If your Zanussi washing machine smells bad, you’ve come to the right place. This detailed guide explains the causes of these smells, and provides simple steps to fix them…
Table of Contents
Zanussi Washing Machine Smells Burnt — Solved
If your Zanussi washing machine smells burnt, the following are some causes to look for…
1. Zanussi Washing Machine Smells Burnt — Old Drive Belt
When your machine’s belt gets old and worn, it can start to produce a burning smell when spinning the pulley. In order to prevent the belt from snapping completely, you should replace it as soon as possible. Follow the steps below to inspect the belt in your Zanussi washing machine…
Front Loaders
Follow the steps below to inspect the drive belt in your front loader Zanussi washing machine…
Step 1. Before starting this repair, ensure that you disconnect your appliance from the outlet and shut the water taps in order to avoid leaks and electrocution.
Step 2. Go to the back of the machine, then take out the bolts holding the top panel using a Philips screwdriver. Pull the panel backwards and lift it off the cabinet.
Step 3. Use a pair of pliers to detach the water supply hoses from the ports at the back of the machine (it is advised that you keep a rag nearby to clean leaks).
Step 4. Use your screwdriver to take out the bolts holding the vibration block to the top of the drum. Lift the block off and set it aside.
Step 5. Detach the power cord’s grounding wire and wire connector at the back of the cabinet. Use needle-nosed pliers to release the power cord wire retainer from the slot on the upper support rail.
Step 6. Take out the bolts securing the support rail to the top of the rear panel. Lift the rail off carefully and set it aside.
Step 7. Using your screwdriver, take out the nuts holding the retainer to the washer’s drain hose. Slide the retainer off and set it aside.
Step 8. Loosen the nuts securing the rear panel to the cabinet. Carefully lift the panel off and place it against the cabinet (the drain hose will still be attached).
Step 9. Carefully unhook the drive belt from the motor pulley and drive pulley. Run your hand around the belt. If the grooves of the belt are worn out, you’ll need to replace it.
Step 10. Once you’ve gotten your new drive belt, loop it around the motor pulley and drive pulley (ensure that the grooved side is facing inwards).
Step 11. Rotate the drive pulley to properly align the belt. Lift the rear access panel and remount it on the cabinet. Secure the panel by applying the Philips screws.
Step 12. Place the upper support rail on the rear panel, then apply the screws to secure it. Slide the retainer onto the drain hose, then tighten the nut.
Step 13. Reconnect the power cord’s wire harness and grounding wire. Snap the power cord’s wire retainer into the support rail.
Step 14. Mount the vibration dampening block on the machine, then use your screwdriver to apply the bolts.
Step 15. Reconnect the HOT and COLD water supply hoses to their corresponding ports (in order to prevent leakage, ensure that each hose is properly attached).
Step 16. Place the top cover on the cabinet, then apply the Philips screws at the back to secure it.
Step 17. Turn the water taps back on, then plug the power cord into the outlet. Try running a wash cycle to see if your Zanussi washing machine smells burnt.
Note: Please keep in mind that some of the steps above will be a bit different depending on your washing machine’s model.
Top Loaders
Take the following steps to inspect the drive belt in your Zanussi top loader washing machine…
Step 1. Disconnect your washer’s power cord from the electrical outlet before starting this repair in order to prevent electrocution.
Step 2. Go to the front of the machine, then use a Philips screwdriver to loosen the nuts at the lower section of the front panel. Slide the panel downwards, then lift it off the cabinet.
Step 3. Use your screwdriver to take out the nuts holding the motor control board to the cabinet. Pull the board out of place.
Step 4. Reach underneath the motor’s mounting base, then unhook the belt from the motor pulley and drive pulley.
Step 5. Carefully inspect the grooved side of the belt. If the belt is stretched out, or the grooves are worn, you’ll need to replace it.
Step 6. Once you’ve replace the belt, reach underneath the motor’s mounting base and hook the belt onto the pulleys (ensure that the grooved side is facing inwards).
Step 7. Move the motor control board back into place, then apply the nuts to secure it. Snap the front panel onto the cabinet. Using your Philips screwdriver, tighten the bolts at the bottom of the panel.
Step 8. Reconnect your appliance to the electrical outlet, then try running a cycle to find out if your Zanussi washing machine smells burnt.
Note: Some of the steps in the section above will be a bit different depending on your washing machine’s model.
Dryers
The steps below show you how to inspect the belt in your Zanussi dryer…
Step 1. Go to the back of the machine and disconnect the power cord from the electrical outlet in order to prevent electrocution.
Step 2. Use a Philips screwdriver to take out the nuts holding the top cover. Lift the panel off the cabinet and set it aside.
Step 3. Remove the bolts at the top of the control panel. Pry the panel off the mounting bracket. Detach the wire harness connected to the control panel, then set the panel aside.
Step 4. Open the door of your dryer. Use your screwdriver to take out the nuts holding the lint filter housing.
Step 5. Carefully tilt the machine backwards a bit and support it (if needed, get someone to assist you). Take out the nuts at the bottom of the front panel.
Step 6. Lower your appliance back onto the floor. Take out the Philips screws at the top of the front panel.
Step 7. Lift the front panel off the cabinet, then detach the door switch wire harness. Set the front panel aside.
