Washing machine burning smell: what to do now
Stop using it
If your washing machine smells of burning, stop the programme and unplug it straight away if the plug and socket look and feel normal. Otherwise switch off at the consumer unit. Don’t use it again until an engineer has checked it. AEG and Electrical Safety First both advise this. Check whether your model has been recalled.
Also covers: washing machine smoking · washing machine electrical smell · scorch marks on washing machine plug.
What to do now
- You smell burning, see smoke or scorch marks, or the appliance trips your electrics. Stop using it, and switch it off at the wall only if it is safe to reach. Otherwise switch off at the consumer unit.
- Another appliance doesn’t work in the same socket, or the plug or socket is hot, scorched or crackling. Stop and call a registered electrician.
- The manufacturer says not to use the appliance with this fault. Leave it switched off and unplugged until it has been repaired.
Switch the appliance off safely and don’t use it
- If it is safe to reach and the plug and socket look and feel normal, switch off at the wall and unplug.
- If the plug or socket is hot, scorched or crackling, or there is water around it, don’t touch it. Switch off at the consumer unit instead.
- Don’t use the appliance again until it has been checked by the manufacturer or a qualified engineer.
Don’t: Don’t keep resetting a consumer unit switch that trips again.
Check whether your model has been recalled
- Find the model and serial number on the appliance’s rating label. Your manual shows where it is.
- Search the GOV.UK product safety alerts, reports and recalls register and the manufacturer’s own recall pages for your model.
- Register your appliance with the manufacturer so they can contact you about future recalls.
Why it happens
- An electrical or motor fault inside the appliance
- An overheating plug or socket
Finding the cause means opening up the washing machine, which is a job for the manufacturer or a qualified engineer. Read our safety information.
Showing an error code?
These codes are related to this problem. Codes differ by brand, so pick yours:
- F01Hotpoint Hotpoint’s UK service page describes F01 as an electronic circuit board fault.
- F09Hotpoint Hotpoint’s UK service page describes F09 as a software fault.
Related problems
Brand guides: Hotpoint. More washing machine problems and codes, or use the fault finder.
Sources
- AEG UK: Washing machine emits a burning smell Manufacturer UK · checked 11 October 2026
- Electrical Safety First: Washing machines usage and safety Safety charity · checked 11 October 2026
- GOV.UK (OPSS): Product safety alerts, reports and recalls UK regulator · checked 11 October 2026
- Electrical Safety First: Fire prevention tips Safety charity · checked 11 October 2026
- Electrical Safety First: Tumble dryers usage and safety Safety charity · checked 11 October 2026
Last checked against these sources: .
We write every page in our own words from manufacturer guidance and check it against the sources above. If your manual says something different, follow your manual. How we check.