Did you notice a burning smell while your dryer was running? This is a warning sign and a serious reason for concern. The causes of a burning smell can vary, from lint buildup to overheating components or a broken motor. You shouldn’t ignore this problem, as it can lead to equipment damage, reduced performance, or even a fire. In this article, we will talk about the most common reasons for a burning smell from the dryer and how they can be repaired. Book our dryer repair service:
Reasons Why the Dryer Smells Burning
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Damaged Dryer Motor
The motor is the most important component of the dryer. If there is a burning smell coming from the motor, most likely, it is overloaded or worn out. Sometimes foreign objects or lint get inside. They block the fan of the motor, and this in turn causes overheating.
Solution
- Unplug the dryer from the power supply
- Do not attempt to repair the motor yourself, it can be unsafe
- You can inspect the motor for debris or burned areas
- Then contact a qualified technician, describe the issue, and they will conduct a professional diagnosis and repair of the motor, or possibly replace it
Failing Thermostat
The function of the thermostat is to control the temperature inside the dryer drum. If the thermostat breaks, the dryer can overheat. Due to the heating of internal components, lint, or insulation, such overheating can cause a burning smell. At the same time, the appliance operates at an unstable temperature, which is especially dangerous.
Solution
- Check the heating temperature
- Most likely, the thermostat is faulty if the dryer gets too hot
- For more accurate diagnostics, you will need a multimeter to measure resistance
- Based on the results of the diagnostics, it will be clear whether the thermostat needs to be replaced. It’s better to leave the replacement to a specialist
Pro Tip:
Regularly check the thermostat through routine maintenance. This will help protect the appliance from overheating and extend the life of the dryer.
Bad Drive Belt
The function of the drive belt is to rotate the drum during the drying cycles. If the belt weakens, wears out, is overtightened, incorrectly installed, or breaks, the drum stops. Clothes remain in one spot, don’t dry or dry unevenly, and the belt itself can start to smell like burning if it rubs against internal metal components of the dryer. The belt may start to melt.
Solution
- Unplug the dryer from the power supply
- Check the condition of the belt
- If the belt is damaged, has become too stiff or frayed, it must be replaced with a new one fully compatible with your dryer model
- Replacing the belt is not difficult if you have appliance repair skills. But if you’re not confident, it’s better to call a specialist
Lint Buildup
Even when using filters, there’s no guarantee that fine lint won’t get inside the dryer. It settles on the ventilation ducts and heating elements. Over time, the amount of lint accumulates more and more. It can catch fire from contact with the heater. Then you may smell a strong burning odor.
Solution
- Unplug the dryer
- Remove the filter and clean it and the space beneath it
- We recommend using a narrow vacuum attachment for hard-to-reach areas
Pro Tip:
Vacuum the internal parts of the dryer at least once a month, and also wipe them down with a soft cloth. This will help maintain proper operation of the appliance and protect it from overheating.
Dirty dryer vent
The vent must be clean so that hot air can freely escape. If it’s clogged with dust or lint, the air only partially exits or gets stuck inside. Then overheating occurs, which leads not only to an unpleasant smell but also to damage to components and reduced appliance performance.
Solution
- You need to disconnect the vent hose from the back of the dryer
- Check it for clogs
- If a clog is found, clean the hose using a vacuum or a special brush
- It’s important to make sure the hose is installed without bends
Pro Tip: We recommend cleaning the vent hose and duct at least once every six months. This is especially important if the dryer is used often.
Repair Cost
| Motor repairing or replacing | $200 – $500 |
| Thermostat repairing | $220-$320 |
| Belt replacing | $180-$250 |
| Dryer Cleaning | $120-$310 |
Dryer repair costs depend on the appliance’s brand, model type, and the complexity of the malfunction.
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8 Comments
Sometimes I notice a burning smell while my LG dryer is running. How can I tell where it’s coming from and what might be causing it?
Hi Colton! A burning smell can come from several areas: the motor, the heating element, the vent system, or built-up lint inside the dryer. To find the source, start with the basics—turn off and unplug the dryer, then check the lint filter and the vent openings for any buildup of dust or debris. If everything looks clean, the issue may be overheating inside the dryer’s components. In that case, it’s best to call a technician for a full inspection and professional diagnosis.
I understand that using a dryer when there’s a burning smell is unsafe. But what if the smell only happens occasionally? What could that mean?
Hi Derrick! An occasional burning smell might point to a partially clogged vent, overheating from overloading the dryer, a worn-out thermostat, or a loose connection in one of the internal components. Even if the smell doesn’t happen every time, it’s still risky to keep using the dryer without knowing the exact cause. It’s better to play it safe and have a technician inspect the appliance before the issue gets worse—or turns into a fire hazard.
I dry sneakers with rubber soles in my dryer. Is that dangerous? Could that cause a burning smell?
Hi Miles! It’s not recommended to dry shoes with rubber soles in a dryer. High heat can cause the rubber to melt, release a bad odor, and possibly damage internal parts of the dryer. On top of that, tumbling shoes can harm the drum. This may very well be the reason you’ve already smelled something burning. If you must dry shoes in the dryer, use a special mesh bag and set the dryer to a low-heat or air-dry cycle. Better yet, air-dry them to avoid any risk.
Why does my dryer smell burnt when I first start using it?
Hi Shane! A new dryer may smell slightly burnt during the first few uses due to the production oils burning on the heating element. Run an empty cycle at low speed for 15-20 minutes in a well-ventilated area and observe if the odor disappears. If the burning odor persists or increases, have it checked by a professional. Do not ignore odors, do not overload the dryer and ensure proper ventilation.
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