Frigidaire Affinity 5.8 Cu. Ft. Electric Dryer Logo
Posted on Sep 24, 2011
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Will not dry and clothes smell like mold - Frigidaire Affinity 5.8 Cu. Ft. Electric Dryer

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Curtis Sewell

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  • Frigidaire Master 7,482 Answers
  • Posted on Sep 24, 2011
Curtis Sewell
Frigidaire Master
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Joined: Sep 25, 2009
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Hi sammysulliva..
You clothes smell like mold because there is mold in your vent system of your dryer because the heater is not working properly.

Here are a few things to check:
ALWAYS UNPLUG YOUR DRYER BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO DO ANY WORK ON IT.
Check to make sure you are getting full 220 Volt power to the dryer, if you are then:
Check your Wiring
Often the main wiring connection from the house, at the dryer, burns and the connection breaks. If this has happened to your dryer, you need to replace the power cord and the terminal block inside the dryer to which the wire is attached.
Check the Door Switch
If the door switch or the door-switch actuator is defective, the dryer won't work and you need to replace the failed component. The switch is inside the dryer main housing near the door frame. Sometimes you need to raise or open the top or front of the dryer to reach the switch. Check for continuity you should have none with door open, and should have a reading when closed. If not replace the door switch.
Check to make sure you heating problem is not a lint build up in the discharge hose or the dryer,as this condition can cause heater/thermistor problems such as overheating of the heating coil leading to failure of the coil and burnout of the thermostat/thermistor due to overheat.
Remove the back/or front just under the door of the machine and try to locate the air duct going from the blower to the drum. Normally inside/outside the air duct you will find the heating coil and the thermostats/thermistors. Once you have located the heating coil, remove the two wires from it and check the coil with an ohm meter across the two terminals of the coil.
You should read continuity across the terminals, if not you will need to replace the coil as it is faulty.
If the heating coil is ok, then:
You can check the thermostat/thermistor/thermal fuse one at a time by removing the two wires and taping them together with electrical tape.
If the coil heats up then replace the thermostat/thermistor/thermal fuse as it is faulty.
If you have an ohm meter then you can test the thermostat/thermistor/thermal fuse,then you do not have to tape the wires together as described above.
But do not trust the ohm meter all the time, because sometimes it will give a false positive that the fuse is ok when in reality it is faulty.
DO THE FOLLOWING TEST:
To test your thermostat/thermistor/thermal fuse remove the wires from the thermostat/thermistor/thermal fuse and check for continuity, if you DO NOT have continuity then replace the thermostat/thermistor/thermal fuse.
DO NOT LEAVE THE WIRES TAPED TOGETHER AFTER THE TEST AS THIS COULD CAUSE A FIRE BECAUSE YOU HAVE REMOVED THE SAFETY.
This test of the thermal fuses,thermistor,thermostat, will show if the thermal fuse,thermostat,thermister is really faulty or not.
Check your blower wheel to make sure it is secure to the shaft and not plugged with lint,socks,etc.
If the thermal fuse overheats the dryer will not operate. It's located on the blower housing. It cannot be reset.
You can test it with an Ohm meter or continuity checker, remove both wires from the thermal fuse and put the test probes to each of the ends of the thermal fuse, if no continuity then replace the thermal fuse.
DO THE FOLLOWING: Remove the wires and tape them together and try to start the dryer.If the dryer starts then replace the fuse.
A vent clogged with lint can cause it to overheat.
Right after replacing a dryer element, always run the dryer on air fluff/no heat, and go outside to verify there's plenty of air coming out your vent system.
If the vent's clogged, that new element can burn out very quickly.
For video and pictures on how to replace a generic element go to the following website:
davesrepair.com/DIYhelp/DIYreplacingWPLdryels.htm
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1answer

How do we clean with this machine .

Is this a front-load washer or top load?

Is the machine operating properly, or are your clothes getting a musty smell?

The musty smell has a few solutions, One may work but probably a combination of all will work best.


Immediately move wet clothes to the dryer, do not let them sit in the washer for a long time.
If your clothes smell, put mouthwash with your clothes directly in the tub during the wash cycle (this will not stain your clothes)
leave the door open when not in use (lets it dry out)
If the washer smells, use bleach and hot water in an empty cycle once in a while (kills just about every kind of bacteria or mold which may be causing the smell)
Use washing machine cleaner once in a while(can be found at your local grocery store isle next to detergent)
Dry your clothes completely, damp clothes can start to smell again.

If you are looking for a new washer, try to find a newer model that features a stainless steel tub with silver impregnation. The silver is a natural disinfectant.
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have you tried running a load or even running with out cloths and using lots of bleach? that should kill any mold spores. Then keep the door open when not in use so mold can't grow again.
Hope that helps.
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If you don't leave the door open after each use you will get a musty smell and mold will build up in the bellows. also you need to wipe the bellows dry and the door glass dry as to not get a build up of soap residue on it which will eventually make the door leak. Also, only use one or two tablespoons of soap, not what the soap manufacturer says on the package.
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It’s caused by using fabric softener. Dilute it 50/50 with water.
It’s caused by the water remaining in the tub between washes. Leave the door open to allow it to dry. .
Pull the rubber door seal back and clean the mold off .
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Front loaders are known for building up mold and the smell.
It’s caused by using liquid detergent which is made from animal fat. Use powder. And use the minimum amount.
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It’s caused by the water remaining in the tub between washes. Leave the door open to allow it to dry. .
Pull the rubber door seal back and clean the mold off .
Affresh is recommended by some manufacturers. You run it through a wash cycle with it.
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No recall, Pour 2 cups of bleach into the washer, Wash on HOT water, long cycle. Then wipe seal with dry cloth. This will eliminate the mold smell... To stop it from coming back ALL front load washer doors MUST be left open to allow the rubber seal to dry, Just like you close your shower curtain so it doesn't get musty smelling... 2 hours is about the dry time... wiping the seal with a cloth usually helps too... All located in your owners manual/
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