If smoke is coming from your washing machine, before trying to extinguish the fire or investigate the cause, turn off the power using the RCD or circuit breaker, and only then unplug the machine. You'll also need to shut off the water and open the windows (the smoke can be pungent).
A slight burning smell is common when the machine is new. This is normal, and the smell will disappear after a few washes. However, smoke can be dangerous and requires special attention from the owner, even if the smoke stops after turning the machine off. First, check the condition of the outlet and plug before proceeding with any further disassembly.
Almost everything that can catch fire in a washing machine is located at the rear. Due to age or poor-quality materials, various wires often crack and wear out. This is especially true for the connection points of the power filter and terminal blocks. The terminals and terminal blocks are cleaned, resoldered, or simply replaced. If the wiring shorts out, it's likely that water has come into contact with damaged insulation (for example, a leaking seal) or the wiring has become damp from time and exposure to the humid environment of the washing machine. If water comes into contact with the motor or other contacts, it causes a short circuit. You may also discover that the contact elements of the power filter or heating element have burned out. Burnt contacts on the control board are also a common symptom. Burnt contact elements should be cleaned or replaced.
If water gets on the motor or other contacts, it will cause a short circuit.
The heating element requires special attention as it is the main source of heat and potential fire. If the machine turns on the heating element without water, which rarely happens due to a malfunctioning control module, the heating element, which reaches red-hot temperatures, can easily burn the plastic tank and cause items in the drum to catch fire, posing a serious threat to life and safety. Therefore, it is not recommended to leave the washing machine unattended or to run errands while the machine is running. To prevent such consequences, it is best to regularly descale the heating element with specialized products and replace the heating element promptly. Smoke can also be caused by a foreign object coming into contact with the heating element. You can clean the heating element by running an empty wash cycle at high temperatures. If the problem persists, call a technician to clean and disassemble the machine (and possibly replace it).
Drive belt problems can be another cause of smoke. In this case, the smoke will be black, not bluish, as with wiring. A noticeable smell of burnt rubber will also be present, including from washed items. However, it's important to remember that drive belt defects are only a consequence of other failures, such as the bearing assembly: the belt tension angle shifts and the belt wears. A burnt rubber smell can also be caused by an improperly installed seal, which rubs against the drum. Alternatively, the drum may be warped from age and use, and replacement isn't currently planned, but the seal wears in, producing a characteristic odor and, rarely, smoke.
Separately, it is worth noting in this context the smoking that occurs when the crosspiece breaks - the characteristic black smoke directly from the drum and the smell of burning can be observed when the crosspiece breaks, the drum greatly changes the angle of contact with the tank and at high speeds rubs against the cuff with great force.
Additionally, the machine may smoke if the drain pump is broken. In this case, instead of shutting off, the drain pump continues to run empty and burns out.
Here we've covered the most common causes of smoke during washing. You can purchase all faulty washing machine parts and components in our store. We also have a large selection of high-quality heating elements from trusted manufacturers. If you're unsure about fixing the problem yourself, it's best to contact our experienced repair technicians with reasonable prices. You can trust us with your appliance and feel confident in the quality of the repair and the safety of your home.
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