Beko Washing Machine Burning Smell? (Here’s What to Do)
If your Beko washing machine smells like something is burning, it’s often a sign of a mechanical issue such as a slipping drive belt, motor overheating, or foreign object friction inside the drum.
While a mild burning odor is normal with brand new machines, a strong or persistent smell in an older washer usually points to a problem that needs immediate attention. Power off the washer, unplug it, and inspect key components like the belt, motor, and drum area before running it again.
Table of Contents
Is It Normal for a New Beko Washing Machine to Smell?
A mild burning or chemical-like smell in the first few uses of a brand new Beko washer is usually harmless. It typically comes from:
- Heated motor insulation
- New rubber seals or gasket material
- Factory lubrication burning off
This smell should fade after 3 to 5 wash cycles, especially if you run a few hot water washes with no laundry to help break in the components faster. You can also wipe down the rubber gasket and inner drum with warm water and vinegar to reduce odors early on.
However, if the burning smell gets stronger instead of fading, skip to the troubleshooting section below to rule out an actual hardware fault.
What Causes a Burning Smell in a Beko Washing Machine?
In older or regularly used machines, a burning smell should never be ignored. It usually means one or more internal parts are wearing out or misaligned, which can cause heat, friction, or electrical overheating.
Here are the most common causes:
1. Worn or Slipping Drive Belt
Beko washers use a rubber belt to spin the drum. If this belt becomes loose, misaligned, or frayed, it can rub against the motor or pulley, creating a burning rubber smell.
Signs:
- Strong rubber odor during spin cycles
- Squeaking or grinding noises
- Drum struggles to spin or stops mid-cycle
Fix:
- Unplug the washer
- Remove the back panel
- Inspect the belt for cracks, glazing, or looseness
- Replace it with a new one that matches your washer model
2. Motor Overheating
The drive motor can overheat due to age, overload, or blocked airflow. If the motor’s internal wiring gets too hot, it can produce a faint electrical or smoky smell.
Signs:
- Burning smell shortly after the cycle starts
- Motor is hot to the touch
- Washer cuts off mid-cycle
- A slight buzzing or humming from the motor
Fix:
- Turn off the machine immediately
- Let the motor cool for at least 30 minutes
- Check for lint or debris blocking ventilation
- If the problem recurs, contact a technician, motors are not user-serviceable
3. Overloading the Washer
Consistently stuffing the washer with too many clothes puts unnecessary stress on the motor and drive belt, often leading to overheating or slippage.
Fix:
- Keep loads to 75–80% of drum capacity
- For heavy fabrics (like towels or blankets), reduce the load size further
- Use a lower spin speed for bulky or absorbent items
4. Foreign Objects Trapped in the Drum
Coins, bra wires, hairpins, or even small socks can get trapped between the inner drum and outer tub, generating friction that leads to a burning smell.
Fix:
- Spin the drum by hand and listen for rattling or scraping
- Inspect the door gasket and drum for lodged items
- Remove the lower panel and check for obstructions near the pump area
5. Electrical Wiring Fault
Loose, frayed, or burnt wiring inside the washer can create a faint smoky or electrical smell. This is rare but dangerous and requires immediate attention.
Warning signs:
- Burning smell without the drum moving
- No display or power on the control panel
- Tripped circuit breaker
Fix:
- Unplug the washer
- Do not use it again until inspected by a professional electrician or repair technician
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting: What to Do If You Smell Burning
Important: Always unplug the washer before attempting any inspection or repairs.
Step 1: Check for Overloading
- Open the door and remove excess laundry
- Try a smaller load and see if the smell returns
- If the issue disappears, you’ve likely been overloading the machine
Step 2: Inspect the Drum and Gasket
- Run your hand around the door gasket
- Look for metal objects, lint, or melted plastic
- Wipe the gasket with warm water and vinegar
Step 3: Clean the Drum
- Mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 1 liter of warm water
- Wipe down the inside of the drum
- Run an empty 60°C cycle to flush out any residue
Step 4: Inspect the Drive Belt
- Remove the washer’s back panel
- Locate the drive belt and check for:
- Visible cracking
- Belt slipping or misalignment
- Burn marks or rubber dust
- Replace the belt if worn
Step 5: Examine the Motor (If Comfortable)
- Locate the motor near the drum base
- Ensure the motor is clean and unobstructed
- Look for scorch marks or exposed wires
- Do not attempt to open the motor casing
- If in doubt, schedule a repair technician visit
Step 6: Let the Machine Cool
- If the burning smell occurred after multiple back-to-back loads, let the machine rest
- Heat buildup from consecutive cycles can cause temporary odor
- Resume washing after 1–2 hours
When to Call a Technician
If you’ve ruled out overloading, cleaned the drum and gasket, and the smell still persists after checking the belt, it’s time to get professional help.
Contact a technician if:
- The smell is strong and gets worse over time
- You notice visible smoke
- The motor or control panel is unresponsive
- You suspect wiring damage or overheating components
It’s better to address these problems early to avoid permanent damage or fire hazards.
How to Prevent Burning Smells in a Beko Washer
- Avoid overloading the drum, especially with heavy fabrics
- Run a maintenance cycle once a month using hot water and vinegar
- Check the gasket after each load for foreign objects
- Keep the drain pump and filter clean
- Don’t block ventilation areas around the washer
- Use the correct spin speed and avoid max settings for small loads
- Ensure the machine is plugged directly into a grounded socket (avoid extension cords)
Final Thoughts
If your Beko washing machine has a burning smell, take it seriously. While a mild odor in new machines is normal for a few cycles, a strong or ongoing smell usually means a mechanical issue such as a worn belt, overloaded motor, or foreign object friction. Begin by unplugging the washer, inspecting key components, and cleaning the drum. If the smell doesn’t go away or worsens, it’s best to stop using the machine and call a technician to prevent damage or safety risks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why does my Beko washing machine smell like burning rubber?
This usually points to a worn or slipping drive belt that is rubbing against the motor or drum pulley. It may also be caused by overloaded drums or friction from trapped objects. Inspect the belt and reduce the load to see if the smell disappears.
Is a burning smell normal for a new Beko washing machine?
Yes, a mild burning or chemical odor is common in the first few uses of a new Beko washer. It typically comes from heated insulation or rubber seals. The smell should fade within a few days or after a few wash cycles.
Can overloading cause a burning smell in a washing machine?
Yes, overloading puts strain on the motor and drive belt, which can lead to overheating and friction, both of which cause a burning smell. Always follow the load recommendations for your washer model.
Should I continue using my Beko washer if it smells like burning?
No. Stop using the washer immediately, unplug it, and investigate the cause. Ignoring the smell can lead to serious damage or electrical risk. If you can’t identify the cause, call a qualified technician.
How do I know if the motor is overheating?
If the washer cuts off mid-cycle, emits a strong burning odor, or if the motor area feels hot to the touch even after a few minutes of use, it could be overheating. Allow it to cool and get it inspected.
Can foreign objects cause a burning smell in the drum?
Yes. Items like coins, bra wires, or small socks caught between the drum and tub can cause friction that creates a burning smell. Check the gasket, drum, and filter area regularly to prevent this.
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