Home Repair Center Clothes Dryer Repair Tips, DIY Help, and Information Common Questions About Dryers (FAQs) Why is there a smoky smell on my clothes?

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[Why are my clothes getting marks on them?]

Even though you have a lint filter in your dryer, it doesn't catch all the lint. You need to check inside the cabinet at least yearly to look for and clean out any lint build-up. If you smell smoke, your dryer may have had a small lint fire inside the cabinet. The smell from these fires can leave a smoky odor in the clothes drum, and also on your clothes.

You must clean out the lint trap after every use. You also need to clean all of the lint from the inside cabinet and inner ductwork of your dryer. Be careful because many house fires are caused by lint build up in dryers and their vents. Keep your family safe by checking for lint buildup in the cabinet at least yearly. Install a smoke alarm near your dryer for added protection. Have a professional appliance repair person check the dryer for damage caused by any lint fires.