Why Does My Vacuum Smell Burnt & How to Fix?

Has your vacuum been smelling bad, especially like something is burning? If yes, then it means there are serious issues with your vacuum. The burning smell of a vacuum can be due to various reasons. It could be an external or internal issue indicating that it needs to be checked.

Vacuums are for cleaning dirt and grime, so their maintenance is also essential. Any slightest problem with the accessories can cause a burning smell. So, if you have been wondering why does my vacuum smell burnt? Following are some reasons and their quick fixes to help you solve this problem.

Still thinking, why does my vacuum smell burnt? Then, there is no need to think more as the following is a list of some reasons and how you can fix them.

The first and foremost reason for “why my vacuum smells burnt” could be the motor failure. Motor failure is a prevalent reason for burning smells, and this is a very serious fault that should be addressed immediately.

To be entirely sure about it is recommended to first check the other accessories like belts, filters, or wands to rule out the causes. The only fix for this issue is getting a professional’s help. Or you can take it to the local vacuum store for motor replacement.

The second most common reason for the burning smell is the drive belt. If you feel that the vacuum smells like burnt rubber, then there is a high chance that the drive belt is damaged. Sometimes, it also snaps or is significantly damaged beyond repair.

The belts are primarily found in vacuums with rotatory brushes, as their job is to turn the rotatory bar present in the head. The damage can cause overheating of the belt, which gives out an awful smell. No worries, you can replace the belt as these are repairable with the new belt, and you are good to go.

The motor is fine, and the belt looks good, but still, you can't stop wondering, why does my vacuum smell burnt? Well, there is one other thing that you can check. That is the filter screens. The vacuum needs steady airflow to keep It from overheating. But if the filters are clogged with grime and dust blocking the airflow, they can overheat and smell burnt.

However, this can be fixed by cleaning the filters regularly. For that, Check the vacuum manually to determine if the filters are washable. If yes, clean them with cold water and let them dry for at least 24 hours. However, if they are not washable, you may need to replace the filters.

Sometimes, it is not the internal parts, but the problem is external. If you are sure everything is fine but still can’t figure out the burning smell. Then you should check the socket in which you have plugged the vacuum. There could be an issue of heavy or light circuits.

Moreover, you also need to check the cord of the vacuum. If it's too hot, then it means it is melting from the inside. Immediately switch off the vacuum.

For socket issues, you can try plugging in a different socket; otherwise, you might need the help of an electrician.

While the above reasons might be the most common ones, there are some other factors that you should consider when you are on the hunt to find out why does my vacuum smells bad.

Well, if you have a completely brand-new vacuum, it is common to have a bit of smell. But it should go away after some use. Besides, this smell shouldn't be bad or feel like something is burning. However, if it feels awful, you need to check your vacuum.

If the rotatory brush is blocked with hairs, furs, and threads, this can be a reason for the awful smell. When it is not cleaned, the friction of the hair causes overheating, which in turn emits a burning smell.

After every use, clean the brush thoroughly for better performance.

You’ve done everything you could, and if still, you haven’t been able to answer this question, "Why does my vacuum smell burnt? Then it is high time you replace your old device with the new one. Ganiza vacuum is, in short, the vacuum of your dreams. With easy-to-use features, a strong build, and numerous features, your cleaning will be a breeze. 

To prevent your vacuum from smelling bad, ensure you clean the device regularly. Make sure to clean the filters and dust bags after every use. And opt for thorough cleaning once in a while, taking care of all the parts. Most people ignore these steps, which results in your vacuum smelling awful.

Another vital point to consider is replacing the vacuum accessories after some time. Accessories like filter screens or bags should be replaced as mold can accumulate in them after some time. Which in turn gives a horrible stench.

If you are a DIY kind of person, then you can go for a household item like baking soda. Baking Soda is said to absorb all sorts of smells. You can make a diluted baking soda solution and clean your vacuum with it occasionally. You can also sprinkle some in your dust bag to avoid the smell.

Scented oils are another great way of preventing your vacuum from smelling bad. You can add some drops of essential oil to the dust bag or filters. After that, you can start vacuuming normally, and the fragrance will spread out, giving your home a nice feel.

This hack is especially for those who have pets roaming in their house. You can use spices like cinnamon to block out awful odors. Cinnamon can eliminate all odors, even the awful odor of pet hairs.

A vacuum-smelling burn or bad should never be ignored as it can cause some serious damage to you or your loved ones. Although most causes are easy to resolve, this should be done in a timely manner. Hope the above information helped you to find out the reason why my vacuum smells burnt.