Are your clothes coming out of the dryer with a burnt smell?

If your laundry smells scorched or smoky when it comes out of the dryer, it’s more than just annoying. A burnt smell can be a warning sign that something isn’t right with your dryer or venting system. In most cases, the cause falls into one of two categories - and one of them is a serious fire hazard.

1. Lint Buildup Inside the Dryer

This is the most concerning cause and it’s more common than many homeowners realize.

Lint buildup inside the dryer is usually caused by a restricted vent line. When the vent becomes clogged or partially blocked, air pressure increases inside the dryer. That extra pressure forces lint past the drum seal and into places inside the dryer where it doesn’t belong.

Over time, that hidden lint accumulates inside the dryer cabinet. If enough lint builds up near a heating element or burner, it can ignite.

The good news: lint fires tend to burn quickly and go out fast because lint doesn’t provide much fuel.

The bad news: your clothes will smell terrible, the dryer will need professional cleaning, and your vent line will need to be cleaned or replaced.

If you have a long vent run, multiple bends, or a vent that travels upward, it should be professionally cleaned at least twice a year. Spring and fall are ideal times.

Dryer fires have historically been one of the leading causes of household fires, which is why regular maintenance is so important.

2. Fumes from Paint, Stain, or Refinishing Products

The second cause sounds odd, but it happens more often than you might think.

If you’ve recently been painting, staining, or refinishing floors, the fumes in the air can get pulled into your dryer through its air intake. In gas dryers, those fumes can be “burned” by the burner and the smell can become embedded in your clothes during the drying cycle.

Electric dryers don’t burn fumes the same way, but the odor can still transfer onto fabrics.

This situation is usually temporary and goes away as fumes dissipate.

To mitigate this issue:

• Open a window or door in the room while the dryer runs

• Improve ventilation in the work area

• Avoid running the dryer during heavy painting or finishing when possible

  
  

When to Call for Help

If the burnt smell is strong, persistent, or paired with longer drying times or excessive heat, it’s time to stop using the dryer and have it inspected. Lint buildup is not just a nuisance. It’s a real fire risk.

A quick inspection and vent cleaning can prevent much bigger problems down the road.