Kitchen Gas Appliances - Dryer Odors/Gas Smell

Dear Tom:

We just returned from vacation (in CA where we were only at the beach - not around chemicals or anything) and started doing the loades of loundry - on the first load the Natural gas whirlpool dryer was giving off a horriblr smell that was just like lighter fluid youwould use to start a charcoal fire. very strong inside the tumbler - my husband thinks it is just from sitting for the week and maybe apiece of lint was causing the smell?? Any suggestions? I am not sure how to check the flame as I read in an other posting - the dryer was fine prior to our trip -

Thanks Erika

Welcome Erika to my Gas Appliances forum and of course, if you have read the other topics on this type of problem, our Do-It-Yourself Web Site....:)

I would suggest you ventilate the house and the laundry room, if the dryer is in one. Run the dryer without clothes in it for one cycle and note any unusual smells.

Since you stated you have some prior posting and replies on this topic of dryer smells, etc. chances are there is or was petroleum based product used, spilled or somehow some of a product like or similar escaped it's container.

Check the garage, attic or any place aerosol spray cans are stored, paints, vanishes, etc. Closed up homes often get warm or hot enough inside to cause such containers to leak, etc.

The odor should dissipate quickly after ventilation. If not start the search for the source from any of the ideas mentioned above.
Of all the various types of problems based upon your description and my experiences, the above has always been the case in one form or another. If the odor remains after a day or two, no petro products are found nearby, contact the "Gas Company" for additional possibilities.

DRYER SERVICE TIP:
It's always adviseable to clean the entire exhaust venting system every 2 years and or during any dryer maintenance and or repairs.

TCB4U2B2B Enterprises
Energy Conservation Consultant & Natural Gas Appliance Diagnostics Technician.