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Dryer burning smell
Common reasons your dryer burning smell
The most common reasons your dryer has a burning smell are an open heating element, broken idler assembly or a worn drum bearing.
56% of the time it's the Heating Element
23% of the time it's the Idler Assembly
11% of the time it's the Drum Bearing
10% of the time it's the Something else
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Common dryer repair parts you may need
Replacing one of these dryer parts may fix your problem.
Heating Element Replacement
If the heating element in your dryer breaks and shorts against metal inside the cabinet, it could emit a burning smell. You might detect a metallic odor or burning insulation from the wiring when the damaged element makes contact with metal. If you notice a burning scent emanating from the dryer, turn it off immediately and schedule a visit from a Sears Home Services Technician to inspect it. The technician will examine the heating element and replace it if necessary.
Idler Assembly Replacement
If you detect a burning smell from your dryer, it may be due to a worn or broken idler assembly. A faulty idler assembly fails to properly tension the drive belt on the drum, causing it to slip across the drum and heat up rapidly. If you notice a rubbery burning odor emanating from the dryer, it's advisable to have a Sears Home Services Technician inspect it. The technician will replace the idler assembly if necessary.
Drum Bearing Replacement
If you detect a burning smell emanating from your dryer, it might be due to a worn drum bearing. The drum bearing is responsible for reducing friction between the drum and the cabinet during rotation. However, when the drum bearing wears out, friction between the drum and the cabinet can lead to overheating, resulting in a burning odor reminiscent of metal or plastic. If you notice such an odor from your dryer, it's advisable to have a Sears Home Services Technician inspect it and replace the worn drum bearing if necessary.
Why does my dryer smell like it’s burning?
Dryer burning smell can be caused by several different issues. Follow these expert tips to find and resolve the cause of the burning smell.
Lint burning smell
If you smell lint burning, stop the dryer immediately. Check the flexible vent duct behind the dryer for lint buildup and clear lint out of that duct. Clear any lint buildup out of your home's dryer exhaust vent system as well.
Schedule dryer maintenance to have a technician visit your home and clear lint out of the inside the dryer cabinet. Don't continue using the dryer until you have the inside of the cabinet checked and cleaned by a technician.
A buildup of lint inside the cabinet can start a fire.
Wire Insulation Burning Smell
A short circuit in wiring or a component can cause a distinctive smell of burning wiring insulation. A short circuit or component failure on the electronic control board can cause that same smell.
If you detect the smell of burning insulation, unplug the power cord if you can safely reach it without touching the dryer or shut off the house circuit breaker to disconnect electrical power going to the appliance.
Remove the top panel and check the electronic control board and attached wiring for burnt wires and/or circuit board components.
Here’s a video that shows how to access the electronic control board in common Kenmore dryer models:
Schedule dryer repair service to have a service technician examine and repair the dryer if you find burnt wires and/or burnt spots on the circuit board..
Leave the dryer unplugged or disconnected from electrical power until you have it examined and serviced by a technician. A short circuit or damaged wiring in the dryer poses an electrocution risk to you and your household if you continue using the dryer.
Rubber Burning Smell
When you smell rubber burning, a worn dryer belt could be slipping or a problem with the drive system could be causing the drive belt to rub against the drum or idler pulley.
Overloading the dryer can cause the drive belt to rub against the drum. Check the size of the wash load and pull some items out if you see that the dryer is overfilled.
Unplug the dryer and remove the top dryer cabinet panel.
Examine the dryer belt and if you find it worn, replace the belt.
If you’re not completely confident that you can replace a damaged drive belt on your own, schedule service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the dryer for you.
Metallic Burning Smell
Motor bearings can emit a metallic burning smell if they’re worn or damaged and overheat. You’ll also likely hear whining or squealing sounds when bearings go bad and are overheating.
Worn drum glide bearings or a worn out felt seal can allow the drum to scrape against the metal bulkhead in the dryer. You’ll likely hear metallic scraping noise when this occurs.
You’ll likely need to have a service technician examine the dryer and replace parts that are making metallic burning smells.
What to expect when you experience a dryer burning smell issue
How is the burning smell problem in a dryer fixed?
Addressing most instances of a burning smell typically requires replacing the heating element, idler assembly, or drum bearing. Nevertheless, given the various potential causes, conducting a comprehensive diagnosis is crucial for resolving the issue. An accurate diagnosis is vital for determining the extent of the repair needed.
Sears Home Services advice for resolving a dryer burning smell
If your dryer emits a burning odor, it could stem from various causes. To prevent unnecessary part replacements, we advise consulting a Sears Home Services expert to conduct diagnostic tests and pinpoint the underlying issue. Our skilled technicians specialize in diagnosing a wide range of dryer malfunctions.
What to look for with a dryer burning smell diagnosis
Understanding and diagnosing modern appliances without adequate knowledge and training can be challenging. Simply replacing parts without employing proper diagnostic methods may not effectively resolve the issue with your dryer. Over the past decade, appliances have evolved significantly, with many now incorporating complex electronic components that are challenging to assess. Consequently, do-it-yourself repairs on newer appliance models are becoming progressively more intricate.
A dryer with a burnt odor commonly has lint near the heating element or an overtaxed motor. Operating it further risks serious damage or fire. Power down and book a dryer repair near me check. Quick action preserves both appliance safety and your peace of mind.
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He was professional and polite. I didn't call back later that afternoon, although he replaced a thermostat the smart dry timer doesn't work as I was still having the same issue. The lady said she would email him and have him return. Never heard from anyone else.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Glossary Terms
A dryer drum is the main interior component of a clothes dryer where clothes are placed to be dried. It rotates during the drying cycle, allowing heated air to circulate through the clothes.
A dryer filter, commonly known as a lint filter, is a component of a clothes dryer that captures lint and other debris from clothes during the drying process, preventing them from clogging the dryer vent.
A dryer pedestal is a platform that elevates a dryer off the ground, making it easier to load and unload laundry while also providing additional storage space in some models.
A dryer rack is an accessory for clothes dryers that provides a stationary platform to dry items without tumbling, ideal for delicate or bulky items, or shoes that might be damaged by the usual drying cycle.