Why Does My Dryer Smell Like It’s Burning?

Is a burnt smell stinking up your laundry room? Or do your clothes come out of the dryer smelling burnt? Not only is this an unpleasant experience for your sniffer, but a burnt smell from your clothes dryer typically indicates an appliance issue that should be addressed ASAP.

Discover seven possible reasons your dryer smells like it’s burning.

1. Clogged Lint Catcher

If you finish a load of laundry thinking, “My clothes dryer smells like burning hair,” the lint catcher might be the culprit. Every time you run the dryer, lint comes off your clothing, bedding, towels, and other linens. If you don’t regularly empty the trap, this lint can accumulate and get too close to the heating element. The scorched lint then leads to a smell similar to burnt hair. The best solution here is to regularly clean out your dryer’s lint catcher before and after each load.

2. Worn Belts

Dryers work by rotating clothes around the drum and circulating heated air. They rely on rubber drive belts to turn the drum. Over time, these belts can deteriorate or become misaligned, leading to a noticeable odor. If your clothes dryer smells like burning rubber, the drive belt may be worn out. In this instance, it may be a good idea to call a dryer repair technician to handle the replacement.

3. Overheated Motor

Like your car and other household appliances, your dryer needs a motor to run. If your dryer smells like burning and won’t start, the motor may need to be inspected by a professional. Not only can it wear out over time, but it can also overheat due to overloading or blocked ventilation. Overheating can cause a burning smell and may prevent the dryer from starting.

Be sure you don’t overload the dryer, and have the air vents checked for any blockages. If you continue to smell something burning or your dryer won’t turn on, the motor’s bearings might have failed. Replacement can be costly, so if the motor has called it quits, you might want to buy a new dryer.

4. Faulty Thermostat

The thermostat controls the temperature inside your dryer, whether it’s on a no-heat setting or cranked up to the highest temperature. A faulty thermostat can fail to regulate the dryer’s temperature, causing it to overheat. Consider contacting a professional repair company to handle diagnostics and replacement.

5. Blocked Airflow

Clogged vents or hoses bent, crushed, or filled with lint can restrict airflow. Blocked airflow in a dryer can lead to overheating, which causes a burning smell. Clogged vents can also lead to other problems, like condensation in your dryer.

6. Electrical Problems

Whether you have a gas or electric dryer, it contains electrical components like wiring and controls. Faulty or aged wiring within the dryer can short out, leading to a burning smell, often like burning plastic or electrical insulation. This is a serious issue and can be a fire hazard.

Shut off the dryer’s power immediately and call a professional appliance repair technician who can safely diagnose and repair electrical issues. If the electrical system is too damaged, it could be time to replace your dryer.

7. Melted Pocket Trash

Sometimes, you simply forget to empty your pockets before starting a load of laundry. Items like plastic wrappers, crayons, and paper can melt inside the dryer and create a burning smell.

When to Replace Your Dryer

A burnt smell from the dryer is never fun, and some causes are harder to fix than others. You may want to consider getting a new dryer if:

• Your dryer is older than 10 years
• The cost of repairs is close to or more than purchasing a new dryer
• A burning smell isn’t the only problem you have with your dryer, or your dryer frequently breaks down

Dryers, like all appliances, can be a big investment, and your current cash flow shouldn’t stop you from getting safe, working appliances. With options like Rent-A-Center, you can get a dryer that performs as it should (without the burning smell), and you do not have to pay the total price upfront.

Plus, you don’t have to worry about buyer’s remorse. With RAC Exchange*, you can swap your dryer for a different model within the first six months of your agreement — and anything you’ve already paid will count toward your new dryer. No worrying about being locked into a dryer you don’t love for the next decade.

Banish the Burnt Smell with a New Dryer from Rent-A-Center

Is your dryer officially on the fritz? Get an upgrade that won’t break your budget at Rent-A-Center. With flexible payment options, free delivery**, and quality, name-brand options like Maytag and Whirlpool, you can’t go wrong! Shop online or visit your nearest Rent-A-Center location today!

*RAC Exchange” program valid for agreements entered at select locations, is available to new and existing customers and applies to inventory obtainable by store location. Cash price of the item selected for exchange may not exceed approval amount, which is subject to validation and adjustment prior to exchange and may vary from original approval amount. Exchange requires execution of rental agreement for item selected for exchange, which must be completed within six (6) months following the first active rental date of item being returned for exchange. Agreement for item being returned for exchange must be in good standing (with all rental payments current) at the time of exchange and product must be in good condition. Rent paid for prior agreement will be applied to reduce the total cost to own for the replacement agreement but rent paid may not be applied in full to Same As Cash amount for replacement agreement. Any applicable Same As Cash period will apply to new agreement based on product selection and agreement term. The amount of rent paid from prior agreement eligible for application to Same As Cash amount for replacement agreement may vary from 40% to 66%, depending on your state of residence. Exchanges under program may not be combined with other discounts, offers or promotions. Participating locations only. Eligible items only. All items subject to availability and approval. See Store Manager for complete details.

**Free Delivery and Curbside Pickup”: Not all locations may be able to provide standard services. Free Delivery is not available on cash sales. Rent-A-Center services and maintains the merchandise while on rent (or in NJ, for duration stated on agreement); set-up does not include connection of gas appliances. Call your store for local information. Order delivery for jewelry will take a minimum of five days.