Humidifier Burning Smell – Causes and Fixes

causes of humidifier burning smell

Do you smell something burning when you turn on your humidifier? You’re not alone. Many people experience a smoky or burning smell when they use their humidifiers.

The smelling humidifier can sometimes be even weirder when it resembles burning plastic, fish, wet dog, rotten eggs, pee, vinegar, and so on.

The good news is that a musty or burning smell from your humidifier is usually not a sign of a serious problem.

In most cases, it is simply due to a dirty device that may be producing a bad smell because it stops working as it should. You can try fixing the issue by cleaning the humidifier filters.

Be patient because it’s not the whole story because there are a few other potential causes of a burning smell from your humidifier. And a simple cleanup wouldn’t work in that case.

In this article, we’ll look at all those causes in detail and how to fix them. So, keep reading to learn more.

Why does My Humidifier Smell Burn?

If you find any burning smell from your humidifier, there are a few other things that could be causing it.

Some of those potential causes include:

1-Faulty Electric Cords

The most likely culprit of the burnt smell, even after you have cleaned the device, is a faulty electric cord.

If the cord of the humidifier device is frayed or damaged, it can cause an electrical short that produces a burning smell.

To fix this, you have to replace the cord with a new one. Be sure to buy a replacement cord that is compatible with your humidifier model.

2- Wiring Problems

Another potential cause of the burning smell from your new humidifier is a wiring problem. If the wires inside the humidifier are not working correctly, it can cause a burning smell.

To fix this, you have to take the humidifier apart and check the wires. If the wires are damaged, you will need to replace them with new ones.

In case the humidifier is still new, you can contact the manufacturer and ask for a warranty replacement.

3- Overheating of the Humidifier Parts Inside

Electrical components inside the humidifier, like the blower motor, can sometimes burn up and cause a burning smell.

This problem occurs if the device is not cleaned correctly after each use. This causes a build-up of dust and dirt on the humidifier parts, especially if it has been sitting unused for a long.

To solve this, remove the humidifier and clean all of its components with a soft cloth. If some of the parts are irreparable due to damage, you may need to replace them.

how to fix humidifier burning smell problem?

What to Do if My New Humidifier Does Not Humidify the Room?

If you have just bought a new humidifier and it is not moisturizing the room as expected, there can be a few reasons for this.

1. Humidifier is too small

If the humidifier machine you bought is too small, it will not be able to add enough moisture to the room. Make sure to buy a humidifier that is the right size for the room you want to use it in.

2. Not using enough water

Sometimes the problem occurs when you are not using enough water in the humidifier or it has run out of water. In that case, use enough water and refill the humidifier when necessary.

3. Humidifier not turned on

Of course, the humidifier will not work if it is not turned on. So, make sure the humidifier is turned on and set to the desired humidity level.

4. Windows and doors are open

If the windows and doors in the room are open, the humidifier will have a harder time adding moisture to the air.

Even if it does manage to raise the humidity level, it will not stay at that level for long. So, close the windows and doors in the room to help trap the moisture.

5. Exhaust fan might be expelling the humid air out

Another possible reason why the humidifier is not working could be that the exhaust fan in your room or in the bathroom is expelling all the humid air out. In that case, turn off the exhaust fan and see if that makes a difference.

Lastly, if your device is still new (only 1-2 days), try the device for at least a week. Check the instructions manual to learn and practice how to use the humidifier before giving up on it.

Sometimes there are newer technologies, buttons, or features in the latest humidifier models that you are not aware of.

If after a week it isn’t working as expected, you can try returning it and getting a replacement or refund.

The Conclusion

There can be different causes of a humidifier burning smell. To fix them, you should first try to clean your humidifier, as this will help to prevent any smells from developing. If the smell persists, try to check for any leaks or faults in the electrical components.

If there are still problems after following these steps, then it is likely that there is something wrong with the humidifier, and it should be replaced.