Cleaning a Tumble Dryer

esmy

My daughter has been given a rather elderly but apparently working tumble dryer. We switched it on and it tumbled fine but there was a vague burning smell, possibly filters need cleaning or just dusty in general. It's in a bit of a state cosmetically - very rusty on the top and other smaller rust patches and the outside and hose are dirty. It hasn't been used for some time.

Inside looks OK but it has a bit of an odd smell - smells damp/mouldy and faintly of urine??

Can anyone suggest how best to clean it up, and deal with the rusty bits and the smell? Don't want to bin it if we can sort it out.

Thanks!

meritaten

filters first - check those and the electrical wiring too! faint smells of burning when on could be either of those.
try tumbling some old sheets or rags you no longer use - and put some perfume or cheap tumble dry sheets in with them - not just one sheet but lots! see if that helps with the smell.
The rust can be dealt with by rubbing back with wire wool or a steel brush then painted with enamel paint. you may end up with a 'spotty' tumble dryer - but hey, who cares?

esmy

Thanks for that - not bothered if it's spotty but don't want the rust to go any further.

I use white vinegar as a fabric conditioner in the washer which helps keep it smelling fresh - could I tumble rags damped with water and vinegar to tackle the smell?

kraftykat

Is it a condensor dryer? If so, you need to remove the condensor unit and rinse it out too

Nicki

My Dd weed in our TD once! A wipe out with a cloth, followed by 30 mins or so tumble drying a knotted sock with a tub of bicarbonate tipped into the toe solved the smell issue.

Just be careful of the wiring though. TDs are a primary cause of house fires. Don't use it unattended (ie when you are in bed or out) until you are positive it is safe.

just_trying

Agree with above seen a tumble dryer in a friends house catch fire.

esmy

Thanks all for your suggestions. This was a vented dryer (I've always had condensers).

When I started to clean it out the whole innards were coated with pink fluff and I couldn't find a filter at all?? I'm afraid we've tipped it because I was concerned about the fire risk if the pink fluff had spread!

thehappybutterfly

Nicki wrote: »

My Dd weed in our TD once! A wipe out with a cloth, followed by 30 mins or so tumble drying a knotted sock with a tub of bicarbonate tipped into the toe solved the smell issue.

Just be careful of the wiring though. TDs are a primary cause of house fires. Don't use it unattended (ie when you are in bed or out) until you are positive it is safe.

How Nicki? How?