How to Get Melted Plastic Off the Metal in the Clothes Dryer

Nothing is more disheartening than opening up your dryer only to notice the smell of burnt plastic. A plastic utensil or zippered storage bag accidentally introduced into the super-heated environment melts when it contacts the dryer’s metal drum. The problem is deceptively simple because the metal drum is covered with small ventilation holes that become clogged with the plastic. Remove the melted plastic from these holes and the rest of the metal drum without damaging your dryer.

Plastic paint scraper or card
Soft cloths
Non-acetone nail polish remover
Cotton swab
1/2 tbsp. liquid dish soap
3 cups warm water

Instructions

- 1
  Run the dryer on low for 10 to 15 minutes to loosen the plastic from the drum. Scrape away the soft plastic with a plastic paint scraper or old credit card.
- 2
  Dampen a soft cloth with non-acetone nail polish remover. Work the polish remover into the plastic residue to lift it from the metal.
- 3
  Dampen a cotton swab with the nail polish remover and clear any holes clogged by the melted plastic.
- 4
  Combine 1/2 tablespoon of liquid dish soap with 3 cups warm water and stir thoroughly.
- 5
  Soak a soft cloth with the soapy water and wipe down the dryer’s metal drum. Dampen a separate soft cloth and use it to wipe away any remaining residue.
- 6
  Keep the dryer door open and allow it to air dry completely.

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