A burning smell from a Maytag washer should not be run through to the end of the cycle. Stop the machine first, then work out what you are dealing with. The smell has several possible sources and not all are serious, but you cannot tell which from the smell alone.
What to Do Right Now
- Pause the cycle and unplug the washer, or switch off its breaker if the plug is hard to reach.
- Look at the outlet and cord for discoloration, melting or a warm plug.
- If you see smoke, keep the lid or door shut and get everyone out. Call 911 if you see flame.
Possible Sources
- A slipping drive belt or coupling, which gives off a hot rubber smell during a heavy or unbalanced load.
- An overheating motor from a jammed basket or repeated overload.
- A foreign object such as a sock or coin caught between the tub and basket.
- A damaged cord, plug or outlet, which smells like hot plastic.
What the Smell Does Not Tell Us
A rubber smell does not prove a belt is worn, and a plastic smell does not prove the outlet is bad. We inspect the drive, measure motor draw and check the cord and connections before naming a cause.
Until It Is Checked
Do not run the washer again. Wet clothes can wait. If the outlet looks scorched, keep that circuit off and have the outlet checked by an electrician before anything is plugged back in.
Note when the smell started, such as during fill, wash or spin. That detail helps us find the cause faster than any description of the smell itself.
A burning smell is a priority request for Maytag washer repair. Mention it when you book so we can plan the visit around it.