What to Do If Your Electric Dryer Smells Like It’s Burning

You walk into the laundry room and suddenly get hit with the sharp scent of something burning. Not what you expected from a load of towels, right?

Before you panic and assume the worst, know this: a burning smell from your electric dryer is often something you can handle yourself. No need to panic, and definitely no need to call in reinforcements (you’ve got this).

Let’s walk through the top reasons your dryer might smell like it’s burning and how to fix each one using tools you probably already have in your garage or laundry room.

Reason #1: Lint Buildup

Lint is the sneaky enemy of dryers everywhere. Even if you clean the lint screen religiously (and you should), tiny particles still make their way into the ductwork, the vent, and the inside of the dryer. Over time, they can collect near the heating element and start to smolder.

How To Fix It:

1. Clean the lint trap after every cycle.
2. Unplug the dryer.
3. Detach the vent hose from the back of the dryer and vacuum it out.
4. Use a long dryer vent brush to clean deep into the hose and wall duct.
5. Vacuum around the lint trap housing and behind the dryer, too.

Also wash the lint screen with dish soap and warm water every few weeks, especially if you use dryer sheets, which can leave a waxy buildup.

Reason #2: Something Fell Through the Drum

Forgotten coins, crayon pieces, plastic wrappers… you’d be surprised what can slip out of a pocket and find its way into the guts of your dryer. Once something lands near the heating element, it might start melting or burning.

How To Fix It:

1. Unplug the dryer.
2. Grab a flashlight and shine it through the holes in the back of the drum.
3. Look for anything unusual, melted gunk, plastic pieces, etc.
4. If you spot something and can reach it with needle-nose pliers or a coat hanger, go for it.
5. For tougher spots, you might need to unscrew the back panel of the dryer to gain access. Just keep track of the screws and take pictures as you go if needed.

Reason #3: Overloading the Dryer

We’ve all stuffed the dryer full to the brim, thinking we’re saving time. But too much laundry at once reduces airflow, increases heat, and makes the dryer work harder than it should, sometimes leading to that burnt smell.

How To Fix It:

1. Break large loads into two smaller ones.
2. Give clothes some breathing room so air can flow freely.
3. Choose lower heat settings for synthetic fabrics and delicates.

This fix not only prevents overheating, but your clothes will dry more evenly and wrinkle less. Win-win.

Reason #4: Worn-Out Dryer Belt

The rubber belt that turns the drum can wear out over time, especially if it rubs against a metal part or slips out of place. When it starts to burn or melt slightly, you’ll smell it.

How To Fix It:

1. Unplug the dryer and remove the top or front panel (depending on the model).
2. Locate the drive belt, which is looped around the drum and a pulley system.
3. Check for cracks, wear, or a burning smell near the belt.
4. If it’s worn or smells burnt, replace it. You can order a replacement online using your dryer’s model number.
5. When installing the new belt, make sure it’s tight and properly aligned with the motor pulley and drum.

It’s a pretty straightforward swap with just a screwdriver and a little patience.

Reason #5: Failing Drum Rollers or Idler Pulley

Dryers have small rollers and pulleys that help the drum turn smoothly. If one gets stuck or worn out, it can create friction, and friction creates heat.

How To Fix It:

1. Open the dryer’s access panel and inspect the rollers and pulley for damage or drag.
2. Try spinning them by hand, they should move easily and quietly.
3. If they’re noisy, stiff, or wobbly, replace them with a compatible kit.
4. Be sure to clean out any lint or dust from the area while you’re in there.

Reason #6: Electrical Odor from Loose Connections

Loose wiring inside the dryer can cause components to overheat or short, especially near the terminal block (where the power cord connects) or heating element terminals.

DIY Fix:

1. Unplug the dryer and remove the back panel.
2. Inspect the power cord and wiring for discoloration, melted insulation, or burnt connectors.
3. Tighten any loose screws or wire terminals using a screwdriver.
4. If any wires look damaged or brittle, replace them with a new wire of the same gauge and type.

This step’s not difficult, but it does require attention to detail. Always double-check connections before reassembling and plugging in.

Reason #7: Brand-New Dryer Smell

If your dryer is fresh out of the box, that burning smell may not be anything serious at all. New dryers often have oils or coatings from the factory that burn off during the first few cycles.

DIY Fix:

1. Run the dryer empty on high heat for 20–30 minutes.
2. Keep the room ventilated to let the smell escape.
3. Repeat once or twice if needed.

If the odor fades after a couple of uses, you’re good to go.

Keep That Dryer Fresh and Safe

Now that you’ve handled the issue like a pro, here’s how to prevent that burning smell from making a comeback:

• Clean the lint trap every single time you run the dryer.
• Deep-clean the vent and ductwork every 6–12 months.
• Check for and remove pocket debris before tossing in clothes.
• Don’t overload the drum, give it room to breathe.
  Use medium or low heat unless you really need high heat.
• Take a peek inside now and then to spot worn parts early.

Doing these things keeps your dryer in top shape and gives you peace of mind every time you hit “Start.”

Final Thoughts

Electric dryer smells like burning? No need to stress. With a bit of time and a few simple tools, you can tackle most of the common causes yourself, your dryer just needs a little attention now and then.

So the next time your laundry day is interrupted by an odd smell, you’ll know exactly what to do. Roll up your sleeves, unplug that dryer, and take charge. You’ve got this!

 If you need any replacement parts for your appliances, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to locate and order them quickly. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have tons of great information in our repair help section and YouTube videos to help you troubleshoot.

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The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

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