Why Does My Dryer Smell Burnt? 5 Surprising Reasons!

Why does my dryer smell burnt? It’s because of things like lint buildup, failing motor, failing belt, & damaged dryer motor.

Troubleshooting the problem is essential, considering the odor emitted to the household section. In this case, it’s also a must to stop the dryer use until you know its problem and the cause of a burnt smell.

Why does my dryer smell burnt

Remember that an incorrectly maintained or not correctly installed dryer will create a fire. Read on more about fixing the dryer and using it safely as you move forward. If things still are the same, it’s about time to seek professional help. Just read on!

 

Reasons Why Dryer Smell Burnt

So, why does my dryer smell burnt? Here are the reasons why:

 

#1. Failing thermostat

A thermostat that begins to fail is one cause why the dryer smell burnt. It cannot control or sense the dryer temperature if it goes out badly. It then performs too hot, thus causing a dryer smell. Read the manual to search & take the thermostat out of the dryer. Perform this after you unplug the dryer. Test the dryer thermostat using an ohmmeter. If it reads up other than zero, it means saying you replace the thermostat. Better to schedule a repair service from an appliance technician to repair and troubleshoot the job efficiently and quickly. It should be a time that is convenient and easy for you.

 

#2. Lint buildup

If lint is built up inside your dryer, grab some vacuum hose to remove the lint. Be extra careful as you vacuum the heating and motor element. Remove the lint inside the walls of a dryer housing, including the floor below the unit. Next, detach the dryer vent hose to shake the lint and debris out. Afterward, assemble the dryer again and run it an empty cycle to know if the burnt smell is going away. Test the unit but do not leave it unattended. Clean the dryer thoroughly or schedule a professional dryer cleaning from a reputable company.

 

#3. Damaged motor

An old dryer motor is one reason why a dryer smells burnt. There will be noise accompanied by dryer use. So, replace the dryer motor with the help of an expert technician.

 

#4. Bad dryer drive belt

Rubber drive type of belt is what old dryers use when turning a drum. A belt that slips out or is old melts because of friction. Or, it could be due to contact with the heating element. Try to find the long type of rubber belt in the dryer. Verify snug but not tight wrapping through its drum. Search for some signs of drying, cracking, melting, and wear. If you think you have to replace the belt, remove the old one and purchase another replacement. Better yet, seek assistance from the appliance expert to buy the appliance. They will be the ones to install this part for you. Know how to replace a dryer belt.

 

#5. Blocked vent hose

Clean the dryer ventilation hose outside your home. Clear any hot hair that exhausts it freely. The lint trap would capture seventy to eight percent of the lint brought by drying. The rest of the airborne fibers draw out of the vent pipe, a flexible pipe that measures 4-inches in the back of a dryer. Then, the flexible dryer pipe attaches to the PVC pipe or hard metal in a similar diameter wherein the pipe will enter the wall. And, the vent pipes would operate beginning from a dryer continuing outdoors.

Hot air backs up completely after blockage occurs in the pipe, pushing the lint onto the sides of a trap and in a dryer cabinet. So, check its vent cover next to the exterior wall. Make sure the louvers can open easily. Search for the vent pipe if there are some blockages. Be careful since hornets, wasps, & others that fly squeeze through louver openings as this becomes a common problem.

 

Precautions To Follow To Reduce Fire

Below are the precautions to keep in mind when reducing fire:

  • Get the lint type of trap emptied after each load. That overflowing trap likely results in the lint entering a dryer cabinet.
  • Get the lint trap washed for any residue that forms on the screen. The dust can stay still in the lint screen while blocking the holes. This now reduces airflow and scrubs any form of buildup with a soft and nylon brush. Use soapy water and dry it before you put it back again.
  • Remove its back panel twice a year. Follow it with vacuuming out the dust to find.
  • Check the vent pipe outside twice a year. Eliminate any blockages using a vent brush. Remove hornet nest or wasp and spray its nest with wasp spray. Read the directions further and make use of the vent brush.
  • Inspect the dryer once in two years so that it functions correctly

 

It’s A Wrap!

Now you learn why does my dryer smell burnt with all the reasons cited above. Follow the directions on fixing the issues that cause this smell to arise. If you need help, ask an appliance technician to solve the problem for you! You may also want to read about why does my dryer smell and why does my dryer smell like gas.