Let’s be honest, there are few household smells more alarming than the acrid, smoky scent of something burning where it shouldn’t be. When you suddenly notice My Dryer Smells Like It Is Burning, it’s a signal you absolutely shouldn’t ignore. It’s your appliance sending up a flare, and your job is to figure out if it’s a minor hiccup or a serious fire hazard. Here at Clothes Dryer Guide, we’ve seen it all, and we’re here to walk you through the troubleshooting process, transforming that moment of panic into a plan of action. We’ll cover the most common culprits, what you can fix yourself, and when it’s time to call in the pros.
Why Does My Dryer Smell Like It Is Burning? The Usual Suspects
More often than not, a burning smell from your dryer is caused by one thing: lint. However, other issues, from a forgotten crayon to a failing motor, can also be the source. We’ll break down the possibilities, starting with the most frequent and easily fixable.
The Number One Culprit: Lint Buildup
Lint is highly flammable. When it accumulates in areas outside the lint trap, it can come into contact with the dryer’s heating element and smolder or even ignite. This is, by far, the most common reason you’re searching for answers to “my dryer smells like it is burning.”
Think of it as tinder packed around a heat source—a recipe for disaster. Cleaning the lint screen after every load is a great start, but it’s not enough. Lint can bypass the screen and build up in the vent hose and even inside the dryer cabinet itself.
How to Fix It: A Deep Lint Cleanse
- Safety First! Unplug your dryer from the wall outlet. If you have a gas dryer, you should also shut off the gas supply valve.
- Clean the Lint Trap Housing: Remove the lint screen. Use a long, flexible brush and a vacuum cleaner with a narrow attachment to clean out the cavity where the screen sits. You’ll be shocked at what you find in there.
- Clean the Dryer Vent Duct: This is the flexible (or rigid) tube that runs from the back of your dryer to the outside of your home. Disconnect it from the back of the dryer. Use a specialized dryer vent cleaning kit or a vacuum to remove all the accumulated lint from the entire length of the hose.
- Check the Exterior Vent: Go outside and ensure the vent flap on the exterior of your house opens and closes freely and isn’t clogged with lint, leaves, or even a bird’s nest.
- Reconnect and Test: Once everything is clear, securely reconnect the vent duct and plug the dryer back in. Run a short, empty cycle to see if the smell has disappeared.
A Critical Warning: The U.S. Fire Administration reports that thousands of home fires are started by clothes dryers each year. The leading cause? A failure to clean them. Regular and thorough lint removal is the single most important maintenance task for your dryer’s safety and efficiency.
A Brand New Appliance “Burn-In” Smell
Did you just get a new dryer? Sometimes, a burning smell is perfectly normal for the first one or two cycles. The heating element and other components often have a protective oil or chemical coating from the manufacturing process. When you heat them up for the first time, these coatings burn off, creating a distinct chemical or oily smell.
How to Fix It:
Simply run the dryer empty on a full high-heat cycle. If possible, open a window to help ventilate the room. The smell should be completely gone after one or two uses. If it persists, it’s time to investigate other causes.
Something’s Caught in the Drum or Heating Element
Check your pockets! It’s amazing what can end up in a dryer. A forgotten crayon can melt and create a waxy, burning smell. A plastic pen or toy can emit a harsh chemical odor as it melts against the hot metal. Sometimes, a small item like a sock can get past the drum’s seal and land on the heating element.
How to Fix It:
After unplugging the dryer, use a flashlight to carefully inspect the inside of the drum for any foreign objects or residue. If you find melted plastic or crayon, you can often scrape it off gently with a plastic spatula once the drum is cool. For stubborn residue, wiping the area with a cloth dampened with a bit of rubbing alcohol can help.
When the Burning Smell Points to a Mechanical Problem
If you’ve thoroughly cleaned out all the lint and you’re sure nothing is melting in the drum, the burning smell might be a sign of a failing component. These issues are more serious and often require professional help.
