A burning smell from an LG DLEX6500 needs a decision before any fix. LG's manual says that when the dryer is first installed you should run a damp cloth or old towel through a cycle to burn off residual manufacturing oil, and that slight smoke or a burning smell will disappear after the first use. A rubber smell fades after several cycles. Any other chemical or burning smell, or smoke, means unplug the dryer immediately and contact LG. The likeliest real cause is lint on a hot surface or a blocked vent.
Differential
Likely causes of “LG electric or gas dryer smells hot, scorched or like burning”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Manufacturing oil or new rubber on a new dryer
What separates it A faint smell during the first cycles that fades by itself
How to confirm Note how many cycles have run; LG says it disappears after the first use or several cycles
- 2
Lint on a hot part or a restricted vent
What separates it A hot dusty or scorched smell, with long drying times or a Flow Sense light
How to confirm Clean the lint filter and duct, and check the outside hood for lint
- 3
Rubber, plastic or fiberglass items in the drum
What separates it A melting or chemical smell after drying such items
How to confirm LG says not to dry items made from or containing rubber or plastics, or fiberglass articles
- 4
A failed electrical or drive part
What separates it A sharp electrical or hot-metal smell, with or without a noise
How to confirm Unplug the dryer and call service; do not run it again
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether the dryer is new and how many cycles have run
- What was in the load and whether the smell came with a sound, smoke or a message
- Whether the Flow Sense light or a duct blockage message is showing
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedStop the dryer and unplug it
ReversibleTurn it off and pull the plug by gripping the plug, not the cord. If there is smoke, do not open the door; leave and call for help.
Decide whether it is new
ReversibleFor a dryer on its first cycles, LG says a slight smoke or burning smell from manufacturing oil disappears after the first use, and a rubber smell fades after several cycles.
Clean the lint filter and its slot
ReversibleLift the filter, roll off the lint, then vacuum the slot with a crevice tool. LG says clogged or dirty filters can cause odors, and to let a washed filter dry completely.
Check the vent and duct
ReversibleLook at the outside hood and the duct behind the dryer. LG says to check the ductwork for lint once a month and clean it at least once a year, and that a restricted exhaust can start a fire.
Check what was in the load
ReversibleRemove anything made from or containing rubber or plastic. LG lists aprons, bibs, chair covers, curtains, tablecloths and bath mats among items not to be dried.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Safety text from the manual
- Unplug the appliance at once for a strange sound, a chemical or burning smell or smoke; never unplug by pulling the cord; do not use a cord with cracks or abrasion; keep the area around the dryer free of combustible material; never dry rubber or plastic items.
- Parts for this problem on the DLEX6500 (RepairClinic, 2026-09-21)
- lint filter cover *manufacture has modified the , part number MCK49049101, at $45.94.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models DLEX5500, DLEX4000, DLGX6501, DLHC5502, DLHC1455, WKEX200H, DLEX4500, DLGX4001.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If there is smoke, flame or a strong chemical smell, unplug the dryer and call LG, and call the fire service if there is fire
- !If a gas dryer smells of gas, leave the house and call the gas utility
- !If a scorched smell continues after a clean filter and duct, call LG service
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
LG's online owner's manual for this model.
LG USA support page listing this model's manuals and warranty.
Parts and list prices as shown on RepairClinic's parts search for this model number on 2026-09-21.
Exact questions
Common questions
Is a burning smell normal on a new LG dryer?+
LG says that when first installed you may notice slight smoke or a burning smell from manufacturing oil, and it disappears after the first use. It suggests running a damp cloth or old towel through a cycle.
What if I smell burning on an older dryer?+
LG says if you detect a strange sound, a chemical or burning smell or smoke, unplug the appliance immediately and contact an LG customer information center.
Can lint cause a fire?+
LG warns that a severely restricted exhaust is dangerous and could result in a fire, and that lint must be cleaned from the filter and ductwork.
Why does my dryer smell musty?+
LG says clothes left in the dryer after the cycle can cause odors, and so can a dirty lint filter. Unload promptly and keep the filter clean and dry.
What should I not dry?+
Items made from or containing rubber or plastics, such as aprons, bibs, chair covers, curtains, tablecloths and bath mats, and fiberglass articles.
Should I use the dryer after a scorched smell?+
Not until the lint filter, duct and load are checked. If the smell returns, have LG service inspect it.
What about a gas model that smells of gas?+
Leave the house at once and call the gas utility from outside. Do not turn on lights or use a phone inside.