Amana Dryer: smelling like mildew

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Amana dryer is emitting a musty, mildew-like odor during or after use, it's likely due to moisture buildup from damp clothes or poor ventilation. This can lead to mildew or mold forming inside the drum, affecting both the dryer and your laundry. Addressing this issue promptly is essential to prevent unpleasant smells from transferring to your clothes.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Amana Models

  • Manufacturer notes that odors can result from damp clothes left too long in washer or dryer; suggests promptly removing loads and cleaning drum.

Possible Causes

Moisture buildup inside dryer due to residual damp clothes or incomplete drying

How to Identify: Musty smell accompanied by damp clothes or clothes not fully dry at end of cycle

Part: Dryer drum / interior airspace

Poor ventilation or blocked dryer vent restricting moisture expulsion

How to Identify: Dryer takes longer to dry laundry; musty smell persists; vent may show lint accumulation

Part: Dryer vent hose / external vent

Detergent or fabric softener residue inside drum trapping moisture

How to Identify: Residue film visible inside drum; smell persists after cleaning lint trap and vent

Part: Dryer drum / door seal

DIY Solutions

Clean lint trap and screen thoroughly

Easy 5-10 minutes
Tools Needed: vacuum with hose attachment (optional)
  1. Turn off and unplug the dryer
  2. Remove lint screen and clear all lint by hand
  3. Use vacuum or brush to remove lint from trap housing
  4. Replace lint screen and run empty cycle to check improvement
⚠️ Safety First: Always unplug dryer before cleaning interior parts

Clean inside dryer drum to remove mildew and residue

Moderate 30-45 minutes
Tools Needed: white vinegar, warm water, soft cloth, baking soda (optional)
  1. Unplug dryer
  2. Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water
  3. Wipe inside drum and door seal with solution to remove film and mildew
  4. Sprinkle baking soda and wipe again for deodorizing
  5. Leave door open to air dry
  6. Run an empty cycle on medium heat to finish drying
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure dryer is unplugged and well ventilated during cleaning

Clean dryer vent hose and external vent

Moderate 30-60 minutes
Tools Needed: dryer vent brush kit, vacuum
  1. Unplug dryer and pull it away from wall
  2. Disconnect vent hose
  3. Use vent brush and vacuum to clear lint and debris through hose to external vent
  4. Reattach vent hose securely
  5. Run dryer to check airflow improvement
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure proper vent hose reconnection to avoid leaks

Professional Repairs

Professional dryer vent cleaning

Estimated Cost: $100 - $300

Inspection and replacement of worn parts (lint trap, door seal)

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150 parts; $100 - $250 labor

When to Call a Professional

Mildew smell persists after thorough DIY cleaning and vent maintenance
Visible mold growth deep within vent system
Signs of airflow restriction not resolved by DIY vent cleaning
Dryer performance issues (long drying times, overheating)

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean lint trap after every use: Moisture buildup and mildew growth
    Frequency: every cycle
  • Inspect and clean dryer vent hose: Vent blockages that trap moisture leading to mildew smells
    Frequency: every 6 months
  • Wipe drum and door seal with vinegar monthly: Residue and moisture buildup inside drum
    Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Amana Dryer smelling like mildew?
The smell is often caused by moisture buildup from damp clothes or poor ventilation.
How do I fix Amana Dryer smelling like mildew myself?
Clean the lint trap, wipe the drum with vinegar, and clear the vent hose.
How much does it cost to fix smelling like mildew?
Professional repairs range from $100 to $300 for vent cleaning and $50 to $250 for parts replacement.
When should I call a technician for smelling like mildew?
If DIY solutions don't resolve the issue or if you notice persistent odors, contact a professional.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

80%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Moisture buildup in the dryer drum or venting system
  • Dirty lint filter or vent causing poor airflow
  • Residual detergent or fabric softener buildup on clothes

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Clean the dryer drum and venting system. Start by unplugging the dryer. Remove the lint filter and clean it thoroughly. Use a vacuum to remove lint from the venting duct. Wipe down the drum with a mixture of vinegar and water to eliminate odors.

  2. Run the dryer on a high heat cycle while empty. This can help evaporate any residual moisture inside the drum and eliminate odors.

  3. Check and replace the lint filter if it is damaged or excessively dirty. Ensure it is cleaned after every use to maintain proper airflow.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Amana dryer smells like mildew

Community Discussions

smells like mildew

Changed the Rear Drum Felt, which solved the mildew smell problem.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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