My dryer has a burning smell when running. Should I stop using it? Is it a fire hazard?
Stop using the dryer immediately — a burning smell is a potential fire hazard. The most common cause is lint buildup in the vent duct or around the heating element. Dryer lint is extremely flammable and causes nearly 3,000 house fires per year in the US. Unplug the dryer and pull it away from the wall. Disconnect the vent hose and clean it thoroughly with a vent brush. Also remove the back panel of the dryer and vacuum out any lint that has accumulated around the heating element and blower housing. If the burning smell is more like rubber or plastic, the drive belt may be slipping or failing, which is not a fire risk but needs replacement. If the smell is electrical or like burning wire, a wiring connection inside the dryer may be arcing, which IS a fire risk — do not use the dryer until an appliance technician inspects it.
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