How to Fix a Samsung Dryer That Smells Like It’s Burning [Quick and Easy Guide]

Does your Samsung dryer smell like it’s on fire? Like burning oil?

Keep calm and unplug it — that’s your first step! While this is a matter of concern, it’s not worth a panic just yet.

There are plenty of reasons why your dryer might smell like it’s burning, with your best-case scenario being that you’ve incorrectly set the temperature higher than necessary.

In other scenarios, you might have to replace parts of your dryer. This might take you 2-3 hours, depending on how adept you are with tools.

It’ll be a long process, too, with around 20 steps. But, don’t worry, we’ll be with you every step of the way!

So, let’s dive right in.

Why does your Samsung dryer smell like it’s burning?

Your Samsung dryer’s burning smell might be from lint buildup in the filter, incorrect drying settings, or overheating elements. Unplug the unit to prevent damage. 

If your dryer is new, the smell could come from oil residue from shipping. Run the unit empty for 15 minutes to remove the smell.

Troubleshooting this issue typically takes an hour. Moreover, if you need to replace any internal components, you’ll have to do at least 10 steps (at most, you’ll have to do 24!).

Do remember that these only apply to dryers that emit a burning smell without visible smoking. 

If you see smoke rising from any part of the dryer, unplug the appliance and immediately call for service.

Common Causes of a Samsung Dryer Not Turning On and How to Fix Them

As this is a heating issue, remember that the most important step in every method is unplugging the appliance for safety.

Moreover, most of these methods will require you to open the dryer and inspect its internal components — which can very well conflict with your appliance’s warranty, if it’s still valid.

If you’re not handy with tools, don’t hesitate to call for professional help.

Cause	Solution
Lint Buildup	Unplug the dryer. Pull the lint filter out to clean it with cold water and no soap. Afterward, disconnect the exhaust vent behind the dryer and clean it as well.
Incorrect Drying Settings	Stop the drying cycle and remove the clothes inside the dryer. Double-check the drying setting on the control panel if it’s appropriate for the type of clothes in your load. You may refer to your user manual for different drying settings for types of fabric.
Thermostat Failure	Unplug the dryer and remove the top and front panels. The thermostat is located in the heating element housing, on the bottom of the dryer. Take the thermostat out and test it for continuity. Replace if necessary.
Faulty Heating Element	Unplug the dryer and remove the top and front panels. The thermostat is located on the bottom of the dryer. Take the housing out and remove it from the dryer. Test the heating element for continuity. If it needs to be replaced, open the housing to take out the heating element.
Burned-Out Dryer Motor	Unplug the dryer and remove the top and front panels. Remove the door assembly, then reach into the back of the dryer to push the idler pulley out of the way. Afterward, slide the belt off the drum then remove the drum from the dryer. The dryer motor is located behind the blower wheel. Remove the blower wheel first, then slide the motor out of its housing. Replace the motor.
Bad Drive Belt	Unplug the dryer and remove the top and front panels. Remove the door assembly, then reach into the back of the dryer to push the idler pulley out of the way. Afterward, slide the belt off the drum and replace it.
Power Surge	Immediately unplug the appliance and let the odor air out for a couple of minutes. If the odor doesn’t dissipate in an hour, take the appliance to service.
Excess Oil from Shipping	Run the dryer empty for 15 minutes or until the smell disappears.

Lint Buildup

Samsung dryers have a built-in lint filter that catches stray fibers from clothes and prevents them from clogging the exhaust vent. This way, your dryer gets enough airflow to conduct a drying cycle.

After each cycle, the lint filter needs to be checked for buildup. When too much lint accumulates in this area, it can block excess heat from leaving the drum, which can then lead to the appliance encountering temperature or heating errors.

Moreover, lint from clothes is highly flammable. When a lint filter clog prevents it from catching onto the filter, it may come in contact with other parts inside the dryer instead, such as the heating element.

This is where the burning smell comes from.

It isn’t only blockage in the lint filter area that can do this, however. If your dryer’s exhaust vent is restricted by dirt buildup, it can trap the lint and fibers back inside the drum, where it risks burning due to dry temperatures.

Solution: To remove the burning smell, turn off and unplug your dryer. Leave the door open to let the odor out. 

