Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I earn a small commission when you click a link and make a purchase. Thanks for supporting SewingSociety.com!
Your sewing machine should not smell like a skunk or burning. This is not normal. A mild oil odor is fine, but you should investigate all other smells. Here are five reasons why your sewing machine can have a funny smell, and what to do about each one.
Your Wiring Has a Dangerous Short
A burning smell could indicate a major problem with the wiring in your sewing machine, especially if it is accompanied by smoke. If you smell burning as soon as you push your foot pedal, you might have a short in your wiring. Stop sewing immediately and take your sewing machine to a repair technician because a problem with the wiring could cause a fire or electrocute you.
Your Gears Were Recently Oiled
Sewing machine oil has a mild smell. If you recently oiled your machine, you might be smelling the oil as the gears in your sewing machine heat up. The smell will go away on its own after a few uses.
Your Belt Is Worn or Has Slipped
The belt on your sewing machine can slip and rub on other parts inside your sewing machine. This is more likely to happen if it is worn and old. If you smell burning rubber, you probably need a new belt, especially if you have never replaced it before. Burning rubber can also mimic the smell of a skunk.
Your Fabric Is Creating the Smell
Natural fabrics, like cotton and linen, do not have a smell, but some synthetic fabrics do. If you are sewing with a new type of fabric, don’t assume your sewing machine is what is creating the smell. It might be your fabric. Some synthetic fabrics can have a burning rubber or oil smell.
You Are Overworking Your Sewing Machine
Sewing too fast and running your sewing machine for long stretches of time puts stress on your motor and can cause it to overheat. Newer sewing machines have an automatic shutoff feature to prevent your motor from burning out and industrial sewing machines can handle faster sewing for longer stretches of time. If you’ve been overworking your sewing machine, and you smell burning, turn it off and give it a rest for an hour or more. The smell should go away on its own.
Did you find this article helpful?
I can help you solve other sewing machine problems, too! Get a copy of my book, Sewing Machine Problems and How to Solve Them on Amazon.
Your sewing machine is going to give you troubles again.
It’s inevitable…
My troubleshooting book walks you through how to solve the 20 most common sewing machine problems. You’ll be prepared to tackle any problem your sewing machine throws at you. That means more time sewing and less time crying.
The ebook version only costs $2.99. You’d easily pay between $75 and $150 to take your sewing machine to a repair technician. Learn how to do a lot of the sewing machine troubleshooting yourself and save money.
For more information, visit our Sewing Machine Troubleshooting Page.
Share this post on Pinterest!
I’m glad that you mentioned that a weird smell could be a sign of an issue with the wiring. I have noticed that my wife’s machine has been making a burnt rubber kind of smell lately. I should probably take it in to get repaired so it doesn’t catch on fire or anything while she is using it.
Yes, get that looked at ASAP. It could start a fire.
Thank you for this.
I have a Brother sewing machine I bought new last year but I haven’t used except to set it up, seeing how it all works, and brief attempts at practising sewing, so I’ve probably spent at most 5 or 10 mins at a time sewing, for maybe half a dozen times (I’m a new sewer).
I’ve already had to deal with fabric getting caught in the feed dogs (twice) and the needle dropping out, so I’ve taken it apart more times than I’ve actually sewn with it lol, but both issues were user error.
Anyway.. I’ve decided to have a go at making masks so I’ve been chain stitching panels together today, and I noticed a mild oil smell at the top of the machine (I noticed it when I stood up, not whilst sat at the machine) which concerned me, but after reading this I’m assuming it’s motor oil; especially as the smell is still there 30 mins after turning it off.
Thank you for the reassurance, and I’m already starting to feel more confident with it.
I have a problem with the light bulb overheating and burning and melting the plastic housing. Is this a common problem and is there a solution?
Thank you.
I’ve heard of that happening before, but I don’t think it’s common. Sounds dangerous to me.
Thank you for this.
I have a Brother sewing machine I bought new last year but I haven’t used except to set it up, seeing how it all works, and brief attempts at practising sewing