What to do first
A burning smell from a dryer is a warning sign. Act first, diagnose second.
- Stop the cycle and unplug the dryer if you can reach the plug safely. If you cannot, switch off the circuit breaker for the dryer.
- Leave the door closed if you see smoke or suspect something is burning inside, which limits oxygen. Do not open it to look if smoke or flames are present.
- If there is fire or visible smoke, get everyone out of the house and call emergency services. Do not try to put out a dryer fire yourself.
- Let the dryer cool before you check anything.
- Do not run the dryer again until you know the cause and it has been fixed.
If you smell gas
A gas dryer should never smell like gas. If you smell natural gas or propane (often described as a rotten-egg odor), leave the home immediately and contact your gas utility or emergency services from outside. Do not operate light switches, the dryer or anything that could spark. Do not try to relight or repair gas parts yourself.
Identify the smell
The type of smell can offer clues, but it is not a reliable diagnosis, so use it only as a guide.
- Hot, dusty, or like scorched paper: often lint heating up on or near a hot surface, or a restricted vent.
- Burning rubber: may suggest a worn or slipping belt or friction in the drive system.
- Sharp, acrid or chemical, like hot plastic: can indicate an electrical problem such as an overheating wire or terminal. Treat this as serious.
- Burnt fabric on clothes: the dryer is running too hot. See dryer overheating.
- Musty or damp: more of a moisture or drainage problem than a burning one.
Common causes
Lint buildup
Lint that collects around the heating area, in the lint trap housing, or in the vent can overheat and smell. A clogged vent can also let heat build up. See our dryer vent issues guide.
Worn drive belt or rollers
A belt that is frayed, stretched or slipping can create friction and a rubbery smell. Worn drum rollers or an idler pulley can add drag on the motor.
A struggling motor
If the drum is hard to turn or the motor strains, it can run hot and smell.
Foreign objects
A coin, pen, sock or tissue can slip behind the drum or into the heater area and burn. Check pockets before drying.
Electrical problems
Loose wiring, a failing terminal block, a bad connection at the power cord, or a failing component can overheat and cause a sharp odor. Electrical faults can start fires.
Thermostat or heating element faults
If the dryer produces too much heat, scorching smells can follow. See dryer overheating.
Safe checks you can do
Only after unplugging the dryer and letting it cool:
- Clean the lint filter, and look at the lint slot with a flashlight.
- Vacuum visible lint around the filter opening and behind the dryer.
- Check pockets, the drum and the area behind the drum for stray items you can see.
- Check that the transition duct is not crushed and the outside vent hood is clear.
- Look at the power cord and plug for discoloration, melting or a loose fit. If you see any damage, do not use the dryer.
Do not open internal panels or test parts unless you are experienced with appliance repair and have disconnected power.
Is a burning smell normal in a new dryer?
A faint odor during the first few uses can happen as manufacturing residues burn off, and some makers say this is normal. If the smell is strong, smells like gas or burning plastic, comes with smoke, or does not fade after the first few cycles, stop using the dryer and contact the retailer or manufacturer. Check your manual for what your maker says about initial operation.
When to call a professional
Stop using the dryer and call a qualified technician if:
- The smell returns after you have cleaned the filter and checked the vent.
- The smell is acrid, chemical or like melting plastic.
- You see scorch marks, smoke or discolored parts.
- Circuit breakers trip, or the plug or outlet is warm or damaged.
- You suspect the belt, motor, heating element or wiring.
- Any gas odor is present (call the gas utility first).
Electrical and gas repairs are not good DIY projects for most people.
How to prevent burning smells
- Clean the lint filter after every load.
- Have the vent cleaned regularly. A common guideline is at least once a year, more for heavy use. Our vent guide explains how often and how.
- Empty pockets and avoid drying items that are soaked with flammable substances such as oil, gasoline or cooking oil. Follow care labels and your dryer manual.
- Do not overload the dryer.
- See how to improve dryer performance for simple maintenance habits.
FAQ
How can I tell if my dryer is overheating?
Look for very hot clothes, a hot cabinet, mid-cycle shutoffs or scorch marks. Our overheating article explains more.
How often should I clean my dryer vent?
Many sources suggest at least once a year, and more often with heavy use, pets or a long duct run.
My Whirlpool Cabrio smells like burning. What could it be?
The causes are the same as for other dryers: lint, a restricted vent, a worn belt or rollers, or an electrical or heating fault. Stop using it, check the filter and vent as described above, and have a technician inspect it if the smell returns. Model-specific advice is in your manual.