Then, clean the lint filter and the exhaust vent. To clean the lint filter, do the following steps:

• Step 1: Take the lint filter out of the dryer drum. You can easily locate it at the bottom of the door.
• Step 2: Separate the lint filter. Press down the middle of its body, then pull the latch open.
• Step 3: Remove any large lint by hand.
• Step 4: Remove any smaller lint by running the filter in cold water without soap.

We advise against vacuuming smaller lint off as soap residue and bubbles can also be trapped between the filter, and only water can remove them completely.

• Step 5: Thoroughly dry the lint filter before returning it to the dryer.

Afterward, leave your dryer unplugged and clean the exhaust vent by following these steps:

• Step 1: On the back of your Samsung dryer, locate the vent pipe and disconnect it.
• Step 2: Remove any lint that may be blocking the opening to the dryer.

If the lint builds up further toward the inside of the dryer, use a vacuum. Do not put your arm into the exhaust vent.

• Step 3: Check the vent pipe for lint buildup and remove it.
• Step 4: Reconnect the vent pipe to the dryer. Ensure that it’s attached tightly with no gaps.

Once that’s done, give the dryer drum a cleaning to make sure that unfiltered fiber isn’t trapped inside.

Ensure also that the burning smell has been completely aired out from the appliance before powering it on for a test run.

Quick Tip: No matter how many clothes you load in for a drying session, the lint filter will still acquire and build up lint and residue. We recommend cleaning the filter out after every cycle. On the other hand, dust and lint in the exhaust vent can take time to accumulate. We recommend cleaning this part at least once a year.

Incorrect Drying Settings

You’re running a drying cycle when you notice a burning smell coming from inside the appliance. You remove the load and take the drum for a couple of spins, but the burning smell is seemingly fading until it’s only faint or has completely gone.

If this is the case for you, then the root cause of it might be your drying settings.

A Samsung dryer has a variety of settings that can accommodate different types of fabric. They make it easier for users to save time and energy — granted that they choose the right settings, of course.

Some types of fabrics, specifically the ones on the thicker and larger side — such as wool or corduroys — require little to no moisture when being dried, and will need high heat in the process.

On the other hand, items like delicates and water-repellant activewear may require less heat. This is why it’s advisable to separate your laundry based on its material before you load them into your dryer.

If you find that task tedious, there’s also the option to signal your dryer that the laundry in the drum consists of mixed materials.

The unit’s Mixed Load setting — depicted by a bell sign — will let you know when 80% of the laundry has dried, so you can remove the items that use less heat and leave the heavier items to dry for as long as they need.

You will also notice temperature settings on your Samsung dryer’s display. They allow you to manually select an approximate temperature for your cycle, but only if you choose the Manual Dry mode.

Specialize drying settings — such as those curated for different fabrics — use fixed temperatures, so they cannot be adjusted as such. The inappropriate heat setting may burn and damage your clothes.

Solution: If the burning smell comes during a cycle, immediately unplug the dryer and pull the clothes out to inspect them for burning.

When you power the dryer back on, double-check the settings on the display and make sure that the appropriate one for your load is selected.

Thermostat Failure

As a temperature-sensitive appliance, your Samsung dryer uses a temperature-regulating system to monitor the amount of heat inside the drum.

Part of this system is the thermostat, which is mainly responsible for maintaining and controlling the temperature inside the drum.

This particular component of the appliance’s heating system rarely gets damaged physically, however, it can wear down over time or due to external forces such as power surges and overworking.

Furthermore, several reasons can cause it to overwork, such as — as mentioned above — incorrect drying settings or airflow clogged, or an overloaded drum.

When the thermostat fails, the dryer won’t be able to meet its temperature requirements. This can result in either a dryer that won’t dry or a dryer that dries too much and burns your clothes.

Solution: Unplug your dryer and test the thermostat for continuity. This is how you’ll figure out if the damage lies in the thermostat.

For this, you’ll need a multimeter. Afterward, you will have to take the thermostat out of the dryer’s control panel.

You can access the thermostat in 10 steps:

• Step 1: Unplug the appliance, then remove the top panel of the dryer by unscrewing the two screws on the back holding it in place.
• Step 2: Once the top panel is removed, remove the control panel in front of the dryer. Pry it off gently and be careful of the wires connecting it in place.
• Step 3: Remove the front panel next. Unscrew the door to set it aside, then unscrew the four screws above the door assembly, connecting the front panel to the unit.
• Step 4: Remove the remaining two mounting screws beneath the door opening. Afterward, depress the locking tab on top of the panel, and then pull it forward gently to remove it.

