It’s hard to imagine day-to-day life without our clothes dryers. Finishing a load of laundry would take twice as long, and the labor would be at least twice as much!

Given how central dryers are to our day-to-day, it’s critical to stay on top of any issues as they arise. Timely troubleshooting is not just a matter of convenience, either—it’s also a matter of safety.

If your dryer emits a burning smell, don’t ignore it. Even a slight odor can signal a fire hazard or a potential malfunction. Addressing the issue promptly helps ensure small issues don’t escalate and that your home and family remain safe.

Step One: Take Immediate Action

If you notice a burning odor from your dryer unit, take action. A burning smell does not signal a “wait and see” situation—it’s a potential emergency, and you should address it immediately.

Typically, burning odors show up when the dryer unit is on. An aspect of the dryer’s operation is causing heat or friction that creates the smell. If you notice a burning odor, stop the dryer immediately so that you can investigate the cause safely. It’s also best practice to unplug the machine to avoid further risk. 

In a worst-case scenario, a burning smell can indicate a fire hazard that could cause irreparable damage to your dryer or your home, and harm the people in it. Until you identify the issue, treat any burning odor as an emergency to keep your home and family safe.

Step Two: Identify the Cause

Many different odors fall under the category of “burning smell.” Once you stop the dryer, you can start investigating the source of the smell based on its characteristics.

If at any point you feel out of your depth or unsafe, contact your local appliance repair company immediately. There’s no need to risk your peace of mind or safety when help is just a phone call away.

Differentiating Burning Smells

Some common “burning smells” and their causes include:

• A smoky odor caused by lint buildup in the lint trap, near the heating element, or in the dryer vent
• A smell like melting plastic or rubber caused by a faulty or misaligned belt or overheated plastic housings
• A sharp or acrid odor caused by an electrical fault, such as issues with the wiring, heating element, or motor connection

Since the causes of these smells differ, the solutions will as well. Getting a handle on what’s wrong will help you choose the best—and safest—path to move forward. 

A Special Case Situation

The one time it’s usually safe to take a “wait and see” approach to a burning smell is if your dryer is brand new. With new machines, there can be a light layer of chemicals from the manufacturing process on the dryer’s heating element.

As you run the dryer, these chemicals will naturally burn off, causing a faint odor. This smell should disappear within a few cycles. If it doesn’t, you should follow the steps above and investigate whether there’s another cause.

Step Three: Addressing the Problem

Once you have identified the likely source of the smell and its cause, you’re ready to troubleshoot the issue. Knowing the general cause of the problem enables you to take targeted action to resolve it.

Call the Pros For Electrical Faults

If you believe the problem is an electrical issue, you should call an appliance repair expert right away. Electrical issues can be extremely dangerous, and you should always leave them to the professionals.

Weighing DIY versus Professional Help

If you are comfortable assessing and repairing drive belt or lint issues, you can try a DIY approach. Many people are fully capable of basic maintenance and repairs, and going DIY is a great way to enjoy taking care of your home and save money.

However, it’s often still best to call your local appliance repair company in these situations so they can assess and resolve the full scope of the problem. Unless you know exactly what you’re looking for—both to solve the immediate problem and to address any downstream issues—you risk only partially resolving the issue and having it recur or worsen over time.

The Bottom Line

Whichever path you choose, the most important thing is to take action. Don’t let dryer issues derail your home routine or cause safety hazards. If you notice a burning smell, act immediately to protect your home, your family, and your investment in this critical appliance.

For timely, reliable appliance repair in Morris County and the area, call Morris County Appliance Repair today. Our team is fully licensed and insured, with over 50 years of combined experience to solve even the most complex appliance repair issues. We work on traditional and high-end appliance brands, and offer weekday, weekend, and emergency service for your convenience and peace of mind. With Morris County Appliance Repair, you’ll enjoy personalized customer service and top-notch appliance expertise throughout every interaction. Morris County Appliance Repair—You Can Count On Us!