Why Does My Dishwasher Smell Like Burning? Here’s What You Should Know

Opening your dishwasher should smell like fresh soap and clean dishes, not like something’s burning. If you’re noticing a strong, smoky, or rubbery odor, it could be a sign that something’s not right. And while a new dishwasher might release a faint scent during early cycles, a persistent burning smell could mean an internal part is overheating, melting, or wearing down.

So, why does your dishwasher smell like it’s burning? There are a few possible reasons, and while some might seem small, others could point to bigger issues. Here are some things you need to know.

Why Does My Dishwasher Smell Like It’s Burning?

1. Your Dishwasher is New

If your dishwasher is fresh out of the box, it may give off a slight odor during the first few uses. This can happen as the machine heats up for the first time. Still, any plastic or ‘newness’ scent should be mild and fade fast. If the smell lingers or worsens, there may be something else going on under the surface.

2. Burnt Food or Plastic on the Heating Element

One of the most common causes of dishwasher burning smells is a plastic utensil, lid, or food wrapper slipping down onto the heating element. When that element turns on to dry your dishes, it can melt or scorch the item, releasing a strong, unpleasant smell that sticks around.

If you spot melted plastic or blackened residue near the bottom of the tub, that’s likely the culprit.

3. Failing Heating Element

The heating element does double duty: drying dishes and helping heat water. If it’s cracked, damaged, or coated in burnt-on debris, it might overheat and start giving off a burning smell. While it’s sometimes easy to spot signs of damage (like a warped or blackened coil), other internal and external failures can occur out of sight.

A failing heating element can continue to function while still posing a safety risk, so don’t brush off the signs.

4. Motor or Pump Issues

Dishwashers use powerful motors to spray water and drain it away. If the motor or drain pump begins to overheat—because it’s clogged, worn out, or struggling to function—you may start to smell hot rubber or even a slightly smoky scent.

This is more likely to happen in older machines or ones that have been heavily used. If your dishwasher smells like burning rubber or feels hotter than usual on the outside, there may be a problem inside that’s causing stress on the motor.

You might also hear grinding or humming along with the smell. Either way, it’s time to contact a professional technician for assistance.

5. Overheating Electrical Components

If the smell is sharp and reminds you of an electrical fire, it could be coming from inside the control panel or wiring system. Dishwashers contain several electrical components—including the control board, thermostat, and solenoids—that can short out or overheat over time.

This type of issue can be more serious. If you notice the smell early in the cycle, stop using the dishwasher immediately and have it inspected by a professional.

6. Old or Worn Parts

Like anything with moving parts, dishwashers wear down with age. Rubber gaskets, hoses, or plastic connectors can begin to break down, giving off a burnt rubber odor. If your dishwasher is over 8–10 years old and smells like burning, it could be time to consider a replacement.

7. Your Dishwasher Needs Cleaning

Not every burning smell comes from something breaking. Sometimes, your dishwasher just needs a good clean. Over time, grease, food bits, and soap scum can collect around the heating element, filter, or spray arms. When the machine heats up, that gunk can burn and cause an unpleasant odor.

If you haven’t cleaned your dishwasher in a while (or ever), the smell could be your appliance asking for a little TLC. Built-up debris can also reduce performance and cause your dishwasher to work harder than it should.

Regular cleaning won’t fix damaged parts, but it can help prevent unwanted smells—and may even extend the life of your machine.

Burning Smell Coming from Dishwasher? Here’s When to Take Action

If your dishwasher smells like burning and it’s not caused by a stray piece of plastic, it might be time to start thinking about a replacement. That’s especially true if:

• The smell keeps coming back after every wash
• The appliance is more than 8-10 years old
• You’ve noticed other problems like leaks, poor cleaning, or strange noises
• There’s visible damage or wear on internal components

Even if the dishwasher still turns on, that burning odor could be a sign that a key part is wearing out—or worse, that it’s become a safety hazard. Replacing it with a newer, more reliable model may be the smarter and safer choice.

Should You Replace or Repair Your Dishwasher?

If your dishwasher is older or has been giving you trouble already, a burning smell could be its way of saying, “I’m done.”

Repairing some parts, like the motor or heating element, can be pricey, especially if you’ve already had other issues. And if the smell is coming from inside the machine or wiring, it might not be worth the risk.

The good news? Upgrading doesn’t have to be expensive or stressful. Rent-A-Center makes it easy to bring home a brand-new dishwasher from brands you trust.

Upgrade Your Dishwasher with Confidence at Rent-A-Center

If your dishwasher smells like burning and is past its prime, replacing it doesn’t have to be complicated. Our rent-to-own dishwashers give you the flexibility to shop top brands—all without using credit (Not a credit transaction. Approval will require review of consumer reports)—and the peace of mind of built-in repairs and support during the course of your agreement.

Here’s how Rent-A-Center makes it easy to upgrade with confidence:

• Choose weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly payments
• Shop trusted brands like Whirlpool, GE, and Maytag
• Your rental includes product repairs for the life of your agreement.
• Enjoy free delivery and setup where available
• Take advantage of RAC Exchange* to swap your appliance if your needs change within the first 6 months.

So, whether your dishwasher smells like burning rubber or just isn’t doing the job anymore, Rent-A-Center offers a smarter, more flexible way to upgrade.

Is Your Dishwasher on Its Final Rinse? Call Rent-A-Center

If your dishwasher smells like burning—even faintly—it may not be a harmless issue. Burning rubber or plastic odors may mean electrical components, wiring, or motors are overheating or failing. Don’t risk it. Start planning for a safer, more reliable solution.

With Rent‑A‑Center’s rent-to-own option, you can enjoy brand-name reliability, flexible rental payments, and full peace of mind, all without the stress of an upfront purchase. Shop online or visit your local Rent-A-Center today for dishwashers, fridges, small kitchen appliances, and more.

 

*“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.