You’ve just thrown a load of clothes into the dryer and sat down to relax when suddenly you notice a burning smell from the dryer. Now, you’re wondering if it’s something innocuous, like dust on a heating coil, or something that could start a major fire. Thankfully, we know what to do when there’s a burning smell from a dryer.
If you’d like professional help immediately, call Mr. Appliance® or schedule an appointment online with our dryer repair experts.
Causes of a Burning Smell from a Dryer
Common causes of a burning smell from a dryer include lint buildup or a failing thermostat, motor, or belt. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, appliances and electronics start 24,200 house fires yearly. About a third of fires related to dryers are caused by excess lint buildup, so it’s time to investigate.
A burning smell from a dryer is cause for alarm but not full-on panic. Many of the causes behind these smells can quickly be addressed, particularly if lint buildup is the culprit. The first thing to do is unplug the dryer and remove the clothes from the drum. This is your best bet to prevent the dryer (and your clothes) from catching on fire. Then, you can check the troubleshooting guide below to pinpoint the cause of the burning smell from a dryer.
Troubleshooting a Burning Smell from a Dryer
Here are some strategies to identify and troubleshoot the various issues that can lead to a burning smell in your dryer:
Lint Buildup
Is there visible lint buildup in your dryer? If so, that’s a major fire hazard. Thankfully, there’s a simple solution. Use a vacuum hose attachment to remove as much of the lint as possible. Be careful when vacuuming the motor and heating element. Also, clean the inside walls of the housing and the floor underneath the unit.
This is also a great time to detach the vent hose and shake the debris and lint out of it. Reassemble the dryer and try running an empty cycle to see if the burning smell goes away. Don’t leave the unit unattended as you test.
To get the most thorough clean possible, schedule professional dryer vent cleaning with Mr. Appliance.
Failing Thermostat
If lint is not an apparent problem inside the dryer, the thermostat may be failing. When a dryer’s thermostat goes bad, it can’t sense or control the temperature inside the dryer, so it may get far too hot and cause a burning smell in your dryer.
While the dryer is unplugged, use your owner’s manual to locate and remove the thermostat from the dryer. Use an ohmmeter to test the thermostat. If the ohmmeter reads anything besides zero, the thermostat needs to be replaced.
Mr. Appliance can do this dryer repair job quickly and efficiently; all you need to do is schedule your appliance repair at a convenient time.
Bad Drive Belt
All dryers, use a rubber drive belt to turn the drum. If the belt is old or slips out of place, it can melt due to friction or contact with the heating tube in a gas dryer.
Look for a long rubber belt inside the dryer and verify that it’s wrapped snugly (but not tightly) around the drum. Inspect it for signs of wear, drying, melting, or cracking. If it appears that the belt needs to be replaced, take the old one with you to the store to make sure you purchase the right replacement. You can also ask your local Mr. Appliance to source the ideal appliance part and install it for you.
Damaged Dryer Motor
An aging dryer motor can burn out and cause burning smells. If the motor is going bad, the burning smell from a dryer could be accompanied by a lot of noise. Dryer motors should always be replaced by a qualified service professional.
Burning Smell from Dryer FAQs
What does a clogged dryer vent smell like?
A clogged dryer vent can smell a few different ways depending on the operational state of the dryer. If the dryer is on, it can smell like something is on fire. This usually means that the lint is dry and starting to burn slightly.
Other common smells include the concentrated smell of fabric softener or a musty odor. Musty odors usually occur when the lint gets wet and doesn’t fully dry, leading to mildew growth in your dryer.
What to do if your dryer starts smoking?
If your dryer starts smoking, the first thing to do is turn it off. You can attempt to do this by pressing the power button on the machine or by unplugging it. Once the machine is off, keep the door closed. This prevents more oxygen from reaching the heat source.
If it is smoking heavily, dial 911 and then turn off the machine if it is safe to do so. Heavy smoke means a fire is already present.
Sometimes, a dryer can smoke a little because of motor issues, belt issues, or other mechanical problems. When this happens, turn off the dryer and let the smoke dissipate. Once it is done smoking, remove your clothes and call a dryer repair expert. If it smokes for more than 5 minutes, call 9-1-1.
Let Mr. Appliance Resolve Your Dryer Smells
Mr. Appliance repairs washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, and any other household appliance that’s giving you trouble. We offer flexible appointments that work with your busy schedule. Our flat-rate pricing means there will be no surprise add-on charges when our work is complete. Our service professionals pass background checks and receive ongoing training to ensure you always receive the best service possible.
A dryer fire can quickly become a house fire! If you have a burning smell from a dryer, unplug it and call Mr. Appliance today, or schedule your dryer repair online with our appliance repair experts.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Mr. Appliance is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact the Mr. Appliance location nearest you for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.
FAQs About Dryer Smells
Decades of experience, highly skilled service professionals, and a commitment to exceptional customer service have made Mr. Appliance a trusted leader in appliance maintenance and repairs. Our commitment to keeping your appliances up and running includes using our many years of experience and expertise to answer your questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about dryer repair.
