What to do if your tumble dryer smells of burning

Anytime you catch a whiff of the scent of burning it can be an alarming smell, no more so when you notice that smell in your own home. Therefore, if you notice a burning smell that is emitting from your tumble dryer before, after or during a cycle it can be cause for concern and worry.

A tumble dryer that is in working condition will not emit any weird smells, meaning if you smell something coming from your tumble dryer; something isn't right. If you notice that your tumble dryer smells like burning turn it off and stop using it immediately.

Your next best course of action is to get in contact with a local repair specialist who will be able to identify and fix the issue at hand. It is very important that you follow these steps as continuing to use your tumble dryer can be a significant fire hazard and a risk to safety and life in your property. Therefore, you should discontinue use of your tumble dryer immediately if you notice the smell of burning.

Throughout this article, we will provide you with a breakdown of four of the main reasons as to why your tumble has a burning smell. With that being said, it is important to remember that if you do not have experience in repairing broken tumble dryers you leave it to the professionals as attempting to make repairs yourself can lead to more safety risks and danger.

If you are looking for a new tumble dryer in the Wirral area, get in contact with Powerpoint Wallasey on 0151 3911843. We are proud to stock a selection of affordable tumble dryers from brands such as Hotpoint, Bosch, Hoover and many more.

4 main reasons why your tumble dryer has a burning smell

A burning smell coming from your tumble dryer can cause major concern and is something that needs to be addressed promptly. If you notice that a burning smell is coming from your tumble dryer it is more than likely going to be one of these four reasons:

1. Lint buildup

2. Broken thermostat

3. Damaged drive belt

4. Broken drive motor

1. Lint Buildup

The buildup of lint in the lint trap is one of the most common culprits for the smell of burning coming from your tumble dryer. If you notice that there is visible lint in your dryer you need to fix it. Lint buildup is a major fire hazard and is one of the most common causes for fires related to tumble dryers.

To fix this issue, you will need to try and remove all of the lint within your tumble dryer. This includes removing lint from the dryer vent, filter and inside the tumble dryer too. To do this detach the vent hose and sake the debris and lint out of it. Furthermore, you should clean the outside of your tumble dryer and underneath it to remove any other additional lint.

In addition to this, use a vacuum and remove as much of the lint as possible inside the tumble dryer. With that being said you should be careful when trying to vacuum the motor and heating element. Once all the lint is removed, reconnect your tumble dryer and run an empty cycle to see if the burning smell goes away. Don't leave the unit and if you do smell burning turn it off immediately and call a repair specialist.

2. Broken Thermostat

Once you have ruled out the issue of the burning smell being caused by lint build-up and a lint trap, the second most common reason for the smell may be a broken thermostat. A failing thermostat will mean that the tumble dryer cannot control the temperature inside the dryer meaning that the temperature will rise and get too hot. This will lead to a burning smell.

If you notice this, it is always best to get in contact with a local appliance repair expert who will be able to identify the issue at hand. Whilst you wait, disconnect the tumble dryer and do not use it again until a professional has identified and fixed the issue.

3. Damaged Drive Belt

A damaged driving belt can cause it to slip out of place and lead to it melt due to friction and contact with the heating tube in a gas tumble dryer. This leads to a bad burning smell coming from your tumble dryer during the cycle. All dryers use a rubber drive belt to turn the drum meaning that if you smell a burning smell it could be due to this damaged drive belt.

To fix this issue, disconnect your tumble dryer and look for a long rubber belt. It will be wrapped around the drum and will most likely have some sign of wear or tear due to the smell. If you see damage it is most likely going to be the cause of the smell and you will need to get an appliance repair expert to come out and replace the belt. They will then be able to fix it and get your tumble dryer working as good as new. It is important to remember to not use your tumble dryer until it has been repaired.

4. Broken Drive Motor

A broken drive motor can burn out and cause a bad burning smell. Over the years the drive motor can give out and start causing a burning smell. It will also make a lot of noise when in use and is one of the tell-tell signs that the drive motor is giving way and breaking down.

If you think that your tumble dryer drive motor is broken, you should speak with a local appliance repair expert who will be able to identify the issue and get it replaced. Depending on the age of the tumble dryer you may need to just replace the entire appliance with a new one at that point.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the smell of burning emitting from your tumble dryer can be a very distressing and concerning smell. As mentioned throughout this article, if you notice this smell, please turn off your tumble dryer and stop using it immediately. Next, you should get in contact with a reputable local appliance repair specialist who will be able to identify and fix your issues with your tumble dryer.

With the risks associated with tumble dryers, it is always wise to be cautious and act promptly when first noticing any strange smell coming from your tumble dryer. Any strange smells is a strong indication of a potential fire hazard and should be treated with care and immediate action by switching off the tumble dryer and not using it until a professional identifies and repairs the issue.

If you cannot find a suitable means of repairing your tumble dryer it may be more cost-effective and more convenient to replace it with a new tumble dryer. Here at Powerpoint Wallasey, we are proud to stock a wide selection of different types of tumble dryers available at competitive prices for fast delivery across the Wirral area. We stock heat pump dryers, vented dryers and condenser dryers.

If you would like to know more about our extensive range of tumble dryers, give us a call on 0151 3911843, visit our showroom in Birkenhead, Wallasey or browse our vast selection of high-quality tumble dryers online today.