Baking Soda Is The Trick To Deodorizing A Smelly Dryer

Washing machines can develop odors due to the constant exposure to moisture and dirt buildup. However, it's not just washing machines that can become smelly. Dryers, too, can take on an unpleasant odor if damp clothes are left in the drum for too long. This odor can be mildewy and wet, and it can transfer to the clean clothes you put inside. Because of this, it's imperative you neutralize the odor, and fast. One easy way to do this is by using baking soda. 

Baking soda is often used in everything from getting rid of funky odors in your fridge to neutralizing smelly shoes, and for good reason. Bad smells are usually acid-based, and baking soda is a base. When these two substances come into contact, a chemical reaction occurs. It converts the acid into a non-volatile substance, which typically doesn't have a smell. So, by adding baking soda to your dryer drum, you can effectively eliminate the foul mildew smell. But how, exactly, do you apply it? Let's delve into the details.

To use this baking soda laundry hack, you want the substance to roll around the entire interior rather than sit in one spot. If you pour it directly into the drum, you might not get your expected results since it won't be able to tumble around the entire cylindrical surface.  To maximize its effectiveness, wet a small towel or rag with warm water and generously sprinkle baking soda all over it. It's usually recommended to add a half-cup of baking soda into a washer to deodorize it, so use the same amount to clean the dryer. Pop that into the appliance and start a low-heat cycle. The cloth will be tossed around the entire expanse of the drum, allowing the baking soda to come into contact with more parts of it. 

If the smell persists, consider using a baking soda paste instead. You can create a paste by mixing baking soda with some water, adding just enough to make a thick (rather than watery) consistency. You can then spread it around the drum using a damp sponge and allow it to sit for a few hours. This will allow the soda to really soak in the odors and neutralize them for good. Once done, wipe the drum clean with a damp cloth.