Our laundry machines should make life easier, not harder. Unfortunately, they can occasionally experience issues that leave homeowners utterly bewildered and at a loss for what to do. One common problem that throws a wrench in many families’ days is a burning dryer.
Have you ever opened your laundry room door, only to be blasted with a wave of hot air? If the heat ramped up the closer you got to the dryer and you noticed a distinct burning smell, you know the problem we’re talking about. This foul odor should prompt you to take action immediately. After all, the culprits behind this issue all pose as potential fire hazards. Whether it’s a clogged lint trap or a more serious problem like an overheating motor, you want to be careful not to dismiss the burning smell as a one-off issue.
So, what should you do in this situation? We’re glad you asked! Our technicians are here to guide you through the steps of troubleshooting a dryer that smells like it’s burning.
7 Reasons Your Dryer Produces a Burning Smell
Why do dryers produce burning smells in the first place? The problem can often be traced back to one of seven culprits. Here is a breakdown of the common reasons your dryer might smell like it’s burning:
- Lint Buildup: If the lint trap is not cleaned regularly, lint can accumulate in the trap, the dryer vent, and even inside the dryer itself. When the dryer heats up, this accumulated lint (which is highly flammable) can start to smolder and produce a burning smell.
- Clogged Dryer Vent: The dryer vent is the tube that carries the hot, moist air from the dryer to the outside of your home. If this vent becomes clogged with lint, it can restrict airflow and cause the dryer to overheat. This can lead to a burning smell and can also be a fire hazard.
- Foreign Objects: Sometimes, small items like crayons, pens, or even a tube of lip balm can accidentally get left in a pocket and end up in the dryer. When these items are exposed to the high heat of the dryer, they can melt and produce a burning smell.
- Faulty Heating Element: If the heating element is faulty or is starting to fail, it can overheat and make your dryer smell like it’s burning.
- Worn-Out Drum Belt: The drum belt is what allows the drum of the dryer to turn. If the belt is worn out or broken, it can cause the motor to work harder, which can lead to overheating.
- Motor Issues: The motor is what powers the drum and the blower wheel in the dryer. If the motor is failing, it can work overtime and produce an odor like something is about to catch fire.
- Electrical Problems: A burning smell can also be a sign of an electrical problem, such as a faulty wire or a problem with the outlet. If you suspect an electrical problem, it’s best to call a qualified electrician to diagnose and repair the issue.
How to Troubleshoot a Dryer That Smells Like It’s Burning
If you notice a burning smell coming from your clothes dryer, the first thing you should do is turn it off and unplug it from the wall. This will help to prevent a fire and will also protect you from electrical shock while you are troubleshooting the problem.
Once the dryer is unplugged, you can start to investigate the source of the smell. Use these steps to do so safely:
Check for Foreign Objects
We’ve all left something in our pockets and washed the clothes at one point or another. For this reason, it’s a good idea to inspect the dryer drum for any foreign objects. Look for signs of melted plastic, crayons, lipstick, and other items. Clean the drum if necessary.
Clean the Lint Trap & Inspect the Dryer Vent
One of the most common culprits behind a burning dryer is a clogged lint trap, so before taking things any further, remove this filter and clean it thoroughly.
Next, you should inspect the dryer vent at the back of the dryer. You will want to disconnect the tube from the appliance and check for any blockages. You can use a vacuum cleaner or a special dryer vent cleaning brush to remove any lint that has accumulated in the duct. Before reconnecting the tube to the dryer, take a look at the vent on the outside of your home to make sure it is not blocked by a bird’s nest or other debris.
Contact Your Local Appliance Repair Company
If you have performed the steps above and the burning smell persists, there’s likely an internal component failure. For your safety and to avoid causing further damage to your home appliance, this is the point at which you should call a professional.
Our certified technicians will conduct more in-depth troubleshooting steps safely and efficiently. These steps often include:
- Inspecting the Heating Element and Thermostat: A break or a short in the heating element can cause it to overheat or arc, creating a distinct burning smell. We will inspect the element for visible damage (such as cracks or blistering) and use a multimeter to verify its performance. Next, we will test the thermostat to make sure it isn’t the reason the heating element is staying on too long.
- Examining the Drum Belt: In addition to looking at the heating element and thermostat, we will inspect the drum belt for signs of fraying, cracking, or glazing. If needed, we can replace the drum belt and its corresponding parts.
- Testing the Motor: Since the main drive motor can be the source of a burning odor, our technicians will inspect this dryer component as well. We will listen for humming or grinding noises, check for excessive heat from the motor housing, and test the motor’s electrical windings to ensure it’s functioning correctly.
- Checking Internal Wiring and Electrical Connections: Our technicians are trained to meticulously inspect the dryer’s internal wiring, so we will look for any frayed wires, loose connections, or wires that have made contact with hot surfaces.
Let Our Experts Repair Your Burning Dryer
Is your dryer threatening to burn through your clothes? Call on the professionals at FixEm Appliance Repair. Our technicians can quickly diagnose the problem and get your dryer back up and running safely and efficiently. We even offer same-day service at no extra charge whenever possible, so you don’t have to put your whole life on hold. Contact us today to book a dryer repair! We service most major appliance brands.
