Why does my hair dryer smell burnt?

November 29, 2024

Lysira Moonwhisper

In this article

Why does my new hair dryer smell burnt?
Why does my old hair dryer smell burnt?
How to fix a hair dryer with a burnt smell?
How to store my hair dryer properly?
Common reasons your hair dryer go to broken
Signs you need to replace your blow dryers

"Hey, I’m Mike. Why does my hair dryer smell burnt?"

Have flipped on your hairdryer and get smacked with that nasty burnt smell? Not exactly the vibe you’re going for, right? Whether you’re dealing with a shiny new dryer or an old workhorse, that smell is trying to tell you something. New dryers can sometimes have a faint burnt scent as the internal parts heat up for the first time. But if your old trusty dryer suddenly smells like a campfire, it could mean dust clogging the filter, overheating, or worse, a short in the wiring.

Why does my new hair dryer smell burnt?

So, you just unboxed your shiny new hair dryer, fired it up, and—bam!—that weird burnt smell hits you. Don’t freak out just yet. It’s pretty common for a new dryer to have a slight burnt or chemical smell during its first few uses. This happens because the internal components, like the heating element and motor, are burning off residual manufacturing oils or dust.

But if that smell doesn’t go away after a few sessions or starts to get stronger, it might be time to hit pause. Phrases like "lingering odor" or "unexpected overheating" could signal a deeper issue. In that case, you’ll want to check for faulty wiring or a clogged vent.

Why does my old hair dryer smell burnt?

If your old hair dryer starts giving off that burnt smell, it’s a flashing warning sign. Over time, dryers collect dust, lint, and even stray hairs in the vents and around the motor.

When these particles heat up, they burn, releasing that unmistakable odor. Another red flag? “Overworked motor” or “clogged airflow”—when your dryer struggles to keep up, it’s begging for some attention.

Before you panic, try giving it a good cleaning. Check the filter, clear out the vents, and make sure everything’s running smoothly. But if the smell keeps coming back or you’re noticing “excess heat” or “weird noises,” it might be time to part ways with your old faithful.

How to fix a hair dryer with a burnt smell?

First up, cinch it’s unplugged (we’re not trying to add “electrical shock” to the mix). Then, check the back vents. Over time, dust, lint, and even tiny hairs can pile up in there, creating a “gunky mess” that blocks airflow and overheats your dryer.

If the smell persists, take a closer look at the filter because it might need a little extra TLC. And don’t forget to inspect the cord for any “crispy” or damaged spots; a worn-out wire could be your culprit. If all else fails and that burnt smell just won’t quit, it might be time to say goodbye and upgrade.

How to store my hair dryer properly?

How to store my blow dryer? Don’t just yank it out of the wall and leave it in a tangled mess. That’s how you end up with “cord kinks” or worse, frayed wires. Instead, give it some love: gently wrap it in loose loops, like you’re coiling up your favorite pair of headphones.

Now, where you store it matters too. Sure, the bathroom seems convenient, but all that moisture? Not your dryer’s best friend. Humidity can sneak in and mess with the motor over time. Aim for a dry, think a drawer, cabinet, or even a fancy wall-mounted holder.

Common reasons your hair dryer go to broken

Here are most common reasons your trusty dryer might bite the dust:

Over time, dust, lint, and hair can pile up in the vents, choking off airflow and making the motor work overtime.
When your dryer gets too hot to handle, it can trigger the safety switch or even fry the internal components. This often happens if you’re running it on high heat for too long or if those vents are clogged.
Once that happens, it’s only a matter of time before your dryer refuses to turn on.
Like any hardworking machine, your dryer’s motor has a lifespan. If it’s been grinding away for years, it might start to weaken, slow down, or stop working altogether.
Leaving your dryer in a steamy bathroom or accidentally splashing water on it can mess with its electrical components. Moisture and electronics? Not exactly a dream team.
If you went for a bargain-bin dryer, it might not be built to last. Inferior materials and poor construction can lead to early breakdowns.

Signs you need to replace your blow dryers

If you’re spotting these signs, it might be time to say goodbye and replace your dryers:

1. It smells burnt

If your dryer smells like it’s been roasting marshmallows every time you turn it on, that’s a red flag. Burnt smells often mean dust or hair is frying inside, the motor is overheating.

2. Inconsistent heat or airflow

One minute it’s blasting hot air, the next it feels like a weak puff of wind. This could be a sign that the heating element or motor is on its way out.