For this, we recommend using a flathead screwdriver to push on the tabs.

• Step 5: As you’re removing the panel, you’ll notice more wires connecting it in place. Carefully disconnect them, and then lift the panel off.
• Step 6: Disconnect the moisture sensor wire harness near the foot of the dryer. Tuck it out of the way.
• Step 7: In the same area, unscrew the heating element housing and pry it off the mounting bracket.

Afterward, unscrew the mounting bracket from the base, and move it out of the way.

• Step 8: Once the bracket is removed, pull the heating element housing out carefully.
• Step 9: You will notice wires connecting the heating element to several other components. The thermostat is typically placed in the center position among them.

Disconnect the wires connecting the thermostat to the heating element.

• Step 10: Detach the thermostat from its housing by unscrewing the mounting screws that hold it in place.

Now, take the thermostat and your multimeter; we’ll be testing for continuity. Here are the steps to it:

• Step 1: Turn your multimeter dial to the continuity setting. If you’re unfamiliar with its symbol, it’s the one that looks like a Wi-fi symbol facing sideways.
• Step 2: Take each of the probes of the multimeter and touch them to the terminals of the thermostat. You can connect any probe to any terminal.
• Step 3: A beep will sound if there is continuity. If you don’t hear a beep, this means the thermostat has failed and needs to be replaced immediately.

To replace a thermostat and install a new one, simply follow in reverse the earlier steps to remove it.

Faulty Heating Element

If the thermostat doesn’t seem to be the immediate problem, then the next place worth looking into is another part of the dryer’s heating system. In this case, the heating element — directly connected to the thermostat — is our next stop.

As its name suggests, the heating element is responsible for releasing large amounts of heat that the appliance needs to dry each load of laundry.

Similar to the thermostat, while the heating element can rarely be damaged physically, it can wear down over time, especially because of continuous use. It can also sustain damages due to power surges and being overworked.

In common cases, a faulty heating element won’t heat up at all, but the opposite can also happen. Your dryer’s heating element, once faulty, may grow too hot too quickly and can be prone to overheating.

Solution: The heating element needs to be tested for continuity so you can determine if the fault lies in it.

To remove the heating element, you’ll essentially be following the steps to removing the thermostat, with a few extra steps to take the heating element itself out.

These are what you’ll have to do:

• Step 1: Unplug the appliance, then remove the top panel of the dryer by unscrewing the two screws on the back holding it in place.
• Step 2: Once the top panel is removed, remove the control panel in front of the dryer. Pry it off gently and be careful of the wires connecting it in place.
• Step 3: Remove the front panel next. Unscrew the door to set it aside, then unscrew the four screws above the door assembly, connecting the front panel to the unit.
• Step 4: Remove the remaining two mounting screws beneath the door opening. Afterward, depress the locking tab on top of the panel, and then pull it forward gently to remove it.

For this, we recommend using a flathead screwdriver to push on the tabs.

• Step 5: As you’re removing the panel, you’ll notice more wires connecting it in place. Carefully disconnect them, and then lift the panel off.
• Step 6: Disconnect the moisture sensor wire harness near the foot of the dryer. Tuck it out of the way.
• Step 7: In the same area, unscrew the heating element housing and pry it off the mounting bracket.

Afterward, unscrew the mounting bracket from the base, and move it out of the way.

• Step 8: Once the bracket is removed, pull the heating element housing out carefully.
• Step 9: Before removing the wires connecting other components to the heating element, we advise taking a photo of the position of the wires.

This will serve as your reference when you reattach them later.

• Step 10: Afterward, you can detach the wires using a small flathead screwdriver to push them out of the components’ terminals.

Once done, you can take the heating element housing out completely.

Before removing the heating element completely, test it for continuity via its contacts peeking from the ceramic block near one end of the housing. Take your multimeter and do the following:

• Step 1: Turn your multimeter dial to the continuity setting. If you’re unfamiliar with its symbol, it’s the one that looks like a Wi-fi symbol facing sideways.
• Step 2: Take each of the probes of the multimeter and touch them to the terminals of the heating element. You can connect any probe to any terminal.
• Step 3: A beep will sound if there is continuity. If you don’t hear a beep, this means the heating element has failed and needs to be replaced immediately.
• Step 4: Check also for any shortening of the heating element. You can do this by touching one probe to one of the terminals while touching the other probe to the canister.

