GE Dryer Burning Smell? Here's What to Do

Does your GE dryer smell like something is burning?

That smell is scary, and you're right to take it seriously. Luckily, in many cases the cause is lint that has built up somewhere it shouldn't be, and cleaning it out solves the problem.

But because a burning smell can also be the early sign of a fire, please follow the safety step first.

Why Does My GE Dryer Smell Like Burning?

If your GE dryer smells like burning, stop it and unplug it. The usual cause is lint near the heater or a clogged vent. A slipping belt, worn motor, or burnt wiring can also cause it.

If you see smoke or flames, don't open the dryer door. Leave the house and call 911. On a gas dryer, if the smell is more like rotten eggs than burning, turn off the gas supply, leave, and call your gas company from outside.

Stop the Dryer and Let It Cool

As soon as you notice the smell, stop the cycle and unplug the dryer or switch off its breaker. Take the clothes out and check them for scorch marks or anything that melted, like a plastic item or a crayon left in a pocket.

Let the dryer cool down for at least 30 minutes before you do any other checks. A dryer that just ran is hot enough to burn your hands.

Check If the Dryer or Heater Is New

A new GE dryer, or one that just had a new heating element, can give off a light hot smell for the first few loads. That's the factory oils cooking off the new parts, and its normal.

The same can happen if you haven't used the dryer for a long time and dust has settled on the heater.

If the smell is faint and fades after one or two loads, you don't need to worry. If it's strong or keeps coming back, move on to the next checks.

Clean Out Lint Inside the Dryer

Lint don't only collect in the screen. Over time, it builds up inside the cabinet, around the heater, and under the drum. When that lint gets close to the heat, it scorches and gives off a hot, dusty smell.

Here's how I clean out the inside of a dryer:

1. Unplug the dryer. On a gas model, turn off the gas valve too.
2. Remove the front panel or the back panel, depending on your model.
3. Vacuum out all the lint you can see, especially around the heater housing and the bottom of the cabinet.
4. Pull out the lint screen and vacuum the housing it slides into.
5. Put the panels back before you restore power.

After that, clean the vent duct as well. A clogged vent makes the dryer run hotter than it should, which makes a scorched smell more likely. I explain how to clear it in our guide about a GE dryer that takes too long to dry.

Check the Belt and Motor

If your dryer smells like burning rubber, the drive belt is the usual cause. If the drum is hard to turn, the belt slips on the motor pulley and heats up. A worn motor can also smells hot before it fails.

With the dryer unplugged, turn the drum by hand. If it feels stiff, the drum glides or rollers may be worn.

Also look at the belt for glazed, shiny, or burnt spots. If the belt has broken, our guide about a GE dryer that is not spinning shows how to replace it.

Have the Wiring Checked

If it's more of a burning plastic or electrical smell, a wire or connection may be overheating. Loose connections at the power cord terminal block or at the heater can get hot enough to melt their insulation.

With the dryer unplugged, look at the terminal block behind the small cover on the back of the dryer where the cord connects. If you see melted plastic, dark burn marks, or loose wires, don't use the dryer until a qualified technician or electrician repairs it.

Wiring problem like this can also trip the breaker, which I explain in our guide about a GE dryer that keeps tripping the breaker.

Conclusion

A hot or scorched smell from your GE dryer is usually lint, but always treat it as a safety warning first. Here's what to check:

• Stop the dryer and let it cool
• Check if the dryer or heater is new
• Clean out lint inside the dryer
• Check the belt and motor
• Have the wiring checked