What is actually happening
This is the one fault on this list to stop using the appliance for. A dryer works by pushing hot air through a load, and when lint blocks that path the heat has nowhere to go — it builds against the element and the surrounding fluff. Dryers are one of the more common causes of house fires for exactly this reason, and the smell is the warning that comes before it.
The usual causes
- Lint packed around the element or in the ducting
- A blocked or crushed vent hose
- A failed thermostat allowing the element to run too hot
- A seized drum roller or belt slipping and burning
- A motor overheating
What you can safely check yourself
Work through these in order. Anything past this point — panels off, testing parts, anything to do with the wiring — is an engineer's job, and not one to attempt with the appliance plugged in.
- Stop using it and unplug it — this is not a fault to run once more to see
- Clean the filter and, on a condenser model, rinse the condenser block through
- Check the vent hose is clear and not crushed behind the machine
- Book it in before using it again, even if the smell goes away
Still burning smell?
Most of these need an engineer once the checks above are done. £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Local engineers covering Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire — same and next-day appointments, and the person who comes out is one of ours, not a subcontractor.
Call 0115 648 0929 Book online — postcode and number is all we need
Common questions
Why is my tumble dryer burning smell?
A smell of scorching or hot lint while the dryer is running. This is the one fault on this list to stop using the appliance for. A dryer works by pushing hot air through a load, and when lint blocks that path the heat has nowhere to go — it builds against the element and the surrounding fluff. Dryers are one of the more common causes of house fires for exactly this reason, and the smell is the warning that comes before it.
Can I fix a tumble dryer burning smell myself?
Stop using it and unplug it — this is not a fault to run once more to see. Clean the filter and, on a condenser model, rinse the condenser block through. Check the vent hose is clear and not crushed behind the machine. Book it in before using it again, even if the smell goes away. Beyond those checks this one normally needs an engineer.
How much does it cost to repair a tumble dryer burning smell?
£66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Other tumble dryer faults
- tumble dryer not heating
- tumble dryer not drying the clothes
- tumble dryer drum not turning
- tumble dryer making a noise
- tumble dryer will not start
- tumble dryer keeps stopping