The multimeter should not make a noise upon contact. If a beep sounds, this means the heating element has shorted.

Do the same test for the other terminal as well.

Once you’ve confirmed that the heating element is faulty and needs to be replaced, you can proceed to remove the element from its housing by following these steps:

• Step 1: Using a pair of needle-nose pliers, bend the tabs on the connectors on the ceramic block, as shown in the video below.

Once the tabs are bent, you can push the connectors down the ceramic block.

• Step 2: Unscrew the other components from their housing.
• Step 3: Lay the heating element housing down and remove the 7 screws around it that hold the housing together.
• Step 4: Using a pair of needle-nose pliers, bend the locking tabs that hold each half of the housing in place.

Once bent, you can now separate the two halves.

• Step 5: Set aside the top half and pull the terminals out of the ceramic block. Afterward, lift off the element from the housing.
• Step 6: Thoroughly wipe the bottom half clean before replacing the heating element.

To return the heating element back to the housing, and then the housing back to the dryer, simply follow the above steps in reverse.

Burned-Out Dryer Motor

Several parts of your Samsung dryer can wear down with age, as we’ve already established with the thermostat and the heating element. The dryer’s main motor is the same as well.

When the dryer motor burns out, it can give off a burning odor as it tries to function normally. Moreover, this smell will likely be accompanied by a lot of grinding and squeaking noises.

If your dryer shows both of these signs, the fault may lie in its motor.

Solution: When the dryer’s drive motor gives out, it can only be replaced. If you’re not adept with technical and electrical repairs, we strongly recommend calling a professional for help in replacing the motor.

Remember that the motor drives the drum in place. Incorrectly installing it may do more damage to the dryer.

But if you’re well-versed in technical and electrical repairs, you can follow these steps to replace the drive motor:

• Step 1: Unplug the appliance, then remove the top panel of the dryer by unscrewing the two screws on the back holding it in place.
• Step 2: Once the top panel is removed, remove the control panel in front of the dryer. Pry it off gently and be careful of the wires connecting it in place.
• Step 3: Remove the front panel next. Unscrew the door to set it aside, then unscrew the four screws above the door assembly, connecting the front panel to the unit.
• Step 4: Remove the remaining two mounting screws beneath the door opening. Afterward, depress the locking tab on top of the panel, and then pull it forward gently to remove it.

For this, we recommend using a flathead screwdriver to push on the tabs.

• Step 5: As you’re removing the panel, you’ll notice more wires connecting it in place. Carefully disconnect them, and then lift the panel off.
• Step 6: Remove the lint filter.
• Step 7: Disconnect the moisture sensor wire harness near the foot of the dryer. Fish the drum light wire through the opening.
• Step 8: Unscrew the three screws on the lint dock below the door opening. Pull the dock out and down to remove it.
• Step 9: Unscrew the four screws connecting the front drum assembly to the unit.
• Step 10: Carefully lift the drum assembly out of its housing, one side at a time. Remember that it’s still connected by wires on top, which you will have to remove from the retainer as well (no need to disconnect!).
• Step 11: Unscrew the upper frame plate by removing the four screws holding it in place.
• Step 12: Fish the wiring harness through the opening before completely removing the frame plate.
• Step 13: Locate the idler pulley beside the drum. You’ll have to reach in and pull it out of the way to release the drum belt holding the drum assembly up.
• Step 14: Remove the drum belt from the idler pulley.
• Step 15: Lift the front of the drum and slide the belt off.
• Step 16: Before removing the drum, take note of the baffle placements inside it. We recommend taking a photo for reference later.
• Step 17: Lift the drum off and set it aside.
• Step 18: Unscrew the duct connector to access the motor wheel.
• Step 19: Once the duct connector is removed, take an adjustable wrench to grip the shaft nut at the back of the motor (behind the blower wheel) next to the drive pulley.

Then, while maintaining the grip on the shaft nut, use a 14-millimeter socket to pull the nut on the blower wheel. Turn it clockwise to loosen it.

• Step 20: With the nut removed, pull the blower wheel out of the housing. If your Samsung dryer has its blower wheel glued in place, take a heat gun to heat up the end of the motor shaft.

Be careful not to expose the blower wheel to the heat gun for too long as this might melt the plastic make of the wheel.

• Step 21: Disconnect the electrical connector on the drive motor. Depress the locking tabs on the motor and pull them out.
• Step 22: Carefully press down on one of the clamps holding the motor in place, while pulling outward to release the tab on the bracket.

