Burning Smell From My Hoover Vacuum Cleaner

Belt Problems

• The most common cause of a burning smell from a Hoover or any other vacuum is a damaged vacuum belt. The belt runs through the vacuum continuously as the machine runs, causing the brush to turn in the vacuum. The belt may become damaged due to normal wear and tear, getting caught on the brush (if the brush is stuck or not rotating properly) or coming off track. The belt may suffer heat blistering, tearing or stretching, all of which create a sudden burning odor similar to burnt rubber. The belt must be replaced to repair the problem. Check with a Hoover retailer or call the company with your vacuum's make and model number to purchase a replacement belt. The belt may be replaced following the instructions in your owner's manual or have a Hoover repair service do the job for you.

Motor Burn-Out

• Occasionally, the motor on your Hoover may simply stop operating and burn out. This occurs for a number of reasons, but the most common are overuse of the vacuum or simply using an old vacuum with an old motor that has worn out over time. The smell produced by this problem is similar to burning wires or burnt, melted plastic. Replacement of your motor should be done by a vacuum repair specialist you trust or a Hoover care specialist. Occasionally the motor does not burn out completely, but only overheats for a few moments and simply needs to cool down.

Dusty Motor

• Your Hoover's job is to find and pick up dust around the house. Therefore the motor in your Hoover, whether old or new, may accumulate dust over time. This may also occur due to a clogged filter. The accumulation of dust is normal and generally does not cause a problem. If the dust becomes too accumulated it may cause a burning smell as the motor burns the dust off. This burning odor is not usually any cause for concern. Once the dust burns completely out of the motor chamber, the smell should go away. If the smell does not go away, contact a Hoover repair specialist to determine the next course of action for your vacuum.

Other Problems

• Sometimes your Hoover may produce a burning odor that does not match (in either odor or symptoms) any of the problems listed above. If this occurs, contact an authorized Hoover repair center. The problem may be too complicated for you to repair on your own and it may be dangerous for you to continue use of your vacuum under these circumstances. Taking the Hoover to a repair specialist allows him to give your vacuum a good "check-up" and determine the cause that and any other problems with the machine.