What Causes a Vacuum to Smell Like It’s Burning?

A vacuum cleaner smells like it’s burning when there is an accumulation of dust inside. The heat from the motor and the suction power of a vacuum cleaner might cause some of these particles to ignite. 

This also is caused by the friction and heat generated when a fan draws the air through the vacuum cleaner and draws in particles that have been released into the air.

Actually, there are several reasons that are responsible for smelling like it’s burning a vacuum cleaner as it deals with a lot of dust and debris.

However, we will be going through all the possible causes below that are responsible behind burning like scent of a vacuum cleaner while it is running.

5 Common Causes That Make a Vacuum Smell Like Burning

Vacuum cleaners can cause different types of smells, and burning is just one of them. Here are the five possible causes that influence a vacuum cleaner create burning like smell:

The Belt is Slipping or Worn Out

The most common cause of smelling a vacuum like it’s burning is when the belt has been worn out or lost its lubricant.

There something can be wrong with the vacuum’s belt or drive system if it starts making strange noises when it moves around on your flooring surface.

If you have an older vacuum that has been using for a long time and smells like burning while running then it is the first cause that can be happen that the driver belt is worn out or slipping in its slot. And due to the friction, it can smell like its burning.

Clogged by Debris

Since vacuums are so powerful, they suck up any dirt and debris from a surface. This can be also a reason that is responsible for clogging up a vacuum that eventually causes to smell like it’s burning when you keep running it for more than ten minutes straight.

It is common for air to become clogged by debris, which creates a vacuum that smells like it is burning. It might be difficult to detect the source of the smell until it becomes too strong and toxic.

So, you should stop during cleaning time and let the air circulate for a few minutes before continuing with cleaning activities.

Roller Blade Issues

A roller blade issue is also a common cause in case of a vacuum smelling like it is burning. The causes of this issue vary depending on the conditions and usage of the roller blade.

A vacuum roller blade is a hollow piece of rubber or plastic with an impeller on one end and rollers on the other end. As you ride it along the ground, it creates a vacuum effect which lifts you in the air.

When these rollers come into contact with dirt or gravel that has been swept from the floor, they create friction which leads to a burnt smell. However, they can also cause a smell that seems like the roller blade is burning.

Overheating the Motor

An overheating or burnt-out motor can produce burning smells from the machine, but it is more likely that these smells will come from motor bearings or wiring. If this is happening, you should give your vacuum cleaner professional help right away.

Loose Electrical Wire

Loose electrical wires can cause a vacuum to smell like it’s burning and smoke. This is because the wiring creates an electrical arc, and the arc creates gases.

The causes of accidents involving loose electrical wire are diverse, but most common are accidental contact with the live wire, tripping on it, or simply walking into it with bare feet.

When you leave a vacuum cleaner plugged in to a wall socket, what happens?

A vacuum cleaner running on the power outlet emits an unpleasant, burnt-smelling smell. This is caused by the burning of plastic and insulation which are released into the air.

The same thing happens when you leave your laptop on while vacuuming or if you put your phone in a pocket with hot pockets.

Vacuum cleaner burning rubber, electrical insulation and plastic release small particles into the air that come together over time to produce this burnt smell.

Other Things that Smell Like Vacuum Burning

There are a few other causes that cause a vacuum to smell like it’s burning. They include: hot power cord, rotary brush, or any other smokes. This is because the smell of burning can be attributed to some of these things:

Is There Any Smoke?

A fire causes smoke. But only a very small amount of it. Smoke is made up of carbon and other particles that are released from the burning substance.

The particles have the ability to disperse into the air and make the smoke smell like it is burning even when there is no flame present.

Power Cable or Wall Plug is Hot?

The power cord is plugged into a wall outlet and the vacuum cleaner is plugged in. Electricity can conduct heat, which means that it can support combustion.

It’s the same principle as when you light your hair on fire with a lighter or when you smelt metal in a fire pit.

In this case, electricity creates enough heat to cause combustion in the wires and then migrate to the electrical plug’s metal contacts. And thus, a power cable becomes hot and can smell like it is burning.

Hair Tangled with the Rotary Brush?

The rotary brush creates heat as it spins around and this heat damages the insulation on the vacuum cleaner causing it to smell like something is burning.

Tips to Prevent a Vacuum from Smelling like it’s Burning

Vacuum cleaners are among the most commonly used cleaning tools. When they are used correctly, they can make cleaning a little faster and easier.

Here are some basic maintenance tips that help you make the best use of of a vacuum cleaner:

–Keep your filter clean to avoid dust and dirt from clogging the vacuum cleaner’s intake.

-Clean the dryer filter weekly to maintain its aerodynamic properties.

-Empty the dust suction cup after each time you use the vacuum cleaner.

-If your machine is making a strange noise, try putting some canned air into the intake opening.

-If you can’t reach the filters, take them out of their compartment in order to clean them properly.

-Do not vacuum carpets from both sides.

-Always use the original attachments that came with your vacuum cleaner.

-Use a microfiber cloth to clean the brush roll of your vacuum cleaner.

Final Words

A vacuum smell like it’s burning when the air is not being properly pumped into it. This can happen when the motor is broken or when the bagless vacuum cleaner has a clogged filter.

The smell is a result of the oxidation of organic compounds, which emits an unpleasant odor.

A chemical reaction occurs when these compounds come in contact with each other and react with oxygen in the air.

This can result in various types of smells, including rubber, burning plastic, and garbage.