A burning smell is not a “wait and see” issue. If your dryer smells like burning, treat it as a potential fire risk and act fast. The smell can come from what is in the load, especially rags or mops with chemicals, or from lint buildup that can fuel a serious fire. The steps below focus on the same priorities we use in the field. Shut it down, understand what you are drying, and prevent lint from building up in the dryer and vent system.
Dryer Smells Like Burning: First Actions to Take
Shut the Unit Off and Do Not Discount the Risk
If you smell something that does not smell right, shut the units off. Do not discount the possibility that the cause could be serious. If you are not comfortable investigating it yourself, get a hold of the proper authorities or whoever needs to look at it and have it taken a look at.
A simple response plan helps:
- Shut the unit off immediately
- Do not continue the cycle
- If you are not comfortable, contact the proper authorities or a qualified service provider
Treat the Smell as a Warning, Not an Inconvenience
A burning odor is one of the few symptoms that can point to a condition that escalates quickly. The right move is to respond right away and confirm the cause before you put another load in.
Key Takeaway: If your dryer smells like burning, shut it off and treat it as a serious safety issue until proven otherwise.
Need expert help with your dryers? Contact RJ Kool for a free consultation.
Check What You are Washing Before You Restart the Dryer
Chemicals On Rags and Mops Can Create a Real Fire Risk
The only time we typically hear complaints of something smelling wrong is when the load itself creates the problem. Be careful what you are washing. Spontaneous combustion fires are real. If rags or mops have chemicals on them and they do not get the right formula on them to get everything out, the chemicals alone can become dangerous once you heat them up.
In practical terms, the chemicals can turn into a vapor and literally catch fire. This can happen even when the burner is not on. The load can be warm, and that warmth can be enough to trigger a spontaneous combustion fire.
Handling After Drying Can Increase Risk
We have seen situations where people walk dry a load, do not cool it down, pull it out, put it in a basket, shove it under a table, go home, and come back to a fire. That is why understanding what you are washing matters as much as the machine itself.
Pro Tip: If you are drying rags, mops, or items exposed to chemicals, handle them with extra care. Do not assume the dryer needs to be “hot” for a fire risk to exist.
Prevent Lint Buildup that Can Feed a Devastating Fire
Lint Can Act Like a Trail that Carries Fire
Lint buildup creates a different type of risk. If you let lint build up everywhere, you may not get a gentle warning first. When it goes, it will go. If you have a trail of lint, fire can follow that path through the dryer and out of the vent. If the vent is not clean, that condition can contribute to a pretty devastating fire.
Clean the Dryer and the Vent System on a Consistent Basis
You need regular lint control in the dryer and in the vents themselves. Vents should have cleanouts, and an HVAC company should come in and clean those out on a consistent basis. This is not optional maintenance when you want to reduce fire risk. It is part of keeping the system safe.
Focus on these maintenance actions:
- Do not let lint build up inside the dryer
- Do not let lint build up in the vent runs
- Make sure vents have cleanouts
- Schedule consistent vent cleaning through an HVAC company
Key Takeaway: Lint control is fire prevention. Keep the dryer and vent system clean on a regular basis.
When to Stop Troubleshooting and Call for Help
Do Not Restart Until You Understand the Cause
If the smell does not make sense, or if you cannot confirm what caused it, do not restart the dryer. A wrong load or a lint problem can create a condition that turns into a fire with very little warning.
Get the Right Team Involved
If you are not comfortable investigating, involve the proper authorities or a qualified service partner. The goal is simple. Identify the cause, remove the risk, and get you back to safe operation.
For a safety-first inspection and a clear plan to reduce fire risk, contact RJ Kool today if your dryer smells like burning.
