Why does my dryer smell like it’s burning?

Smelling a burnt odor from your dryer isn’t a good sign. A burning smell manifests that something’s not right with your dryer vent, and better not to ignore it. Implementing little troubleshooting to your dryer can help you determine whether it needs replacement or repair. Instead, contact a professional for dryer vent repair in Sacramento when you suspect an issue.

Here are the possible causes why your dryer has a burning smell.

Clothing chemicals

Chemicals within the dryer sheets or from the detergent could be a reason for causing the dryer to smell like it’s burning.

Excessive Lint buildup

The lint buildup can also be the reason for the burning smell, as the lint trapped in the dryer’s vent trap is considered highly flammable. Lint buildup can cause a fire in addition to emitting a burning odor. The likely source of the burning smell is when the lint gets exposed to the dryer's heating element. Thus, it is imperative to clean your dryer lint trap to avoid additional lint buildup.

Issues with dryer venting

Besides lint, the blocking of the dryer vent is another chief reason for a burned odor. Animals sometimes build their nests in the dryer vent, preventing the hot air from escaping. Trash and other items left in your pockets can also accumulate in the dryer vent. When the dryer vent is clogged, it may take longer to dry and subsequently emit a burning smell. Another potential rare cause of the smell could even be an insect or bee infestation obstructing the dryer vent. Call your local pest control to handle this situation.

Malfunctioning of dryer heater

Internal thermostats in dryers monitor the temperature and, if required, turn the appliance off to prevent overheating. The thermostat may fail to stop the dryer while it is overheated. It must be replaced when this occurs. It also contributes significantly to the burnt stench.

Inspect for drive belt issues

Your dryer's motor spins a hefty belt that turns the drum (where you place the clothes), but it will slip instead of gripping securely if the belt is slightly loose. Since the belts are rubber, they might melt and start to burn if they are slipping. Friction or exposure to the dryer's heating element might cause the melting. In such instances, it is advised that a professional appliance repair company in Sacramento handles the problem.

Dryer motor failure

A dryer that is old or broken may cause it to burn or malfunction. If the dryer is evoking buzzing and growling noises while being used, it indicates a malfunctioning motor. A professional appliance repair specialist will need to replace the thermostat if you detect any of these sounds, assuring that the machine is safe.

What if none of the preceding options work?

The burning smell might be caused by problems with the dryer's heating element or even defective wiring in your home. If none of the above troubleshooting procedures work, the only way to figure out what's wrong is to get it checked out by a professional.