Stop and unplug
Only if safe. Do not open the door if you see flames; get out and call 911.
Dryer smells like burning?
A burning smell from a dryer is a fire warning. Stop the dryer now, unplug it if safe, and do not use it again until it is checked. If you see smoke or flames, get out and call 911. Then call 833-877-1717. RepairNowUSA connects the request. An independent appliance technician does the repair.
Am I in the right place?Yes for burning, hot or electrical smells from a dryer, or a dryer that feels very hot.
Is this urgent?Yes, always. Lint fires spread fast.
What do I do next?Stop it, unplug it if safe, and call 833-877-1717. Call 911 for smoke or fire.
Slow drying can be the warning sign: dryer not drying.
RepairNowUSA editorial review · Last substantively reviewed October 13, 2026 · Review standards
What to do now
Clean the lint screen
After it cools.
Do not use until checked
The vent, element and motor need inspection.
Dryer fires
Failure to clean lint is a leading cause of dryer fires, according to U.S. fire agencies. Have the dryer and full vent run inspected and cleaned. Gas smell: leave and call the gas utility.
Common causes
Lint in the vent or housing
Most common.
Overheating element
Failed thermostat.
Motor overheating
Electrical smell.
Items left in pockets
Plastic or rubber melting.
What to have ready when you call
- Property ZIP code, home or business
- Brand and model number (usually inside the door or on the back)
- Gas or electric
- When the smell started
What happens when you call RepairNowUSA
- Describe what is happening in plain words and give the property ZIP code. You do not need to know which trade to ask for.
- RepairNowUSA checks for a participating independent provider who handles dryer repair in that area.
- If one is available, you are connected. The provider confirms timing, access, scope and price with you before any work.
- The provider, not RepairNowUSA, diagnoses and performs the repair.
RepairNowUSA is a referral and connection service. Provider availability and response times vary by location, time and demand, and are not guaranteed. Before you approve work, ask what was found, the price, the timing and what is not included.
Call 833-877-1717Dryer smells like burning questions
My dryer smells like burning. What should I do?
Stop the dryer, unplug it if safe, and do not use it again until it is checked. If you see smoke or flames, get out and call 911.
Is a little burning smell normal?
A brief dusty smell from a new dryer can occur. A burning smell from an established dryer is not normal.
Can I call at night or on a weekend?
Yes. You can call 833-877-1717 at any time, including nights, weekends and holidays. Whether an independent provider can come out right away depends on your ZIP code, the time and provider capacity, so availability is not guaranteed.
Authoritative references
These public sources give general safety context. They do not replace an on-site evaluation, and RepairNowUSA does not perform the work.