Why Does My Vacuum Smell Burnt?

Last Updated on September 3, 2022

Though vacuum cleaners have powerful suction and high moving speed, they cannot operate at higher temperatures. During cleaning, the machine will get hot to some extent due to operational activity. However, it should never get too hot to start giving off the smell of smoke.

If your vacuum smell like burnt rubber, the problem could be with the drive belt. It can no longer move whether the belt has burned or stuck in its place. The stretched or stuck belt can get overheated and must be removed quickly.

 Several other reasons also participate in the failure of different components of vacuum cleaners to develop a burning smell. If you are wondering why your vacuum smells burnt, you can find the reason here.

Why Does My Vacuum Smell Like A Burnt Rubber

The burning smell from a vacuum usually results from a defective drive belt. When you take strenuous labor from your vacuum, the belt gets damaged because of stretching, heating, and tearing. Therefore, the smell of burnt rubber starts coming out of your vacuum cleaner.

The only way to resolve this issue is to replace the belt immediately. Using the broken belt can worsen the condition of the operating system of the vacuum. However, the belt isn’t the only reason for the burning smell; other parts of the vacuum can also lead to this issue.

Why Does A Vacuum Smell Burnt: Reasons &  Fixtures

You should never ignore the burning smell of your vacuum. The problem must be identified and resolved as soon as possible. Sometimes, even the new vacuum smell burnt, which can frustrate you. Here are some common reasons and solutions to fix vacuums that smell burnt.

Look If There’s Smoke

The smoke in a vacuum can build due to a burnt motor, faulty drive belt, or a smoked cigarette. A cigarette may suck in it without being noticed.

Vacuuming ember from a cigarette can also lead to smoke, and you should be careful while disposing of the vacuum cleaner bag.

Overheated Plug or Cable

When your machine keeps running longer, it can get hot. Some parts of the vacuum get overheated and fail to operate. If the plug or cable gets too hot, you will lose the connection of the cable from the main electric source. Inspect the wires attached to the terminals and fix them tightly.

A poorly fitted cable can also get hot and start burning. Make sure to tighten it up and look into the plug if it is hot. To fix an overheated socket, an electrician can help you, or you can plug the wire into another socket.

Defective or Blocked Filter

Another reason for this problem could be a blocked filter. After vacuuming, lots of dirt and debris gather inside the filter, which can cause these smells.

The overfilled filter start spreading dirt to other components of the vacuum, which can lead to failure of the whole filtration system, and obstructions start accumulating.

To solve this problem, you must empty the filter and bag of the vacuum cleaner. You should also look into the other parts of the vacuum and clean them using the brush. Once you are done cleaning all components, the system will restore its normal functioning.

Find Out If Something Is Tangles Around Rolling Brush

The brush roller works most in picking up dirt, debris, and hair. When these parts start to accumulate in rollers, they can block its movement, and The result will be a burning smell.

You need to remove the brush roller and clean it thoroughly. The wrapped hair can get into the bearings and cause friction against the roller to develop a smell.

Damaged Cord

This issue arises in corded vacuums where narrow and short cords increase the chance of overheating. The narrow cords provide more resistance to the flow of current. With this enhanced resistance, your appliance would definitely get overheated.

If you do not fix it immediately, the wire may damage the insulated parts and produce smoke.

Inspect Electric Motor

If no issue has been found in the belt or bearings of the vacuum, the issue can lie in a burnt motor. A burnt or defective motor must be fixed or replaced quickly to avoid further damage to the vacuum.

Issue With Drive Belt

The rubber belt usually lasts for three to six months. Excess use can cause early failure or cause burning. Sometimes, a new drive belt can also give a burnt smell that could be due to a jammed roller brush caused by a stuck belt.

To fix a stuck or disrupted drive belt, you first need to turn off the vacuum cleaner. Then examine the issue thoroughly with the belt. If there are strings or hair, remove them from the belt. If the belt’s condition worsens, replacing it would be better.

Thermal Overload

Due to the presence of advanced technology in modern vacuums, automatic systems detect all problems and sometimes fix them on its own. The same goes for overheating, which the system notices and shuts off all operating parts. During this phase, you will know about the problem only after detecting a burning smell.

How Long Does A Vacuum Last

Usually, a high-quality vacuum cleaner is built to last for five to ten years. But surveys have shown that most survived for eight years or less. Using it correctly and fixing even minor issues can make your vacuum last longer than the guaranteed period.

Suppose any part is broken or defective; repair or replace it without delays. Keep the maintenance in check and replace the filter whenever it causes any issue. 

Final Thoughts

It doesn’t matter how bad your vacuum cleaner smells; identifying the issue will help a lot in fixing the problem without trouble. If despite trying all the tricks, your vacuum is giving a burning smell, you must reach out to the manufacturer or authorized store with the warranty. They will fix the issue. Hiring a professional repairer can also resolve all problems.