LG washer smells like burning — is it urgent?
A burning smell often means a slipping or seized drive belt, or an overheating motor. Right now, switch the washer off at the breaker, open a window, and leave it off until the technician has seen it. Smoke, a scorch mark, melted plastic, or a smell that carries on with the power off moves this up: a photo that shows wiring a person could touch makes the Triage Profile say EMERGENCY, and the word holds.
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In the next five minutes
Safe first steps, before the call. Nothing here needs a tool.
Smoke or flames: get everyone out and call 911.
No smoke or flames? Stop the washer and switch off its breaker; don’t touch a hot or melted plug.
Don’t use it again until it’s checked, and keep people away from it.
Everything else about this problem
Is it an emergency?
Is a burning smell from an LG washer an emergency?
Treat it as urgent. Turn it off and unplug it or switch off its breaker, and do not use it again until the cause is found. If you see smoke or flames, or smell gas, get everyone out and call 911.
If you manage this unit
Ask the resident
- Does the smell stop when the washer is off?
- Is there smoke, a scorch mark, or melted plastic anywhere on it?
Say this to your resident
Thanks for telling me about the burning smell from the washer. Please switch the washer off at the breaker right now, open a window, and leave it off tonight. If you see smoke or a flame, get everyone out and call 911, then call me. Send me a photo of the washer with the plug and the panel in shot, and I'll get an appliance technician out.
Who to call
An appliance technician A smell from the plug, the socket or the wall goes to an electrician.
Symptoms & causes
A burning smell often means a slipping or seized drive belt, or an overheating motor.
A burning smell from your LG washer often manifests as an electrical, rubbery, or plastic odor, typically intensifying during agitation or spin cycles. This alarming scent usually indicates an overloaded motor, a slipping or worn drive belt, or a failing electrical component like a capacitor or wiring. You might also notice smoke, a burning residue on internal parts, or the washer struggling to complete cycles.
Questions people ask
Who do I call for a washer that smells like burning?
An appliance technician. A burning smell often means a slipping or seized drive belt, or an overheating motor. A smell from the plug, the socket or the wall goes to an electrician. The Triage Profile names who to call for your photo.
What do I tell the resident right now?
Thanks for telling me about the burning smell from the washer. Please switch the washer off at the breaker right now, open a window, and leave it off tonight. If you see smoke or a flame, get everyone out and call 911, then call me. Send me a photo of the washer with the plug and the panel in shot, and I'll get an appliance technician out.
Why does my LG washer smell like burning plastic?
This often indicates an electrical component overheating, such as a capacitor, motor, or wiring insulation. It could also be a plastic part rubbing against a moving component, generating friction and heat.
Can a burning smell from an LG washer be dangerous?
Yes, a burning smell is a serious warning sign and can indicate an electrical fire hazard within the appliance.
What if the burning smell only happens during the spin cycle?
A burning smell during the spin cycle often points to issues with the drive motor, a slipping or worn drive belt, or the motor's capacitor. The motor works hardest during spin, making these components more prone to overheating or friction-related issues.
Related problems
More LG washer problems
Another symptom on the same washer.
Smells like burning: other brands
Guides and hubs
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