Samsung dryer smells or smokes
Dryer odors can come from a few places such as the lint trap, exhaust vent, or not actually from the dryer at all, like the washing machine or the water. If the dryer's new, that might be the reason as well. When a new dryer starts up for the first time, it may smell like something is burning, as any oil residue from the packing material heats up. In this case, run the dryer empty for approximately 15 minutes until the odor has dissipated. For other types of odors, this guide will help you identify and fix them.

Samsung dryer smells or smokes
Visible smoke or gas smell (gas dryer)
Read more
Read less
Visible smoke (electric dryer)
Caution
If your electric dryer is smoking, turn it off and visit our Support Center to request service.
Read more
Read less
Burning smell
- If the dryer's new, it is burning off the oil residue from shipping. Run the dryer empty for about 15 minutes to dissipate the odor.
- You should periodically clean the lint trap and the exhaust vent.
- Make sure you're using the right settings for the clothing you are drying. For instance, rayon or other synthetic fabrics on high heat could potentially burn.
If you've identified the source of the odor and taken care of it, make sure to clean the drum.
If the burning smell continues, turn off the dryer at the circuit breaker and visit our Support Center to request service.
Read more
Read less
Electrical smell
Turn off the dryer at the circuit breaker and visit our Support Center to request service.
Read more
Read less
Dead animal smell
A small animal (bird, mouse, lizard, etc.) might have climbed into the exhaust vent from outside. Small animals are drawn to the exhaust vent because of the warmth. Make sure this vent has some kind of laundry exhaust vent cover which won't block lint from leaving but will block animals from entering.
Read more
Read less
Mold or mildew or sour clothing
Certain smells like sulfur or mildew may be hard to notice when the laundry is cold and wet. However, once you place the clothes in the dryer and heat them up, that's when they begin to smell bad. This does not mean the dryer is the source of the smell.
- It's possible the odor could be coming from the laundry itself. For example, if wet clothes were sitting for too long, they can begin to mildew or sour.
- It's also possible the washing machine may be the true source of the odor, not the dryer, particularly if the washing machine is not kept clean on a regular basis.
- And a final possibility is the water you're using to wash with could be to blame, particularly if it is high in sulfur.
If you've identified the source of the odor and taken care of it, make sure to clean the drum.
Service is not required for a mold or mildew smell.
Read more
Read less
Recommended Articles

Laundry is tangled or wrinkled after washing
Tangled or wrinkled laundry is not attractive. Although it helps to fold your clothes or hang them, some wrinkles (and tangling) can be reduced or prevented with a few minor adjustments in how you do the wash.

Samsung dryer is leaking

Samsung dryer is vibrating or shaking
As long as your Samsung dryer is installed on a level and solid surface, and you haven't overloaded it, then you can try leveling your dryer to prevent it from vibrating or shaking. This will secure the dryer so it operates the way it should.
We're here for you
Contact Samsung Support
Contact us online through chat and get support from an expert on your computer, mobile device or tablet. Support is also available on your mobile device through the Samsung Members App.