Why Does My Samsung Washing Machine Smell Like It's Burning?
Check and clear the drain pump filter of any debris or foreign objects, as a blocked filter forces the motor to overwork and overheat — this resolves the burning smell in many cases (takes about 10 minutes).
Fault description
A burning smell coming from your Samsung washing machine is not something to ignore. It usually means a mechanical or electrical component is working harder than it should, generating excess heat in the process. The smell can range from a rubbery or plasticky odour to something closer to singed wiring, and each variation points toward a different part of the machine.
The smell may appear during the wash cycle, the spin cycle, or both. In some cases it disappears after a single load; in others it gets progressively worse. The machine may still complete its cycle without displaying any error codes, which can make the fault harder to diagnose — but the underlying cause still needs to be identified before the problem escalates into a more serious failure or a safety hazard.
The most commonly affected systems are the drive motor, the carbon brushes that power it, the drive belt, and the wiring harness. Overloading the drum is also a frequent trigger that puts strain on multiple components at once.
Causes
- Worn or failing carbon brushes — Carbon brushes transfer electrical current to the motor. As they wear down over time, they create increased friction and arcing, producing a distinctive burning or electrical smell. This is one of the most common causes of a burning odour in Samsung washing machines.
- Damaged or slipping drive belt — The drive belt connects the motor to the drum. If it becomes worn, stretched, or misaligned, it can slip against the drum pulley and generate a strong rubbery burning smell. A visibly cracked or frayed belt confirms this as the source.
- Overloaded drum — Consistently overloading the machine forces the motor and belt to work beyond their designed capacity, generating heat and a burning odour. This is especially common on high-speed spin cycles where the load imbalance puts maximum strain on the drive system.
- Blocked drain pump or filter — When the drain pump filter is clogged with lint, coins, or debris, the pump motor has to work much harder to move water, causing it to overheat. The resulting smell is often described as a hot plastic or electrical burning scent.
- Faulty or overheating motor — If the motor itself is failing — due to age, a winding fault, or bearing wear — it will overheat during operation and produce a strong burning smell. This is a more serious fault that typically requires professional assessment.
- Wiring or electrical component fault — Loose connections, damaged wiring insulation, or a failing capacitor can cause localised overheating and a sharp, acrid burning smell. This type of fault carries a fire risk and should be treated as urgent.
Step-by-Step Fix
- 1
Stop the machine and ventilate the area
If you notice a burning smell mid-cycle, pause or cancel the programme immediately and unplug the machine from the mains. Open windows and allow the area to air out. Do not restart the machine until you have identified the source — continuing to run it risks turning a minor fault into a serious one.
- 2
Check for an overloaded drum
Remove some items from the drum if it was packed tightly. Samsung recommends filling the drum to no more than three-quarters capacity for most programmes. Run a short empty rinse cycle after unplugging and replugging to see if the smell returns — if it does not, overloading was likely the cause.
- 3
Clean the drain pump filter
Locate the filter access panel at the bottom front of the machine. Place a towel and shallow tray underneath, then unscrew the filter cap slowly to drain residual water. Remove any debris — coins, hair grips, and lint are common culprits. Rinse the filter under a tap, refit it securely, and run a short cycle to check whether the smell has gone.
- 4
Inspect the drive belt
Unplug the machine and carefully remove the back panel using a screwdriver. Locate the drive belt running around the drum pulley and motor spindle. Look for signs of cracking, fraying, glazing, or the belt sitting off-centre. A belt in poor condition should be replaced — this is a straightforward part to source and fit for most Samsung models.
- 5
Examine the carbon brushes
With the back panel still removed, locate the motor and identify the carbon brush holders on either side. Slide the brushes out and measure their length — if they are shorter than approximately 15mm, they are worn and need replacing. New brushes are inexpensive and widely available for Samsung motors. Fitting them yourself is manageable with basic tools.
- 6
Look for visible wiring damage
While the back panel is off, visually inspect the wiring harness and any connectors near the motor and pump. Look for scorch marks, melted insulation, or connectors that appear loose or discoloured. If you find any of these signs, do not attempt to repair the wiring yourself — contact a service technician, as this is a potential fire hazard.
- 7
Test the motor
If the belt and brushes appear fine but the burning smell persists, the motor itself may be failing. A service technician can test the motor windings with a multimeter to check for shorts or resistance faults. Motor replacement is a more involved repair but is often more cost-effective than replacing the whole machine on a model that is otherwise in good condition.
When to call a service technician
You should contact a service technician without delay if the burning smell is sharp and acrid — suggesting burning plastic or electrical insulation — or if you can see any scorch marks, melted components, or discoloured wiring inside the machine. These are signs of an electrical fault that carries a genuine fire risk and should not be investigated further by an untrained person.
You should also call a technician if the smell persists after you have cleaned the filter, replaced the belt, and fitted new carbon brushes, as this points to a motor winding fault or a deeper electrical issue that requires specialist diagnostic equipment to identify safely and accurately.
Prevention
The parts most commonly replaced when a Samsung washing machine develops a burning smell are the carbon brushes, the drive belt, and the drain pump. Carbon brushes are a wear item that typically need replacing every few years depending on usage, while the drive belt should be inspected annually for signs of cracking or glazing. Keeping the drain pump filter clean every one to three months significantly reduces the risk of pump overheating.
Replacing these parts promptly when they show signs of wear is the most effective way to prevent a minor burning smell from developing into a motor failure or an electrical fault. Use genuine Samsung-compatible parts where possible to ensure correct fit and safe operation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is a burning smell from a washing machine dangerous?
It can be. A rubbery smell from a worn belt or brushes is unpleasant but not immediately dangerous, provided you stop using the machine until the part is replaced. However, a sharp, acrid smell suggesting burning electrical insulation or plastic is a potential fire hazard and the machine should be unplugged immediately and not used again until a service technician has inspected it.
Can I still use my Samsung washing machine if it smells like burning?
No — you should stop using it until you have identified and resolved the cause. Continuing to run a machine with a burning smell risks accelerating the damage, potentially causing a more expensive fault or, in the case of an electrical issue, a fire. Unplug the machine and work through the diagnostic steps before running another cycle.
Why does my Samsung washing machine only smell during the spin cycle?
The spin cycle places the highest mechanical demand on the drive belt and motor. If the smell only appears during spin, the drive belt is the most likely culprit — it may be slipping or partially degraded under load. Worn carbon brushes can also produce more arcing at higher motor speeds, so both parts are worth inspecting.
How long do carbon brushes last in a Samsung washing machine?
Carbon brushes typically last between three and seven years depending on how frequently the machine is used and what programmes are run most often. Heavy use with frequent high-speed spin cycles will wear them faster. Replacing them is a relatively low-cost repair and is worth doing as routine maintenance once the machine is a few years old.
Could a new Samsung washing machine smell like burning on first use?
A very faint warm or slightly plasticky smell on the first one or two uses can be normal as protective coatings and new components settle in. However, a strong or persistent burning smell on a new machine is not normal and should be reported to the retailer or Samsung's customer support team, as it may indicate a manufacturing defect or transit damage.