Does your washing machine smell like burning rubber?
That’s incredible! There is nothing more annoying than turning on your washing machine to be hit with a burning smell.
But don’t worry; I’m here to help!
If your washer has a burning smell, you will need to check the drive belt, check the motor, and clean the lint filters. It is also important to check the drain pump and electrical wiring.
Read on to get rid of burning odors!
Clock Smells Burnt? Put Out a Fire in 8 Steps
Various reasons can explain why your washing machine smells of burning. Fortunately, there are various solutions you can try.
Here are the tools you will need to repair your washing machine:
- A screw.
- A flashlight.
- A mixture of white vinegar and water.
- Replacement parts (if needed).
#1 Unload Your Washer
When I see a washing machine with a burning smell, I always unplug the unit from the wall outlet.
Unplugging your washing machine will protect you from any unexpected power outages and ensure you don’t break the bank.
#2 Check the Drive Belt
My general advice for fixing a washing machine with a burning smell is to check the drive belt.
The drive belt is like the backbone of your washing machine—it’s responsible for making everything move and move. If you’re not familiar with drive belts, they’re usually long, rubber belts that wrap around pulleys to transmit motion from the motor to the drum.
The drive belt plays an important role in the operation of your washing machine, transferring motion from the motor to the drum. Remember that not all washers have a drive belt; others use a rotor and stator system.
If the drive belt is loose or broken, it can emit a burning smell.
For top loading washers: Pull your washer a few feet away from the wall. Lean it against the wall, and look down. Most top washers have a plastic cover that you can remove by removing 2-3 1/4-inch or 5/16-inch bolts. Once you have the cover off, check the drive belt for any signs of damage.
For front loading washers: From what I’ve seen, about 90 percent of front-loading washers don’t have a drive belt and use a rotor-stator system. However, some brands, such as GE, still use drive belts. To check the drive belt on a front load washer, remove the back panel, usually secured with 2-4 screws, and check the belt.
If the belt is broken, cracked, or otherwise damaged, it’s time to replace it.
#3 Check the Drain Pump
When I see a washing machine with a burning smell, I always check the drain pump.
As its name suggests, this part drains the water from your washer after each cycle. The drain pump can get so hot that you can smell burning rubber or plastic, especially if there is something blocking it.
A sump pump is usually a small, round part with pipes attached to it, located under the clock. To access it, you will probably need to tilt your washing machine forward, making sure it is securely supported.
Once you have a clear view, look for debris that is blocking the pump, such as lint or small objects. Remove any obstructions and make sure the pump is working properly.
If you have a front-loading washer, remember that to access the drain pump, there is a lot to remove, and you need to see the specific directions for your model and have the right tools to do so.
#4 Check for an Overheated Motor
If your washing machine still has a burning smell, it’s time to check the engine.
The motor is the heart of your washing machine, pumping power through every cycle. If it is too hot, you will probably notice a burning smell. The motor is usually a cylindrical piece of metal with wires around the washer.
To check the motor, you will need to remove the appropriate panel (either the front or back panel, depending on the design of your washer). If it’s a top-loading washer, turn it back on, remove the cover, and check the belt.
Next, use your flashlight to get a good look at the engine. If it appears to be burning, overheating, or loose, it’s time to call a professional to have it repaired or replaced.
#5 Clean Your Washer Filter
I’ve noticed that lint can also cause your watch to smell like burning plastic or rubber.
You see, lint filters trap fuzz and debris during washing. Over time, these filters can become clogged, reducing air flow and causing burning odors.
Lint filters are usually located at the bottom of the front of your front-loading washer, hidden behind a small door or panel. To access it, remove the front panel or open a small door near the bottom.
Remember that not all washing machines have lint filters. You will need to refer to your owner’s manual to determine if your unit has one.
Once you have it, remove the filter and clean it with white vinegar and water. This simple maintenance tip will keep your washer smelling fresh and running smoothly.
#6 Check the Electrical Wiring
In my experience, faulty electrical wiring can also cause a burning smell in your washer.
You see, multi-function washing machines come with many power boards and cables. Unfortunately, the more you have, the more likely you are to have a burning smell.
To test your washing machine’s wiring:
- Remove the right panel again.
- Use your flashlight to check the wires for any signs of damage, such as broken or burnt wires.
- If you notice any problems, call a repair professional—electrical work is not a DIY project.
#7 Check Tub and Door Seal (Front Load Washers)
Usually, when I clean a front load washer with a burning smell, I check the tub seal.
A damaged tub seal can allow water to leak through parts, making your washer smell like burnt plastic. To check the tub lid, open the lid of your washer and check where the drum meets the tub.
The seal is a rubber or plastic ring that wraps around the edge of the drum to prevent water leakage. If you see any cracks or damage, it’s time to replace the seal.
While you’re at it, I also recommend checking the door seal, the rubber gasket that goes around the door surface. Its purpose is to prevent water from splashing when the drum rotates with the door closed.
The durability of the drum depends on the bearings which work well when it rotates at high speed. However, if these bearings fail, the drum loses stability and can move excessively during operation.
Therefore, the drum rubs the rubber door seal, resulting in a burning smell. Remember that door seal problems are often caused by underlying problems, not the root cause.
Try replacing worn drum bearings on your front-loading washer. If the door seal is damaged, it should also be replaced to ensure proper operation.
#8 Schedule Regular Maintenance
Finally, my general advice to prevent future burning odors in your washer is to schedule regular maintenance.
Regular maintenance includes cleaning the lint filter, checking for loose or damaged parts, and checking the engine for signs of overheating.
Click here to check out our watch repair and care guide!
A well-maintained washer is less likely to cause problems and will keep your laundry room smelling fresh and clean.
The conclusion
Hopefully, you now know how to remove burning odors from your washer and prevent potential fire hazards.
More often than not, checking the engine, electrical wiring, suction pump, drive belt, and lint filter will help eliminate the burning smell.
Always remember to prioritize safety when working with electronics, and feel free to call a professional if you need clarification on any steps or encounter problems beyond your expertise.
Thank you so much for reading! If you found this article helpful, please read our other articles below.
I wish you luck!