (and fire risks!). A quick tip: you can also use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to get rid of any stubborn lint that’s sticking around in the filter and the filter enclosure.
- Wipe down the drum: Grab a damp cloth and a mild cleaning solution (like a mix of warm water and mild detergent), and wipe the inside of the dryer drum to get rid of any leftover gunk or debris. This helps keep mold and mildew at bay and ensures your clothes come out smelling fresh.
- Clean the venting system: Make sure you check out the dryer venting system regularly and clean it up if it’s clogged. This keeps moisture from building up and lets your dryer work better. It’s also a good idea to clean the vent hood on the outside of your home to ensure proper airflow.
- Deodorize the dryer: If you’ve cleaned everything and still notice a lingering odor, try placing a few dryer sheets or a small bowl of baking soda inside the dryer drum and leave it overnight. This can help absorb any remaining smells and freshen up your dryer.
- Schedule regular maintenance: Get a pro to check out your dryer and give it some TLC at least once a year. If you haven’t been cleaning your vents this is especially important, as they must be cleaned yearly. This helps catch potential problems early and keeps your dryer running smoothly. Regular maintenance not only helps prevent bad smells but also extends the life of your dryer.
- Don’t overload the dryer: Overloading your dryer can restrict airflow and trap moisture and make it so your clothes won’t dry, which can lead to unpleasant smells. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for load size, and make sure to leave enough room for your clothes to tumble freely. This will ensure proper drying and prevent bad odors from developing.
- Don’t leave wet clothes sitting: To prevent mildew growth and unpleasant odors, make sure never to leave wet clothes in the dryer. Leaving wet clothes sitting in the dryer for extended periods creates a damp environment that encourages mold and mildew to thrive.
When your Samsung dryer starts to stink, it’s important to deal with it right away, since it could be a sign of a bigger problem. Just follow the steps we’ve talked about here and make sure you keep up with regular maintenance. That way, you can say goodbye to mildew and burning plastic smells and hello to fresh, clean laundry! And if you need help cleaning your dryer vent or you need dryer repair you can get in touch with the team at Action Appliance.