Why does my new washing machine smell like plastic?

Many people are not surprised that a new washing machine smells like plastic - almost all appliances “please” with a characteristic smell for some time after purchase. The point is phenols, which evaporate from a working unit in the first days of operation. But is this normal? The “plastic” smell emanating from the washing machine often indicates low quality and a breakdown. The problem is revealed by time or diagnostics, and the second option is faster and more effective.

Source of the stench

Almost all new equipment smells like plastic when turned on, and washing machines are no exception. Most often this is considered the norm. In the first days of operation, the rotation mechanisms are ground in, especially their rubber elements. Grinding in is accompanied by a slight hum and a foreign odor. Over time, the components “get used to” and the release of odorous fumes stops.

You need to make sure that it is the washer that smells, and not the outlet, power cord or extension cord!

The main thing is to immediately eliminate the burning smell. Sometimes the cause of an unpleasant “aroma” is damaged insulation, a heating extension cord, or an outlet. In this case, you cannot hesitate - you need to turn off the power to the equipment and check the electrical network. Grinding in of mechanisms and wiring are not the only causes of “smell”. The machine can also emit plastic fumes due to the drive belt, tank, cuff, engine, low-quality components and powder.

• Tank and cuff. During the first washes, plastic polymer tanks heat up, releasing plasticizers and chemical additives - this is inevitable.
• Drive belt.A loose or poorly tensioned rubber band on the drive heats up when the pulleys rotate and emits a characteristic odor. Here you should intervene: replace or fix the “rim” correctly.
• Poor quality components. Cheap plastic emits vapors when heated, and the worse the build quality, the longer the “amber” will last.
• Washing powder. Poor-quality detergent is not an obvious factor why the washing machine smells. Try changing the cleaner first.
• Engine. We are talking about unpolished electric brushes, the carbon tips of which initially rub off on the motor housing. Or about a leaking tank.

It’s better to try to find out why the washing machine smells like burning or plastic. At least exclude dangerous options with overheating wiring, leaks and drive belts. We will describe the step-by-step action plan below.

How to solve a problem?

If a “plastic” smell appears, it is not recommended to immediately disassemble the washing machine. Firstly, it’s better to wait first - most likely, there’s nothing wrong. All volatile substances will evaporate over time and the smell will disappear. Secondly, opening the case yourself may result in loss of warranty.

The best option is to wait. The main thing is to first rule out problems with the electrical network connected to the machine. Over time, the smell should disappear on its own, although no one can give an exact time frame: it all depends on the manufacturer and the quality of the build. Usually the situation stabilizes after 5-14 days.

If not only the machine smells, but also the clothes washed in it, then it is recommended to clean the washing machine with professional chemicals. It is enough to “rinse” the washing machine once with citric acid, vinegar or a special cleaner. It is important to follow the dosage given in the instructions. When waiting and cleaning did not help, you should carefully check the machine using the following steps:

• Carefully remove the top and side covers of the housing;
• turn on the washing machine at full power and wait until the smell intensifies;
• turn off the machine and feel the drive belt, cuff, wiring (if there is excessive heating).

The further sequence of what to do depends on the detected problem. Usually the issue is resolved by diagnosing the drive and motor. Step-by-step instructions are below.

The culprit is the engine

Sometimes the washing machine smells like burnt plastic because of the engine. Sometimes it’s a matter of water getting on the engine, but more often the problem is in the brushes - they are worn out or, conversely, are not used. If in the second case you have to wait, then in the first case you need to replace the “coals” with new ones. Almost everyone can cope with the task. What you need to do to replace these elements:

• disconnect the machine from communications;
• move the back panel of the case aside;
• pull the drive belt off the pulley;
• find the motor under the tank;
• release the engine from the connected wiring;
• loosen the bolts holding the motor;
• remove the engine from the car;
• find the electric brushes on the body;
• unscrew the brush fixing bolts;
• dismantle the “coals”;
• install new brushes.

An important nuance is that brushes are always replaced in pairs. Analogs are selected based on the serial number of the washing machine. Ideally, you should remove the old rods and bring them to the store. We immediately inspect and test the motor winding with a multimeter. It may be damaged, shorting out, overheating, and smelling burnt. If everything is fine with the engine, then you should check the tank.The slightest crack will allow water to pass through, which, if it gets on the motor, will lead to an “orange”.

Drive belt

Smells like burnt plastic from the back of the washing machine and from the drive belt. The reason is worn out bearings and improper installation - the pulley begins to rotate along a different path, and the rubber rubs against neighboring elements. Especially The smell is very noticeable during the spin cycle. Sometimes black smoke comes out of the washer. Changing the drive belt is simple:

• disconnect the machine from communications;
• remove the “back” of the case;
• remove the rubber from the pulleys;
• We pull the new belt first onto the engine pulley, then onto the drum belt.

It’s better to figure out why the belt is “skewed.” If the problem is in the bearings, then you will have to change them along with the oil seal. To do this, the machine is disassembled, the drum is removed from the body, the rings are knocked out, and then new ones are installed.

Other items

A sudden burning smell may indicate a burnt-out surge protector. It is necessary to remove the top cover, find the device and inspect it. Black deposits and traces of burning will indicate a problem with the power supply. The part is cleaned or changed.

Next in line is the heating element. A thick layer of scale on the heater, as well as loose contacts and other defects cause overheating and an unpleasant odor. You need to replace the element or clean it by running a high-temperature cycle with citric acid.

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