What Causes the Burning Smell From Washer?

June 9, 2025
Doctor Appliance Blogs & Appliance Tips

When using your washing machine and you notice a faint or strong burning smell from your washer, do not ignore it. It might not be one of the most dangerous problems in all scenarios but it’s definitely a top-priority issue that requires your immediate attention. There could be a problem with the washer’s electrical components or some internal parts that overheated and created a burning smell. In this blog post, we will guide you through on how to identify or inspect the cause of the smell, what to do about it, who to call when nothing is working, and how you can prevent it from happening again in the future.

Unplug Washer Immediately if Noticed a Burning Smell

A burning smell coming from the washing machine is a serious sign that may cause the drive motor to overheat and create a fire hazard. If you notice a burning rubber smell or burning odour, unplug the appliance immediately to stop power from the motor and prevent further damage. Continuing to use a washer with a burning smell can cause a burning inside the machine, especially if the belt that is coupled from the drive motor or the pump pulley becomes seized. Unplugging allows you to safely inspect the issue that is often linked to the motor, wiring, or a failing drive or pump belt.

Common Causes Where The Burning Smell Coming From

There are many reasons why there is a burning smell in your washing machine. Here are some of the common causes why:

Electrical Issues

Electrical issues are one of the most serious causes of a burning smell from your washing machine. A failing electric motor or faulty wiring can create an electrical motor smell, often noticed during the spin cycle. When a defect or problem occurs in one of these components, it may cause the drive motor to overheat or spark. In Samsung models or other top load washers, this can damage the washer base frame. Always unplug first and consider a professional washer appliance repair service.

Clogged Drain Pump

A clogged drain pump could lead the washer to emit a burning odour during draining. The pump motor works hard to operate the drain pump, and if blocked, the motor shaft rotates under strain, overheating quickly. The pulley on the drain pump may also overheat or break. In some models of top load washers, you must remove the front panel to inspect the pump belt. A burning smell from your washer could mean it’s time to fix a washer with pump issues.

Faulty Motor Pulley

The motor pulley connects the motor to the transmission and drives the movement of the washer tub. If this pulley is damaged or loose, it can slip and cause a burning smell, especially during the spin cycle. A pulley is designed to rotate smoothly, but normal use will create wear on the coupling. In top load washers, the idler pulley assembly to provide tension may also be compromised. If you hear a humming or buzzing sound or notice overheating, unplug the machine and consider a laundry machine repair right away.

Worn Drive Belt

A worn drive belt can create a burning smell in your washer. The drive motor is used to turn the belt, which then spins the washer tub. Over time, this belt may lose proper tension, especially if the idler pulley assembly is worn. Some belts are attached to the drive motor or use a belt to operate the drum. If the belt is normally a standard fit and begins to slip, it can cause a burning smell. To fix a washer, check the pump belt and belt to drive for wear.

Overloading the Washer

Overloading the washer puts strain on many internal parts, including the clutch assembly and drive motor to a pulley system. This extra stress during the spin cycle can lead to a smell coming from your washer, especially if the motor shaft rotates improperly or the drive forks may slip and cause friction. In some cases, it even leads to the washing machine stops agitating. When too much weight is in the tub, belts and pulleys can overheat. Avoid repeated overloading to prevent damage that may emit a burning smell.

Troubleshoot Your Washing Machine

While diagnosing your washer at home by yourself is only limited, it is still important that you do so. Here are some of the simple troubleshooting you can safely do:

Unplug the washer immediately if there’s a burning smell. That’s always the first step.

Look for visible damage like melted parts, scorched wires, burnt rubber smell.

Check for overloading if there is too much laundry in the drum.

Open the front panel (if comfortable) to look at spin belts or pulleys in top-load washers.

Check the drive or V-belt for cracks, fraying, or signs of burning (in some models where it’s accessible).

Clear debris from the drain pump filter if your model has an easy-access panel for this).

Seek Professional Washing Machine Repair When…

If you notice a burning smell and your washer isn’t running properly, it’s time to contact our washer repair technicians from Doctor Appliance Repair Ottawa. In many top-load washers, especially those with belt-driven systems, a failing drive motor, worn motor shaft, or misaligned motor mount can lead to performance issues. These problems can cause excessive friction or poor drum movement. In some older models, signs like belt wear or brake dust may also indicate issues with the braking mechanism or transmission components. Our local Ottawa washer repair technician can check if the motor pivots properly and safely fix the issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to use the washer if it smells like burning?

No, it is not safe to continue using your washing machine that smells like burning. Most of the time, the smell indicates electrical or mechanical issues, and continued usage can lead to potential fire or further damage. It’s important to unplug the machine and call our professional technician to diagnose and fix your laundry machine. To prevent any damages, you can read our Tips to Avoid A Washing Machine Repair.

How often should I replace the drive or V-belt?

For normal usage, it is typically replaced after 3 to 10 years or as soon as you notice signs of wear like cracks, fraying, or excessive stretching. It’s important to perform routine maintenance on your laundry machine to avoid future expensive damage. Schedule a maintenance service now.