Clothes Still Smell After the Dryer: Causes and How to Fix It
Updated · from manufacturer service documentation
If clothes still smell after running a steam refresh cycle (like LG's STEAM FRESH™), that's expected — a steam refresh cycle isn't designed to remove strong odors. Per the service documentation, fabrics with strong odors need a normal wash cycle first; a refresh cycle is meant to freshen lightly worn items, not replace washing.
Why Clothes Still Smell
| Cause | Likelihood | DIY difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Strong-odor fabric run through a steam refresh cycle instead of a normal wash | Most common | Easy — wash normally first |
| Expecting visible steam vapor at the start of the cycle (unrelated to odor) | Occasional (user expectation) | Not applicable — normal operation |
What to Do, Step by Step
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Wash the item normally instead of relying on a refresh cycle
Per the documentation, fabrics containing strong odors should go through a normal wash cycle — steam refresh functions are designed for lightly worn clothes, not to neutralize embedded odors.
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Reserve the steam refresh cycle for its intended use
Use it to freshen items between normal washes (removing light wrinkles or a faint smell), not as a substitute for washing.
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Don't mistake a lack of visible steam for a malfunction
Whether you see steam vapor at the very start of the cycle depends on the load-size setting (adjusted via the MORE TIME button, from 1 article up to a full/big load) — no visible steam at the start is often just a setting difference, not a fault.
Which Models This Applies To
Documented for the LG DLEX3570/DLEX4270 dryer series' STEAM FRESH™ feature. This guidance applies specifically to models with a steam refresh cycle, as opposed to a standard heat-only drying cycle.
See also: Dryer not drying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why didn't the steam cycle remove the smell from my clothes?
Because it's not designed to — per the documentation, strong odors need a normal wash cycle. Steam refresh cycles freshen lightly worn items, they don't replace washing.
Should I run the steam cycle again if the smell is still there?
No — running the same refresh cycle again won't help with a strong, embedded odor; wash the item normally instead.
Why don't I see steam at the start of the cycle?
This is normal and depends on your load-size setting (adjusted via the MORE TIME button) — different settings release steam at different points in the cycle.
What is a steam refresh cycle actually good for?
Freshening lightly worn clothes and reducing light wrinkles between washes — not deep cleaning or removing strong, embedded odors.
Based on the LG DLEX3570 and DLEX4270 dryer service documentation. Last updated: .