What to do when your dehumidifier emits a burning smell

It’s pretty unsettling when your dehumidifier starts to smell like something’s burning, right? It can make you worry about safety in your own home. Maybe you’re thinking it’s about to have an electrical meltdown or some big malfunction. But hey, before you panic, there are some easy steps you can take to figure out what’s up and sort things out.

The tips here might not fit your exact dehumidifier model. We do our best to give accurate advice for DIY fixes, but different models can have their own quirks, like unique troubleshooting steps or parts. For spot-on guidance, it’s best to check your machine’s manual or reach out to us if you’ve got questions.

Immediate steps to take

The moment you catch a burning smell coming from your dehumidifier, stop everything and follow these steps right away:

1. Unplug the dehumidifier:  Don’t just turn it off, fully unplug it from the wall. You want to cut off all power immediately to avoid any risk of electrical damage or fire.
2. Let it cool down:  Give the unit at least 30–60 minutes to cool off completely before you even think about touching or opening it. Internal components can get really hot.
3. Inspect the power outlet:  Take a look at the outlet where it was plugged in. Does it smell burnt too? Any scorch marks or signs of melting? If so, stop here, there might be a problem with the outlet itself, not just the dehumidifier.
4. Do not plug it back in:  Until you’ve had a chance to inspect and troubleshoot the unit (which we’ll cover in the next sections), don’t plug it back in or try to run it again.

Common causes of a burning smell

There are a handful of reasons your dehumidifier might smell like it’s burning. Some are simple to fix, while others take a little more investigating. Here are the most common causes:

• Dust or debris buildup: If dust collects on internal components like the fan motor, heating elements, or coils, it can burn off when the unit heats up. This is especially common if the unit hasn’t been cleaned in a while.
• Overheating motor or compressor: If the motor is working too hard—maybe due to restricted airflow or age—it can start to overheat and give off a hot, electrical smell. The same goes for the compressor if it’s failing.
• Electrical issues: Things like frayed wires, a loose connection, or a damaged power cord can cause short circuits or arcing, which definitely smells burnt. You might see scorch marks around connection points, too.
• Failed internal components: Capacitors, relays, or the fan motor itself can start to fail and overheat. Sometimes these components will swell or leak if they’re damaged, so visual inspection is key.
  
• Blocked airflow or clogged filter: If the air filter is dirty or the intake is blocked, the unit has to work harder than it should, which puts extra strain on the motor and can lead to overheating.

These are the big things to check for—but don’t worry, we’ll walk through how to safely inspect and test for them next.

Inspection and troubleshooting tips

Once your dehumidifier is unplugged and cooled down, it’s time to do some hands-on checking. This part can help you figure out what’s going wrong, and in many cases, fix it yourself.

Here’s how to inspect and troubleshoot safely:

1. Unplug the unit and let it cool down. Make sure the dehumidifier is completely disconnected from power and has had at least 30–60 minutes to cool before handling.
2. Check the power cord for damage. Examine the full length of the cord for cracks, melted spots, or fraying. A damaged cord is a common cause of electrical smells and should be replaced.
3. Inspect the plug and wall outlet. Look for scorch marks or discoloration on the plug prongs or the outlet itself. If the outlet smells burnt or appears damaged, stop using it immediately.
4. Remove and clean the air filter. Pull out the air filter and wash it with warm, soapy water if it’s reusable. Let it dry completely before putting it back in. If it’s not reusable, replace it with a new one.
5. Vacuum the vents and air grilles. Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove any dust or lint blocking airflow. Restricted airflow can cause the unit to overheat.
6. Open the unit’s housing. Carefully remove the screws holding the outer casing together and take off the cover. Be mindful of sharp metal edges and keep track of all screws.
7. Inspect internal components for signs of damage. Look for melted wires, burnt circuit board spots, discolored connectors, or bulging capacitors. Clean out any dust buildup while you’re in there.
8. Spin the fan blades by hand. They should rotate freely and quietly. If they feel stuck, grind, or wobble, there may be a mechanical issue or blockage causing the motor to overheat.
9. Test electrical parts with a multimeter. Set the multimeter to the correct setting and check for continuity or capacitance on the capacitor, fan motor, and power cord. If any part fails the test, it may need replacing.
10. Reassemble the unit. Once everything looks clean and intact, put the cover back on, reinstall all screws, and reinsert the air filter. Don’t plug it back in until you’re confident it’s safe and ready.

Where to go from here

If you have more questions about troubleshooting, replacing parts, or just general tips, feel free to visit AppliancePartsPros.com for parts and resources. Follow us on social media to stay in the loop with new tips and repair tricks. Join us on Facebook and Twitter to stay connected.

Don’t hesitate to contact our customer support team for more help. We’re here to help you figure out why your appliance is acting up and get you the parts you need to make quick DIY fixes.