Why Is There a Burning Smell From My Clothes Dryer?

A burning smell from your dryer is a warning sign that should never be ignored. While it doesn’t always indicate an immediate fire hazard, it signals that something is wrong and needs attention. Whether it’s a clogged dryer vent, an overheating component, or a failing part, pinpointing the cause of the burning smell in your dryer is crucial.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, appliances and electronics start 24,200 house fires annually, with a third of dryer-related fires caused by excess lint buildup. This means a burning smell from your dryer could be a sign of lint overheating – one of the most common and preventable causes of dryer fires.

Before troubleshooting, unplug the dryer and remove any clothing to reduce the risk of ignition. Then, use the guide below to investigate what might be causing the burning smell and how to fix it.

Causes of a Burning Smell From a Clothes Dryer

A burning smell from your dryer is a red flag, but in many cases, the problem is fixable if addressed promptly. Below are the most common causes of this issue, along with the best solutions.

Lint Buildup in the Dryer Vent

Lint buildup inside the dryer vent is the leading cause of dryer-related fires, and it’s the most likely reason behind the burning smell in your clothes dryer. When you use your dryer, tiny fabric fibers break off your clothing and get trapped in the lint trap and vent. Over time, these fibers accumulate and create a blockage on the dryer vent that restricts airflow and prevents heat and exhaust from escaping the machine.

Lint is highly flammable, and the trapped heat inside the dryer can ignite the lint. This can also produce a burning smell that signals a fire risk. The longer you continue using the dryer with clogged vents, the higher the chance of a dryer fire.

• Lint buildup blocks the airflow, causing the dryer to overheat.
• Excess heat can ignite lint, creating a burning odor.
• Clogged vents prevent hot air from escaping, making the dryer work harder than necessary.

Suggested Solution

A professional dryer vent cleaning is the best way to remove lint buildup and prevent future issues. The Mad Hatter will thoroughly inspect and clean your dryer vent to ensure hot air and exhaust flow freely outside your home, reducing overheating risks and improving your dryer’s efficiency.

Broken Dryer Thermostat

The thermostat in your dryer monitors and regulates the temperature inside the drum. If it fails, the dryer can overheat, leading to a burning smell and potentially damaging other components of the machine. A faulty thermostat can also cause your dryer to keep running longer than it should, increasing the risk of overheating.

• Clothes feel scorching hot after a cycle.
• The dryer runs for longer than usual or doesn’t shut off.
• A persistent burning odor, even when lint buildup isn’t an issue.

Suggested Solution

If you suspect your thermostat is faulty, stop using the dryer and call an appliance repair technician to inspect and replace the thermostat if necessary.

Damaged Dryer Motor

A failing dryer motor can also produce a burning smell, often described as an electrical or rubbery odor. Over time, dust, lint, and general wear and tear can cause the motor’s bearings or windings to overheat. If the motor is struggling to function, it may generate excessive heat, leading to a burning smell that gets stronger as the dryer runs.

• A burning electrical smell while the dryer is running.
• The dryer struggles to start or makes unusual noises.
• A humming, squeaking, or grinding sound during operation.

Suggested Solution

If the dryer motor is overheating, turn off the machine and call an appliance technician. Running the dryer with a failing motor can lead to further damage and potential fire risks.

Trapped Objects Inside the Drum

Small objects, such as dryer sheets, buttons, coins, or even rubber from clothing labels, can get stuck inside the drum or heating element. This can cause a burning smell in your laundry room. Plastic materials or synthetic fabrics may melt inside the dryer, producing a strong chemical odor.

• Items like plastic buttons, rubber materials, or dryer sheets can overheat if trapped in the drum.
• If something melts inside the drum, it can produce a strong burning plastic smell.

Suggested Solution

Check the drum for trapped or melted objects and remove them immediately. If melted plastic is stuck inside the dryer, carefully scrape it off after the dryer has cooled down thoroughly.

Electrical Issues

A burning smell that resembles burning plastic or wiring insulation could indicate an electrical problem inside the dryer. Over time, electrical wiring can become loose or damaged, leading to overheating and potential fire hazards. If you notice an electrical smell, stop using the dryer immediately.

• The burning plastic smell gets stronger when the dryer is running.
• The dryer trips the circuit breaker frequently.
• Flickering lights or power surges when the dryer is in use.

Suggested Solution

A licensed appliance technician should always inspect electrical issues. Unplug the dryer and call a professional to avoid potential fire risks.

Excessive Dryer Use Without Cool-Down Time

If you’ve been running multiple loads of laundry back-to-back, your dryer may be overheating simply due to excessive use. When a dryer doesn’t have time to cool down between cycles, its internal components can become too hot, leading to a burning smell.

• Running multiple loads without a break overheats the dryer.
• The heating element stays on too long, leading to an overheated drum.
• Overheating damages components, reducing the lifespan of your dryer.

Suggested Solution

Allow your dryer to rest between loads to prevent overheating. If you frequently dry large loads, consider upgrading to a dryer with a higher capacity.

Schedule Your Dryer Vent Inspection and Cleaning With The Mad Hatter

A burning smell from your dryer is not something to ignore. It’s a sign that your appliance needs immediate attention. The best way to prevent lint buildup and reduce fire risks is to schedule a professional dryer vent cleaning and inspection with The Mad Hatter.

Dryer vents should be inspected annually to ensure they are free of lint buildup. Lint is highly flammable, and allowing it to accumulate in the vent system creates a serious fire hazard. Our technicians will thoroughly clean your dryer vent, ensuring proper airflow and reducing overheating risks.

Schedule your dryer vent inspection and cleaning today with The Mad Hatter!