A burning smell coming from a washing machine is an urgent warning sign that should not be ignored. Although you mentioned IFB in your earlier message, here you say LG, so this guidance will assume an LG washing machine (front-load or top-load) but the causes and fixes largely apply across brands. Below is a detailed, approximately 800-word explanation of possible causes, how to safely diagnose them, what fixes you can attempt, and when to call a professional.
Why a burning smell appears
A burning odor from a washing machine typically arises from one of three categories: electrical overheating/arcing, mechanical friction, or overheated lint/organic material. Common sources include the motor, drive belt (on belt-driven models), clutch, bearings, pump, wiring/connectors, heating element (in washer-dryer combos), or foreign material trapped and rubbing against heated components. The smell may be chemical (electrical insulation), hot plastic/rubber (belt or tubing), or musty/charred (lint or fabric trapped and burning).
Immediate safety steps (do this first)
- Stop the machine and unplug it immediately. If unplugging is difficult, shut off power at the breaker.
- Turn off the water supply if relevant.
- Do not run the machine again until the source has been identified and fixed.
- If you see smoke, fire, or melting plastic, evacuate and call emergency services.
Systematic troubleshooting (safe, step-by-step)
1. Note when the smell occurred
- During spin, agitation, drain, or continuously? Smell during spin often points to motor, bearings, or belt. Smell during heating cycles (washer-dryer) suggests the heater element. If it began after adding a particular garment, check for residual chemicals or a battery/cell in pockets.
2. Inspect the drum and gasket
- Open the door and check the rubber door boot/gasket and the drum edges for trapped clothing, plastic, or dryer sheets that could be melting or burning. Remove any foreign objects.
3. Check the drain pump area
- Many odors come from debris in the drain pump or filter. For front-load LG models with a pump filter: place towels and a shallow tray, open the access panel, slowly unscrew the filter cap—water may spill—and clear lint, coins, or plastic. If something hot melted onto plastic parts near the pump, that may be the smell source.
4. Smell the back / motor area (after unplugging)
- Move the washer away from the wall, unplug it, and remove the back panel if comfortable and safe to do so. Carefully smell near the motor and wiring harness for burned insulation odor. If wiring or connectors look melted, charred, or discolored, do not operate the machine—this is a significant fire risk.
5. Inspect belts and pulleys (belt-driven models)
- If your LG is a belt-driven top-loader or older model, a slipping or worn belt can overheat and emit a rubber-burning smell. Look for glazing, cracks, or slack in the belt and damaged pulleys.
6. Test drum bearings and motor coupling
- Manually spin the drum (with the washer unplugged): a rough grinding noise or resistance suggests worn bearings or motor coupling, which can cause friction and heat. Bearings that fail may let the drum grind on the seal, producing burning-smell symptoms.
7. Check the motor and capacitor
- If the motor has overheated from overuse or electrical faults, you may detect an electrical insulation smell. Also check the run capacitor near the motor for bulging or burn marks.
8. Heating element (washer-dryer combos)
- If your unit has a built-in dryer/heater, a faulty thermistor, overheated element, or short could burn fabric or insulation. Visual inspection of the heater assembly (with power off) can reveal discolored or broken elements.
9. Look for foreign objects in pockets
- Batteries, lighters, pens, or plastic items can melt or combust and leave a burning odor. If a battery leaked and heated, it’s hazardous—handle with gloves and dispose safely.
Common fixes you can attempt
- Remove trapped objects, lint, and residue: Clear the pump/filter, gasket, and drum. Clean the detergent drawer and internal crevices.
- Replace a worn belt: If you identify a slipping or glazed belt, replace it. This is moderate DIY work on models with belts.
- Replace the drain pump: If the pump is jammed and the impeller is damaged, replace the pump assembly.
- Replace the motor coupling or bearings: Motor couplings and bearings are common wear parts; replacements require mechanical skill and sometimes a service manual.
- Repair or replace burned wiring/connectors: Severely melted wiring should be repaired by a qualified technician to ensure safe, code-compliant splices and insulation.
- Replace the heating element or thermostat: For washer-dryer combos, replace faulty heating components and any associated safety thermostats or fuses.
When to call a technician (and why)
- If you detect burnt wiring, melted connectors, or charred components—this is an electrical fire risk requiring a trained technician or electrician.
- If the motor is making unusual noises, smoking, or you suspect internal failure—motors are complex and usually replaced rather than repaired.
- If bearings are failing—the task often requires disassembly, bearing/race replacement, and correct pressing tools.
- If you’re uncomfortable with electrical or mechanical work. Professional service ensures safe, correct repairs and may preserve warranty coverage.
Prevention tips
- Empty pockets before washing; avoid washing items with batteries or flammable residues.
- Clean the pump filter and gasket regularly to prevent debris buildup.
- Use correct detergent and avoid overloading, which stresses the motor and bearings.
- Ensure proper installation with adequate ventilation and level placement to prevent excess vibration.
- Address unusual noises, smells, or performance changes immediately to prevent escalation.
Final notes
A burning smell indicates a potentially hazardous problem. Prioritize safety—unplug the machine and inspect visually for obvious issues. Simple causes like trapped plastic or a clogged pump are often user-fixable, but electrical burns, motor failures, and bearing problems require professional attention. If you provide your exact LG model number and describe when the smell occurs and any noises or error codes, I can give more specific diagnostics and part-replacement guidance.