I recently purchased a new Maytag gas dryer (model MGD7230HW), and I've been dealing with an overwhelming burning smell since I first used it. I know that new appliances can have a bit of odor as they burn off manufacturing residue, but this seems excessive. I've run it empty on the highest settings three times for two hours each, with the house ventilated and an overhead fan on. Even after all that, my home still smells strongly of smoke. The odor seems to have seeped into the walls and floors, especially in the hallway, which is concerning. I'm worried that maybe the venting duct became disconnected when I was cleaning it, and now exhaust is leaking into my living space. I'm really disappointed as this was a significant investment and I honestly don't know what to do next. Does anyone have any advice?
3 Answers
It sounds like you've done your part to ventilate the space. I’d recommend checking the dryer’s venting first to ensure everything is properly connected. If that’s good, make sure you’re using the right gas orifice for your setup—some models can be adjusted for compatibility with natural gas vs. propane. Sometimes, issues like these stem from those little details. Hang in there!
That burning smell isn't normal! It's a good idea to check if you've removed all the factory plastic wrap or tape that might be present on the dryer. I suggest reaching out to Maytag support to discuss the smell; they can offer specific troubleshooting based on your model. Just be sure to give it a thorough check!
Definitely check around the edges and inside the door area; sometimes they hide it well.
I’ve never had any burning smell with my new gas dryer, so that does seem unusual. Take care to delve into the exhaust system and make sure there’s no blockage or disconnection—it would be a good idea to double-check everything before using it again.

I didn't know I was supposed to check for that! Any specific areas I should inspect?