Dryer Smells Like Burning? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

When your dryer smells like burning, it can be alarming, but you don’t need to panic. It could be a simple reason with an easy fix, so assess the situation before you start to fear the worst.

If your dryer smells like it’s burning the most common cause is lint buildup in the dryer. The burning smell could also be a damaged power cord, faulty motor, blown thermal fuse, worn-out drive belt, or a broken thermostat. If you smell a burning odor coming from your dryer, turn it off and remove all contents from the drum. Then, you can assess the situation to determine the exact cause.

Dryer fires cause just under 3,000 house fires a year, so don’t take a burning smell from your dryer lightly. Once you detect a burning smell, find the source and stop the problem from escalating.

Lint buildup is the visible accumulation of fine fibers shed from clothing, towels, and linens. It is caused by the high heat and agitation made during the tumbling process of the dryer. When these fibers are shed, the lint screen catches them to prevent blockage of the vent.

Lint buildup is the most common reason for a burning smell coming from your dryer. It is vital to wipe the lint screen clean as lint buildup is hazardous.

Firstly, it obstructs the airflow and makes it almost impossible for the dryer to work efficiently. Naturally, the dryer tries even harder, thus pushing the energy bills up.

The pressure lint buildup puts on a dryer makes it more vulnerable to damage and breakdowns.

But it does even worse. Lint buildup can cause fires. In fact, lint causes up to 35% of dryer fires annually. A significant step to preventing dryer fires is regularly cleaning your dryer’s lint trap.

The first thing to do when removing lint buildup is to unplug the power cord from the wall. This is a necessary precaution before tampering with the dryer. You can follow the manual for specific cleaning instructions.

Afterward, you can use a screwdriver to remove the top panel of the dryer. Bring out all the screws around the opening of the lint trap. This way, you get to clean any lint that may have gone past it.

Then, pull the whole panel towards you and lift it to free the metal catches. Stick a dryer cleaning brush into the filter opening and twist it around to get all the lint out. Do not forget the lint catcher – it contains most of the lint.

Reassemble the lint trap and plug in the dryer to test it. And once you have confirmed that the burning smell is gone, you can reconnect your dryer for use again.

If you think you have a larger issue, you can also call for a professional dryer cleaning service. A pro cleaning costs about $100 to $175, with an average cost of $132.

You should also clean out the dryer hose while you’re at it. This is the hose that attaches to the back of your dryer and vents to the outside. Sometimes, lint can build up in this hose as well.

If the hose is not clear, it can cause hot air to back up, pushing lint into the dryer cabinet. Check the vent cover outside to make sure it is clear and use a flashlight to check inside for any potential blockages.

If you notice anything, take care when removing it as insects, including wasps, like to make their nests inside the vent.

When an exposed wire from the power cord transmits electricity, the protective rubber coating around it can melt. When this happens, the melted wire will cause a burnt smell.

A thermal fuse is used to regulate a dryer. It discontinues electricity flow when the dryer exhaust temperature gets too high. When the thermal fuse stops working properly, the dryer can overheat which can create a burning smell.

When your dryer smells like burning, run a check and find out whether it is either of these cases. If it is, replace the faulty cord or fuse immediately.

A new dryer power cord costs about $15 to $20. A thermal fuse only costs about $10, but if you need a pro to replace it, the total cost will run about $80 to $130.

A worn-out dryer motor can burn out. When this happens, it can create a burning smell, as well as a loud noise. Similarly, an old and worn-out drive belt can melt due to friction, transferring a burning smell into the dryer.

Contact with heat can also make this happen. Always inspect your dryer motor and drive belt for signs of wear and cracking. Once you notice your dryer motor is aged and worn-out, it may be time for a replacement.

Replacing a belt can cost between $150 and $250 for parts and labor. If you need to replace the motor, it can cost another $150 to $250.

Use a multi-meter to see if you need a new thermostat. The burning smell from your dryer may be caused by overheating. On the other hand, it might be damaged and need a replacement.

Inspect the heating element in electric dryers for signs of breakage or burning. To access the dryer, you need to unplug it and remove the panel at the back. Take out the screw of the sensors and make sure you inspect the coil, whether it is broken or not.

Also, check the wires attached to the heating element in a gas dryer. If you see any indication of melted or frayed wires, call an electrician immediately.

Inspect the belt. If you see physical slack or damage, get it fixed immediately. A slack belt is dangerous to the machine. It might loosen and may cause heat.

Related Questions

Why won’t my dryer come on?

If your dryer will not come on, the most likely cause is a lack of power. When you notice your dryer is not turning on, you need to check that the power cable is plugged in correctly and that there is no wire damage. A damaged timer, a blown thermal fuse, or a broken power cord can also keep a dryer from working. Check your circuit breaker too.

How can I know when to buy a new dryer?

In many cases, dryers can be repaired even after problems with a burning smell have been discovered. If the problem is caused by lint or dust, a simple cleaning may solve the problem. If the problem is caused by mechanical or electrical issues, solving parts related to those problems can help. In some cases, buying a new dryer can be a safer and more cost-effective solution, however.