Whirlpool Dryer Burning Smell

A dryer in good working condition shouldn’t emit strange smells. If your dryer smells like it’s burning, stop using it right away—you’ve got a fire hazard on your hands! Here’s what to do about a dryer that’s giving off a worrying odor.

Switch It Off and Unplug It

The moment you notice a burning odor coming from your dryer, turn it off and unplug it from its power source. Electrical fires can be devastating to any home! Whether you’re able to troubleshoot the problem yourself or end up needing a repair technician, you need to disconnect the dryer completely before moving forward.

Check the Lint Filter

One of the most common culprits of a burning smell in your dryer is excessive lint buildup. Remove any lint from the filter, and look inside the dryer itself. There could be a layer of lint in there, too.

Additionally, check underneath, around, and behind your dryer for extra lint. If you spot layers of it inside or around the dryer, use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to thoroughly remove it. Peek inside the vent hose and remove any built-up lint or dirt from it.

Once the excess lint is gone, try reconnecting and running an empty cycle. Still smell something burning? Disconnect the dryer again.

Test the Thermostat

The burning smell may be due to a faulty thermostat. If it can’t control the temperature inside the dryer, the machinery can overheat.

If you have an ohmmeter on hand, you can remove and test the thermostat yourself. Does the ohmmeter give a reading above or below zero? Have a dryer repair technician come by and replace the thermostat. Luckily, it’s a fairly quick and straightforward fix.