Why does my dryer smell burnt when I first start using it?
It's normal for a new dryer to emit a slight burning odor during its first few uses. This happens because manufacturing oils and residues on the heating element burn off initially. To address this:
- Run the empty dryer on a low heat setting for 15–20 minutes to burn off any residual manufacturing oils.
- Ensure proper ventilation in your laundry room during this process.
- Monitor the dryer during this initial run to ensure the smell dissipates.
New dryers should not continue producing burnt smells after the break-in period. If the burning smell persists beyond the first few cycles or intensifies rather than fading, contact your manufacturer or a local professional for an inspection.
What not to do with a new dryer:
- Don't ignore persistent burning smells that last beyond the first few uses.
- Never run a brand-new dryer unattended during its first cycle.
- Avoid overloading your new dryer during initial uses.
- Don't block ventilation around the unit during break-in periods.
What causes a burning smell from dryer vents?
A burning smell from your dryer vent typically indicates lint buildup somewhere in the exhaust system. Common causes of a burning smell from dryer vents include:
- Clogged lint trap that hasn't been cleaned regularly after cycles
- Lint accumulation inside the dryer housing beyond the visible lint trap
- Blocked vent hose connecting your dryer to the exterior vent
- Obstructed exterior vent cover preventing proper airflow
Lint is highly flammable and can ignite when it contacts the heating element, so cleaning is essential. To prevent dangerous lint buildup that causes burning smells, be sure to clean your lint trap after each use and inspect and clean the dryer vent hose at least quarterly. It's also important to check the exterior vent cover monthly for obstructions. If your dryer vent system runs through the house or features numerous twists and turns, schedule professional dryer vent cleaning annually.
Remember that approximately one-third of dryer fires result from lint accumulation. Don't risk a house fire—address burning smells from your vent immediately.
My dryer smells like burning rubber. What component needs repair?
A burning rubber odor often points to mechanical issues rather than lint buildup. This distinct smell typically indicates:
- Drive belt problems: The rubber belt that rotates your dryer drum can slip, wear out, or become misaligned, creating friction and a burning rubber smell.
- Idler pulley issues: This component maintains proper tension on the drive belt. When worn, it can cause the belt to drag and create excessive friction.
- Motor mounting problems: If motor mounts are loose or broken, the motor can shift position, causing the drive belt to misalign.
Before attempting any dryer repair:
- Unplug the unit completely.
- Allow time for components to cool down.
- Remove any clothing inside the drum.
- Reference your owner's manual for component locations.
Remember that electrical components require specialized knowledge to service safely. For most homeowners, drive belt issues are best addressed by a qualified professional. They can identify the exact component causing the burning rubber smell and perform proper dryer repair with the correct replacement parts.
Why does my dryer smell burnt and make strange noises?
If your dryer produces both burning smells and unusual noises, it’s likely experiencing mechanical problems that require prompt attention. These symptoms suggest:
- Failing motor bearings. Bad bearings can cause grinding or high-pitched squealing and create friction-based burning smells. They may indicate the motor is nearing end of life.
- Drum support roller issues. You may hear thumping or rhythmic scraping and excessive heat from increased friction. As rollers fail, you may notice a burning odor.
- Seized idler pulley. If proper belt movement is inhibited, you may hear squeaking or rubbing sounds. This situation can lead to overheating and burning smells.
Dryer warning signs that require immediate action:
- Loud banging or metal-on-metal scraping
- Smoke accompanies a burning smell
- The dryer stops mid-cycle repeatedly
- The exterior of the dryer gets exceptionally hot
Don't continue using a dryer that produces both strange noises and burning smells, as these combined symptoms indicate potentially dangerous mechanical failures. Contact your local appliance professional for a complete diagnostic assessment to identify the specific components requiring repair.
What should I do immediately if my dryer smells burnt during operation?
If you detect a burning smell from your dryer while it's running, take these immediate safety steps:
- Stop the cycle immediately.
- Unplug the dryer.
- Remove all clothing.
- Inspect the lint trap and clean thoroughly.
- Check for obvious signs of overheating or damage.
- Allow the dryer to cool completely before further inspection.
For gas dryers:
- Turn off the gas supply valve
- Ensure the area is well ventilated
- Do not attempt to restart until professionally inspected
When to call a service professional for dryer repair:
Contact a professional immediately if:
- You notice any smoke, not just odors
- The burning smell returns when you restart the dryer
- There's visible damage to the wiring, the plug, or internal components
- The dryer has been making unusual sounds before the smell appeared
- Your circuit breaker trips when the dryer runs
Your local Mr. Appliance service professionals have the expertise, tools, and experience to diagnose and correct the underlying issues causing burning dryer smells safely and efficiently. We’ll address both the immediate concern and any potential underlying problems, and our Neighborly Done Right Promise® ensures you'll be happy with our work.
