There's a burning smell from my dryer — what now?
Stop the cycle immediately, unplug the dryer (or shut off the gas if it's a gas model), and do not run another load. A burning smell from a dryer almost always means lint is scorching inside the unit or vent, which is a pre-fire condition. Schedule an inspection and cleaning before using the dryer again.
Immediate steps: stop the cycle, open the drum, and remove wet or warm clothes. If the smell is still present with the drum open, unplug the unit (or shut off the gas valve for gas dryers) and open a window in the laundry room.
What's happening: a burning smell during a cycle is almost always lint scorching inside the dryer cabinet, on the heating element, or along a restricted section of the vent. It's not an odor that resolves on its own — every subsequent cycle makes it worse because the underlying restriction is still there.
What not to do: do not run another load hoping the smell will clear. Do not use a leaf blower to try to clear the vent. Do not vacuum lint out of the cabinet interior unless you've unplugged the dryer and can see clearly what you're doing.
Next step: book an inspection as soon as possible. If the smell is strong and accompanied by visible smoke or scorch marks, the situation is acute — call immediately rather than waiting for a scheduled slot. We'll find and document the cause, clear it safely, and verify post-service before you run another load.
Manufacturer resources
Official support pages for brands commonly referenced in this answer.
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