LG washing machine smells like rubber

LG washing machine smells like rubber Most users are not surprised by the rubber smell from their LG washing machine. Many people are accustomed to the fact that for the first time after purchase, new equipment is “pleased” with odorous fumes from factory lubricants and worn-out rubber seals. Low-quality plastic often adds “aroma”. But sometimes a “rubber” smell signals a breakdown. It is dangerous to delay repairs - it is necessary to quickly carry out a comprehensive diagnosis of the machine and fix the problem.

Where does the stink come from?

Newly purchased household appliances often smell like rubber and plastic, including LG washing machines. Typically this is normal. When the machine is first started, the rubber components are actively worn in, which is accompanied by a burning smell, squeaking and humming. This grinding-in process lasts 2-3 cycles, after which the washer “gets used to it” and stops emitting odorous fumes.

Make sure there are no problems with the electrical wiring: power cord, wires or socket!

The main thing is to distinguish the smell of lapping from burning. Often it is not rubber elements that smell, but damaged wiring: burnt insulation, a heated cord or socket. This option is more dangerous - you must immediately turn off the power to the machine and carefully inspect the electrical communications. The washing machine emits a “plastic odor” even when the equipment breaks down in other ways. Thus, the cause of an unpleasant odor is often the drive, tank, cuff, motor, low-quality spare parts and detergent. where does the smell come from

Washing tank. The container is made of polymers that, when heated, release plasticizers and chemical additives. Over time, the smell stops.
Drive belt.If the rubber band is not tensioned correctly, then when the pulley rotates, it will heat up and begin to emit an odor. Here you need to intervene: adjust the position of the “rim” or replace it.
Cuff. The rubber polymer seal smells when heated. This is absolutely normal and goes away by the third to fifth wash.
Low quality spare parts. Cheap plastic inevitably releases chemical fumes at high temperatures. The worse the materials from which the washing machine is made, the stronger the smell of burnt rubber.
Detergent. Often the cause of an unpleasant odor lies in low-quality powder. It is worth replacing the cleaner for several cycles and checking.
Motor. At first, the electric brushes on the engine smell - their carbon tips rub against the engine body. An “orange” also appears when the tank leaks and water gets on the hot components of a running electric motor.

It is necessary to understand why the washing machine smells of smoke or burnt plastic. The instructions on what to do are simple: first rule out problems with the wiring, and then consistently check all possible causes of the smell. A detailed action plan follows.

Preliminary actions

If your new LG washing machine starts to smell, then there is no need to rush to disassemble it. Firstly, do not forget about the grinding in of rubber elements and chemical fumes. Most likely, after 2-3 washes, all the vapors will disappear on their own. Secondly, we remember about the guarantee - within 6-12 months after purchase you cannot open the case without a specialist, otherwise you will lose the right to free service of the machine.

The best solution is to wait. The main thing is to make sure that everything is in order with electrical communications and the machine is not in danger of leaking current.If the wiring is intact, then over time the unpleasant smell will disappear on its own. There are no exact dates: it all depends on the quality of the materials used. Generally it takes about 5-10 days.

New household appliances may smell like burnt plastic for 5-10 days - this is normal!

It’s another matter if not only the washing machine smells, but also the things washed in it. Then the problem is a thick layer of factory lubricant that was not washed out during technical startup. You will have to thoroughly clean the machine using professional chemicals, citric acid or vinegar. just wait until the smell goes away

If waiting and cleaning doesn't get rid of the smell, then the problem is a breakdown. For initial diagnosis it is necessary:

unscrew the top and technical cover of the washing machine body;
run the last running program (or high temperature mode);
de-energize equipment;
touch the drive belt, the sunroof cuff and the power cord, assessing the degree of their heating.

If you notice excessive heating of the element, you can “sound the alarm” and check for the detected breakdown. We will look at how to diagnose a drive, engine or cuff in step-by-step instructions.

Did something happen to the motor?

Often the cause of an unpleasant odor is the engine. Sometimes the problem is water leaking onto the motor from the washing tank, but more often the electric brushes are to blame. The carbon tips of the latter constantly rub against the engine body and spark. If new “emers” smooth out over time, then worn ones need to be replaced.

The instructions for replacing brushes are simple:

de-energize the machine;
remove the back panel;
remove the drive belt from the drum pulley;
look under the tank and see the electric motor;
disconnect all wires from the engine;
unscrew the screws securing the motor;
Having rocked, remove the engine from the seat;
find plastic cases on the sides of the motor for electric brushes;
loosen the bolts holding the cases;
unhook the brushes from the body;
secure new cases.

You cannot change brushes individually - only in pairs. It is important to choose the right replacement based on the LG model serial number. To avoid mistakes, it is recommended to bring dismantled rods to the store and use them to find an analogue. If everything is fine with the brushes, then you should check the entire engine. We inspect its body for damage, and then connect it to a multimeter and test the winding. The latter often shorts out, overheats and begins to smell burnt.

The main “suspect” is the belt

A burning smell also appears from the drive belt. Incorrect installation of the washer and dropped bearings displace the pulley, causing the rubber band to rub against the tank. The situation worsens during the spin cycle - the machine may start smoking. To change the belt you need:

de-energize equipment;
remove the “backdrop”;
remove the rubber band from the pulley;
Throw a new belt onto the shaft, and then onto the pulley.

It is important to immediately eliminate the cause of a lopsided belt: change the bearings and align the machine body. Otherwise the situation will repeat itself again.