Have you noticed a burning smell coming from your washing machine? Please do not ignore it. Often, it’s a sign of component wear and tear, overheating, or electrical problems. In the article below, we’ve listed the most common causes of a burning smell, along with tips for diagnosing, troubleshooting, and approximate repair costs. Book our washer repair service:
Reasons Why the Washer Smells Burning
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Description and Troubleshooting of Problems
Worn Drive Belt
A worn or slipping drive belt is one of the most common causes of a foul odor in your washing machine. The function of the drive belt is to connect the motor to the drum, helping it rotate during wash and spin cycles. Constant friction and tension can cause the belt to wear out after some time. As a result, the belt cracks or stretches, and further, it begins to slip over the pulleys instead of rotating smoothly. This creates additional friction, generating heat and giving off a distinct burnt rubber odor. The worst outcome is that the belt can tear, in which case your washing machine won’t be able to spin or agitate at all.
Professional Tip
When replacing the belt, it’s also a good idea to inspect the motor pulley and drum pulley , to make sure they haven’t been damaged by the slipping (the worn belt loses grip and slides over the pulleys instead of firmly rotating them, creating heat and a burning smell)
Overheated Motor
Common causes of motor overheating are age, excessive load or mechanical problems. The motor may emit a noticeable burning odor when overheating. When the motor is overloaded, it is forced to work much harder than normal (e.g., washing a heavy blanket or an unbalanced load). The extra load causes the internal windings or bearings to heat up beyond safe limits.
Electrical Short
A short circuit in a washing machine happens when electricity flows along an unintended path. This can lead to sparking, a burning plastic smell, and even smoke. Common causes of a short circuit include damaged internal wiring, overheating or deformation of the plug or outlet, faulty internal components (such as the motor, heating element, or control board), and poor repairs or improper installation.
Clutch Assembly Problems
In top-loading washing machines, the clutch assembly helps gradually bring the drum up to the correct spin speed during the spin cycle. When the clutch wears out, it can begin to slip, creating friction and overheating, which leads to a burning rubber or metallic smell.
Foreign Objects Stuck in Drum
Sometimes small items such as coins or articles of clothing such as socks can slip through the drum openings and get stuck between the inner and outer drum. During the wash cycle, these stuck items can rub against the drum or heating element, causing friction, heat and a burning odor.
Repair Cost
| Drive belt replacing | $180 – $240 |
| Motor replacing | $320 – $440 |
| Wiring restoration after a short circuit | $250 – $450 |
| Clutch assembly replacing | $180 – $230 |
The price of washing machine repairs varies based on the brand, specific model, and the complexity of the issue.
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6 Comments
When replacing a belt, what additional details should I check to prevent future breakdowns?
Hello Ethan! It’s important to carefully inspect the drum and motor pulleys — they should be undamaged and not warped. Pay attention to the tensioner roller, if present: it should rotate smoothly and without any unusual noises. Additionally, check for any play or noise in the bearings, as this could indicate wear. Finally, make sure the belt is installed with the correct tension and alignment; otherwise, it will wear out quickly again.
I noticed a burning plastic smell coming from my washing machine. Could this be a short circuit? What should I do first before the technician arrives to prevent further damage?
Hi Madison! Yes, such a smell can indeed be a sign of a short circuit — especially if it’s accompanied by flickering indicators, the machine turning off on its own, or even visible heat marks on the plug or outlet. In this situation, it’s important to immediately disconnect the washing machine from the power supply to prevent a fire. Do not attempt to turn it back on or try to disassemble it yourself — it’s dangerous. It’s best to wait for a specialist to check the wiring, control module, and other components for any burnt parts.
Recently, my washer underwent a service checkup, and for several weeks it worked perfectly. But now I’ve noticed a burning smell. Could you come and repair it as soon as possible?
Hi Logan! The burning smell is often linked to overheating components like the belt, motor, or electrical wiring. Despite the recent service, the issue may have arisen due to wear and tear on parts or other factors that weren’t addressed during the previous repair. We can quickly come out to diagnose and fix the issue. Please contact us to schedule a visit: https://appliancerepairteodor.com/contacts/