The Heating Element is on its Last Legs
The heating element itself can fail. As it ages, parts of the coil can break. Sometimes a piece of the broken coil can touch the metal housing, causing an electrical short and a distinct, sharp metallic or electrical burning smell.
A Failing Thermostat or Thermal Fuse
These are safety components designed to prevent the dryer from overheating. If a thermostat malfunctions, it can allow the dryer to get dangerously hot, which can scorch your clothes and create a burning smell. A blown thermal fuse will usually just stop the dryer from heating altogether, but in the process of failing, it can sometimes be associated with an overheating event.
An Overheating Motor or Worn-Out Belt
If the smell is more like burning rubber than burning lint, the issue could be with the motor or the drive belt.
- The Drive Belt: This rubber belt spins the dryer drum. If it’s worn, frayed, or misaligned, the friction can create a rubbery burning smell. You might also hear a squealing or thumping sound.
- The Motor: The dryer’s motor can overheat due to wear and tear, a bad bearing, or being clogged with lint. This will produce a strong electrical or hot metal smell.
As John Carter, a certified appliance technician with over 20 years of experience, notes, “Once you’ve ruled out lint, you’re entering territory where a DIY fix can go wrong. For issues with motors, belts, or electrical components, the risk of causing further damage or creating a safety hazard is high. That’s the time to call a qualified professional.”
Your Safety-First Troubleshooting Checklist
Use this checklist when you notice a burning smell from your dryer.
- [ ] 1. Stop the Cycle Immediately: Don’t let it run.
- [ ] 2. Unplug the Dryer: Disconnect it from the power source.
- [ ] 3. Check the Lint Screen: Is it full? Clean it.
- [ ] 4. Inspect the Drum: Look for any foreign objects, melted plastic, or crayons.
- [ ] 5. Perform a Deep Lint Clean: Clean the lint trap housing and the entire vent duct from the dryer to the outside.
- [ ] 6. Assess the Smell: Is it dusty (lint), chemical (new dryer or plastic), or rubbery/electrical (mechanical)?
- [ ] 7. Run a Test Cycle: After cleaning, run an empty cycle and check for the smell.
- [ ] 8. Call a Professional: If the smell persists, especially if it’s electrical or rubbery, do not use the dryer and call for service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is it normal for a new dryer to smell like it’s burning?
A: Yes, it can be. For the first one or two cycles, a new dryer may emit a chemical or oily smell as factory coatings on the heating element burn off. This is normal and should disappear quickly.
Q: How often should I clean my dryer vent?
A: You should clean the lint screen after every single load. A deep cleaning of the entire dryer vent duct, from the machine to the exterior of your home, should be performed at least once a year, or more often if you have a large family and do a lot of laundry.
Q: Can a clogged dryer vent cause the burning smell?
A: Absolutely. A clogged vent is the most common cause of a burning smell. It traps heat and lint, creating a serious fire hazard. It also makes your dryer less efficient, costing you more in energy bills.
Q: What’s the difference between a burning lint smell and a burning rubber smell?
A: A burning lint smell is typically dusty, smoky, and similar to the smell of burning hair or fabric. A burning rubber smell is more acrid and pungent and almost always points to a problem with the drive belt or motor.
Q: When should I immediately call a professional if my dryer smells like it is burning?
A: You should call a professional immediately if you’ve thoroughly cleaned the lint and vent system and the smell persists. It is especially urgent if the smell is electrical or rubbery, if the dryer is making unusual noises, or if the outside of the unit feels abnormally hot.
Your Next Step: From Worry to Action
That initial fear when you realize my dryer smells like it is burning is a powerful motivator. Use it to take action. In most cases, a thorough cleaning will solve the problem and make your home safer. By following these steps, you’ve not only addressed the immediate issue but also performed essential maintenance that extends the life of your appliance. Never ignore a burning smell; it’s a clear sign that your dryer needs your attention. By staying vigilant, you’ll never have to worry about that alarming moment again.