Release the other side by sliding down.

• Step 23: Repeat the step above on the other clamp.
• Step 24: You can now lift up the drive motor to remove it from its mounting bracket, and then slide it out of the blower housing.

Before replacing the drive motor, double-check which model is compatible with your dryer’s model.

To install the new drive motor, simply follow the same steps in reverse.

Bad Drive Belt

The dryer drum is held in place by a drive belt. This component also regulates the turning of the drum and ensures that it won’t freely and loosely turn.

The drive belt can also wear down with age, however, it could slip out or get damaged easily if you’re prone to put in a heavy load with each drying cycle.

When a time-worn belt melts with too much friction, or if a belt slips out and melts when it comes into contact with the heating element, it could give off a burning smell.

You will also notice the dryer drum having a difficult time spinning.

Solution: A damaged belt needs to be replaced. If the belt comes loose, you can try to secure it back in place, but we recommend replacing it altogether for preventive measures.

To access the drive, you can follow the first few steps to accessing the motor:

• Step 1: Unplug the appliance, then remove the top panel of the dryer by unscrewing the two screws on the back holding it in place.
• Step 2: Once the top panel is removed, remove the control panel in front of the dryer. Pry it off gently and be careful of the wires connecting it in place.
• Step 3: Remove the front panel next. Unscrew the door to set it aside, then unscrew the four screws above the door assembly, connecting the front panel to the unit.
• Step 4: Remove the remaining two mounting screws beneath the door opening. Afterward, depress the locking tab on top of the panel, and then pull it forward gently to remove it.

For this, we recommend using a flathead screwdriver to push on the tabs.

• Step 5: As you’re removing the panel, you’ll notice more wires connecting it in place. Carefully disconnect them, and then lift the panel off.
• Step 6: Remove the lint filter.
• Step 7: Disconnect the moisture sensor wire harness near the foot of the dryer. Fish the drum light wire through the opening.
• Step 8: Unscrew the three screws on the lint dock below the door opening. Pull the dock out and down to remove it.
• Step 9: Unscrew the four screws connecting the front drum assembly to the unit.
• Step 10: Carefully lift the drum assembly out of its housing, one side at a time. Remember that it’s still connected by wires on top, which you will have to remove from the retainer as well (no need to disconnect).
• Step 11: Unscrew the upper frame plate by removing the four screws holding it in place.
• Step 12: Fish the wiring harness through the opening before completely removing the frame plate.
• Step 13: Locate the idler pulley beside the drum. You’ll have to reach in and pull it out of the way to release the drum belt holding the drum assembly up.
• Step 14: Remove the drum belt from the idler pulley.
• Step 15: Lift the front of the drum and slide the belt off.
• Step 16: Still lifting the front of the drum, install the new belt in place.

You’ll notice marks where the old belt used to be. Simply slide the new belt into where those marks are.

Power Surge

If you’ve recently experienced a blackout and noticed a burning smell coming from your dryer a few minutes after the power comes back, that might be the internal components of your dryer getting an electric shock.

This can be a typical occurrence, but it’s still dangerous for your dryer’s elements and may cause them to overheat, or worse, short-circuit.

The worst-case scenario would be the dryer’s main control board short-circuiting or getting burned.

Solution: Immediately unplug the appliance once you notice a burning smell.

Let the appliance sit for a couple of minutes. You can also open the door to air out the smell, but make sure that the appliance is already unplugged before you open the drum.

If the smell doesn’t go away after an hour, take the appliance to a support center to have its internal elements checked.

While you can check these elements on your own, they may be too many and time-consuming.

Furthermore, if the control board turns out to be damaged, it will have to be replaced.

Excess Oil from Shipping

This is exclusively for newly bought or shipped dryers. Oil residue and other materials from packing and shipping tend to cling onto the unit, and will naturally burn once you plug the appliance and turn it on.

This is no cause for concern, as long as you haven’t put clothes in it yet! What your dryer needs, in this case, is an empty trial run.

Solution: Run the dryer empty for 15 minutes or until the odor dissipates.

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When a burning smell comes from your Samsung dryer, you might want to retrace your drying habits. 

Most of the causes of overheating elements may come from deteriorating habits that harm the appliance’s components over time.

More importantly, you don’t have to panic immediately! Sometimes, letting your appliance rest and breathe for a while is enough to solve the issue.