There are times when you use your dryer, and while you may not see smoke, you smell a burning odor coming from it. This may have you worried, and you do not want to risk a fire.
However, odd smells coming from this unit aren’t always something you need to be worried about. Things like gas, mildew, and lint can create these problems. Before reaching any conclusions, you want to carry out some basic troubleshooting steps.
Troubleshooting Dryer Smells
Just as it is important to address the issue immediately, you need not be alarmed if you detect some smells emanating from your dryer. There are some basic steps for troubleshooting dryer smells you can take to determine what’s wrong and fix it yourself.
- Consider the types of clothes you’re drying. Detergents can’t remove all varieties of solvents, such as paint thinner, mineral spirits, gasoline, etc. If the clothes that you have washed are stained with any of these products, your dryer might release odd odors. Air-dry all items stained with these types of liquids on a clothesline outdoors.
- If you have a brand new dryer, give it the chance to “off-gas”. The dryer’s inner cabinet tends to heat up during operation. Some coatings and oils used during the manufacturing process will “off-gas” for the first few uses. The dryer will still be safe for use. All you have to do is open up a window, and the smell will slowly dissipate.
- Any lint caught in the lint trap of the appliance should be removed after each use. Not removing it can cause a burning smell, and severe lint buildup can result in a fire.
- If you notice a burning smell, check the vent hose for any damage or deterioration and replace it if you notice any.
Contact Experts for Dryer Repair
Sometimes the appliance’s thermostat may fail, and it helps to shut-off the machine in case of excessive heat buildup. If you have followed the troubleshooting steps mentioned, yet the odd smell continues, call in a professional to check what’s wrong.
Sometimes, a malfunction in the appliance’s heating element or faulty wiring in your home may be causing the burning smell. Don’t risk running it while it is emitting the smell. For any type of dryer repair and maintenance, you need skilled and experienced technicians like us for the job. For information on our services, feel free to contact us.