Dryer Has a Burning Smell

Some dryer models use a belt to run the blower. If the blower gets stuck or the blower belt is worn, loose and slipping, it can produce a burning smell. Confirm the blower turns freely and replace the belt if needed.

The idler pulley keeps tension on the belt to prevent it from slipping. If the idler wheel is damaged or stops turning, the belt can slip on the drive pulley, producing a burning smell. If your idler pulley is damaged or doesn't turn, you should replace it. Replacing the drive belt is also recommended.

The drive motor spins the drum to rotate the clothes. If one of the drum supports or idler pulley is binding up, the motor may stop or strain to keep turning. Sometimes the motor itself can have bad bearings making the motor shaft hard to turn. When this happens, the windings can overheat causing an electrical burning smell. If the motor hums but won't start, or the windings smell burnt, the motor will likely need to be replaced.

If the smell coming from the dryer smells like burning rubber, it's possible that a drum roller has worn out and the friction of the drum rubbing against the roller is producing the smell. Inspect the drum roller for wear and confirm the roller can spin freely. If one or more of the rollers are worn out, we recommend replacing all of the rollers at the same time as a preventative measure. (The axle can often be reused if it is in good condition. Clean the axle thoroughly before installing the new rollers.).

If the smell coming from the dryer smells like burning rubber, it's possible that a drum support roller and axle has worn out and the friction of the drum rubbing against the roller is producing the smell. Inspect the support roller and axle for wear and confirm the roller can spin freely. If one or more of the rollers are worn out, we recommend replacing all of the rollers at the same time as a preventative measure. (The axle can often be reused if it is in good condition. Clean the axle thoroughly before installing the new rollers.).

The control board provides power to the various components of the dryer. If the control board receives a power surge, or a component fails, the control board can short-out causing a burning smell. Inspect the control board for burn marks. A burnt control board will need to be replaced.

The terminal block connects the power cord to the dryer's electrical wiring. If the connections on the terminal block were not tight the terminal connectors can get hot, producing a burning smell. Inspect the terminal block for burnt connectors. If the terminal block is badly burnt it will need to be replaced.

Contacts in the timer can become worn over time and fail to make good contact. When this happens, the contacts can overheat and arc, potentially producing a burning smell from the timer.

Over time lint will collect in the interior dryer cabinet, covering the dryer components. Lint that collects on the heater or burner assembly can ignite and cause a fire. Excessive lint can also cause other components like the motor, rollers and idler pulley to fail. The dryer cabinet should be checked and cleaned every 1 to 3 years depending on use.

If the vent line is clogged or partially clogged, it will restrict the airflow through the dryer, substantially increasing the drying time and cabinet temperature and potentially causing a burning smell. To ensure proper dryer performance, you should clean your dryer’s venting system at least once per year.