Washer-dryer smells hot or of burning during the drying stage (all brands)
⚠️ This needs a qualified professional
This fault involves gas or mains electrical work. Don't attempt a DIY repair — UK law requires gas work to be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Below is what to check and describe to them, not step-by-step repair instructions.
A hot, dusty smell during the first couple of drying cycles on a new or newly-serviced washer-dryer is usually normal — but a burning smell that’s new, strong, or accompanied by smoke is different and needs immediate attention, not troubleshooting.
What’s normal
- A faint “hot dust” smell for the first 2-3 drying cycles on a brand new machine, as protective coatings on the heating element burn off — this fades on its own.
What’s not normal — stop and check
- If you smell burning specifically (not just “hot”), stop the machine immediately, unplug it if it’s safe to reach the plug, and don’t restart it.
- Check the lint filter and, if accessible, the vent/condenser aren’t so severely clogged that fluff is sitting directly against the heating element — a badly neglected filter is a genuine fire risk in tumble drying appliances, not just a performance issue.
- Check nothing flammable (a stray tissue, a receipt left in a pocket) has been left in with the load.
⚠️ Stop using the appliance
If a burning smell persists after the machine has cooled and the filter/vents are confirmed clear, or if you see any smoke or scorch marks, do not use the appliance again until it’s been checked by a qualified engineer. Overheating in tumble drying appliances is a recognised UK fire safety issue (there have been product recalls in this space) — this is not a symptom to keep testing yourself.