From a normally operating dryer, there should be no sharp foreign odors, such as burning, for example. If you feel this smell, you should immediately identify its cause, because this is one of the signs of a starting fire. Immediately press the stop button on the dryer control panel and disconnect the appliance from the power supply.
Causes of the smell of burning
There are not so few of them, and this is not necessarily a sign that a short circuit has occurred and a fire has already begun. The most common reasons:
- The lint tray is overflowing. At high temperatures, the villi begin to smolder and give off a burning smell. Excess fluff and lint will lengthen the drying time and may cause a fire. Therefore, after each use of the dryer, clean the tray.
- The patency in the ventilation hose is broken. This happens when all the same fluff and pile block the free flow of hot air, or the hose is bent. You need to check the air duct, and if there are mechanical obstructions, then get rid of them.
- The belt is worn out. It is made of rubber, and when this material loses its original qualities, it begins to crack, crumble and give off an unpleasant odor when it comes into contact with hot air. If you find a problem with the belt, replace it with a new one.
- The thermostat is broken. Its function is to turn on / off the heating in the dryer. In the event of a breakdown, the part may not turn off the heating even when the temperature is already too high, which is why a specific smell occurs. If you do not have highly specialized knowledge, you will most likely have to call the wizard to repair or replace the thermostat.
- The engine broke down. In most cases, it cannot be repaired and a complete replacement of the part is required.
Often the smell of burning appears when a piece of fabric or thread gets between the tank and the wall of the dryer. A high temperature is maintained there, due to which the material melts and releases a specific aroma. To avoid this, try not to overload the appliance with too many clothes.
Can the dryer catch fire?
Such a possibility exists. Here are the main risk factors associated with this issue:
- The ventilation system is not inspected and cleaned at least once a year. With daily use of the dryer, preventive maintenance should be performed even more frequently.
- Lint trays are not cleaned. More cases of dryer fires are recorded in winter, when people wear woolen products. It is very important to empty the lint tray regularly as it is highly flammable.
- Flammable chemicals remain on clothing. If a person comes into contact with gas, gasoline, oils, toxic substances or toxins, he must know how to properly clean his overalls. Before washing and drying such a form, he must pre-soak it in water for at least 2-4 hours or treat it with special chemicals.
- The dryer continues to operate with a blown thermostat. The sensor stops turning off the heating of the machine at the right time, the temperature becomes too high, and a fire occurs.
To prevent the occurrence of a fire, it is necessary to carry out regular maintenance and cleaning of household appliances and all communications extending from it.
Can a dryer belt cause a fire?
Yes maybe. A worn belt is not only a source of burning smell, but also a real fire hazard. As soon as you find that this particular part has begun to emit an unpleasant odor, immediately replace it.
The dryer performs its main task at a fairly high temperature. When all mechanisms work properly, this does not pose a danger. But due to the broken functionality of the belt, the drum does not rotate well, and excessive friction occurs. This leads to an even greater release of thermal energy, which is not good in a confined space.
If a burning smell occurs, it is very important to check the belt: its integrity and quality of work. If a creaking sound occurs during drying, or the drum spins heavily/irregularly, there is probably a problem with the belt.
Use the services of a professional master if you have never encountered a belt replacement before. He will assess the condition of the part and decide on the need for replacement. And you will be calm that the risk of fire has approached zero.
What to do if the dryer smells of burning?
By itself, this smell is a clear sign of a malfunction in some system. Therefore, do not let the situation take its course, proceed to the diagnosis. Unplug the tumble dryer and wait until it cools down.
Do not immediately climb inside the drum and try to get the laundry, it can be very hot there.
Next, check for blockages in the ventilation pipe and lint tray. Make sure the hoses behind the machine are not kinked or the belt is broken. Inspect the inside of the dryer for any stuck pieces of cloth. If you can not identify the cause of the unpleasant odor, contact the master. He will conduct a comprehensive diagnosis of the device.
Can dryers overheat?
Yes it is possible. Most modern appliances are equipped with a temperature sensor that gives a stop signal to the heating elements. This is a very useful feature in terms of fire safety. Threatening situations arise only when the thermostat breaks down and cannot perform its tasks correctly. Therefore, it is important to carry out preventive inspections in time and assess the condition of the main parts and systems associated with temperature control.
In use, many still have dryers that do not have a temperature control function. Such devices become very dangerous when the ventilation flows are blocked. Hot air has nowhere to go, it accumulates, the temperature rises, and at one moment a fire occurs if you do not intervene in time.
Is there a risk of aluminum foil burning in the dryer?
As long as it is used correctly, there is no such risk. People use aluminum foil balls to speed up the drying process and to dissipate any static electricity generated in the dryer.
When using the product, make sure you place it correctly in the drum. The ball must be directly in the clothes. After the end of the drying cycle, you need to pull it out along with the things.