Noticing a hot or burning smell when your dryer is running can be concerning. While some warm smells may be normal, a burning odor should never be ignored. It may be a sign of lint buildup, overheating, electrical problems, restricted airflow, or failing components, which can escalate into major damage and even create a fire risk.
Whatever the cause, stop using the dryer until the source of the smell has been identified — especially if the odor is accompanied by smoke or unusual noises.
If you’ve noticed a burning smell coming from your dryer, keep reading to learn some possible causes, what to do next, and when to call the professionals at Appliance E.M.T.
Common Causes of a Burning Smell from a Dryer
First, let’s go over some common causes of a burning smell coming from your dryer.
Lint Buildup
Lint can accumulate beyond the lint screen and throughout your dryer. It’s often found inside the dryer cabinet, around the blower housing, inside the exhaust vent, and around the heating components. This accumulated lint can overheat, causing a burning smell and creating a fire hazard.
Clogged Dryer Vent
Blocked airflow prevents heat and moisture from escaping. In addition to a burning smell, this can cause your clothes to take longer to dry, the dryer to become unusually hot, or the dryer to shut off prematurely. Since lint can make its way throughout the dryer, cleaning the lint screen alone won’t necessarily clear the blockage.
Malfunctioning Heating Element
The heating element is responsible for heating the air that dries your clothes. If it’s damaged or malfunctioning, it can overheat, producing a noticeable burning smell.
Worn or Damaged Drum Belt
The belt rotates the dryer drum. When it becomes worn, cracked, loose, or damaged the drum won’t turn properly, which means your clothes won’t rumble around. It can also cause a burning rubber smell or a squeaking or squealing noise.
Motor Problems
The dryer motor can become overheated or worn with age. In addition to a burning smell, you may notice humming or other unusual noises, the dryer may stop during a cycle, or you may have issues starting the dryer in the first place.
Electrical or Wiring Issues
Damaged wiring, loose connections, or failing electrical components can produce a burning smell. If the burning smells electrical, it should be taken seriously — stop using the dryer and have it professionally inspected. Don’t attempt electrical repairs without the appropriate expertise.
Something Has Fallen Into the Dryer
Small objects, clothing, and other debris can get trapped near heated components, becoming hot and producing unusual odors. Check the drum and lint filter for obvious debris, but don’t try to disassemble the dryer if you don’t know what you’re doing.
What to Do When You Smell Burning from Your Dryer
If you smell burning coming from the dryer, stop the dryer, especially if the odor is strong, unusual, or worsening. If smoke is present, leave the area and call an appliance technician for emergency help.
When it’s safe to do so, disconnect the dryer, either by unplugging it or flipping the breaker. If it’s a gas dryer, don’t try to manipulate the gas components yourself — leave it to the professionals.
You should check the lint screen, as well. It’s a good idea to remove any visible lint; however, this doesn’t address deeper lint buildup.
If the exterior vent is safely accessible, look for obvious signs that the exhaust vent is blocked.
When to Call the Professionals at Appliance E.M.T.
A burning smell is a warning sign rather than something you should simply tolerate. Don’t just ignore it and risk a major malfunction or even a fire.
You should call the professional technicians at Appliance E.M.T. if:
- The smell returns after you clean the lint screen
- The dryer overheats
- Your clothes aren’t drying normally
- The drum isn’t turning correctly
- There are unusual noises
- The dryer shuts off unexpectedly
- There is an electrical burning smell
We can inspect components that aren’t safely accessible to the average homeowner to diagnose the source of the burning smell and determine how to resolve it. If we find a worn or damaged component that needs repairs, we’ll take care of it for you, ensuring your dryer can continue to operate safely and effectively.
Contact us today to schedule your professional dryer inspection and repair, and we’ll be there as soon as possible to get you taken care of.
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