Step 8. Disconnect the drum light and door switch wire connectors from the main control board at the top of the drum.
Step 9. Use your screwdriver to loosen the nuts holding the control board’s support bracket to the front bulkhead. Lift the bracket off the bulkhead and support it.
Step 10. Take out the nuts securing the front bulkhead to the drum. Lift the bulkhead off the drum carefully, then place it against the cabinet.
Step 11. Reach under the drum, then push the idler pulley inwards (this releases the tension on the drive belt). Unhook the belt from the pulleys.
Step 12. Carefully slide the drive belt off the drum. Inspect the grooves of the drive belt. If the belt is stretched out, or has worn grooves, it indicates that it needs to be replaced.
Step 13. Once you’ve gotten the new drive belt, carefully loop it around the drum with the grooved side turned inwards.
Step 14. Reach underneath the drum carefully, then loop the belt around the idler and motor pulleys in a zig-zag formation.
Step 15. To ensure that the belt is properly aligned, try rotating the drum by hand. Lift the front bulkhead, then mount it on the drum. Secure the bulkhead by applying the nuts
Step 16. Lift the control board’s support bracket, then place it against the front bulkhead. Secure the bracket by applying the Philips screws.
Step 17. Reconnect the door switch wire harness and drum light wire connector to the main control board.
Step 18. Lift the front panel, then reconnect the door switch wire connector. Snap the front panel back onto the cabinet.
Step 19. Using your Philips screwdriver, apply the bolts at the top of the panel. Open the dryer’s door, then tighten the nuts on the front panel to secure the lint filter housing.
Step 20. With someone assisting you, carefully tip your washing machine backwards a bit and support it. Apply the nuts at the bottom of the front panel.
Step 21. Set your machine back onto the floor. Plug the wire harness back into the control panel.
Step 22. Snap the panel onto the front of the cabinet. Using your Philips screwdriver, apply the bolts at the top of the control panel.
Step 23. Mount the top cover on the machine, then push it forwards. Secure the top panel by applying the Philips screws at the back.
Step 24. Plug your machine into the power outlet. Try turning the appliance on to see it your Zanussi washing machine smells burnt.
2. Zanussi Washing Machine Smells Burnt — Burnt Drive Motor
If your Zanussi washing machine smells burnt, the next cause to look for is a damaged drive motor. Inspect the motor in your Zanussi washing machine by following the steps below…
Front Loaders
Take the following steps to inspect the motor assembly in your front loader Zanussi washing machine…
Step 1. In order to avoid leakage and electrocution, make sure to disconnect your appliance from the power outlet and turn the water faucets off before you start this procedure.
Step 2. Go to the rear of the cabinet, then disconnect the HOT and COLD water inlet hoses from the ports at the back (it is advised that you keep a rag nearby in case water spills).
Step 3. Using a Philips screwdriver, take out the bolts holding the top cover. Pull the panel backwards a few inches, then lift it off the cabinet.
Step 4. Take out the nut holding the vibration block to the top of the machine. Lift the block off and set it aside.
Step 5. Disconnect the power cord’s grounding wire and wire harness. Using needle-nosed pliers if needed, release the power cord’s wire retainer from the support rail on the rear panel.
Step 6. Use your screwdriver to take out the bolts holding the retainer to the drain hose. Slide the retainer off and set it aside.
Step 7. Take out the screws securing the support rail to the top of the rear access panel. Lift the rail off the machine and set it aside.
Step 8. Take out the nuts holding the rear access panel to the cabinet. Lift the panel off the machine carefully, then support it against the cabinet (please note that the drain hose will still be attached).
Step 9. Unhook the drive belt from the motor pulley and drive pulley. Detach the wire harness connected to the motor assembly.
Step 10. Using a socket wrench, take out the bolts holding the drive motor to the mounts at the bottom of the tub. Carefully lift the motor off and pull it out of the cabinet.
Step 11. Carefully inspect the drive motor for burn marks or signs of damage. If the motor is damaged in any way, replace it immediately.
Step 12. Once you’ve gotten your new washing machine motor, mount it at the bottom of the tub, then use your socket wrench to apply the bolts.
Step 13. Plug the wire connector into the new motor assembly. With the grooved side facing inwards, loop the drive belt around the drive pulley and motor pulley.
Step 14. Ensure that the belt is properly aligned by rotating the drive pulley. Lift the rear access panel carefully, then mount it on the cabinet.
Step 15. Secure the rear panel by tightening the nuts using your Philips screwdriver. Slide the retainer onto the drain hose, then apply the bolt.
Step 16. Place the support rail on the rear panel, then apply the nuts. Reconnect the power cord’s grounding wire and wire harness.
Step 17. Mount the vibration block on the drum, then secure it with the Philips screws. Place the top cover on the cabinet, then push it forwards. Secure the panel by applying the screws at the back.
Step 18. Reconnect the water supply hoses to the corresponding ports at the back of the cabinet (make sure each hose is properly attached in order to prevent leaks).
Step 19. Plug your washing machine into the electrical outlet, then turn the water taps back on. Ensure that the issue has been fixed by running a wash cycle.
Top Loaders
Inspect the drive motor in your Zanussi top loader washing machine by following the steps below…
Step 1. Ensure that your appliance is disconnected from the outlet before starting this repair in order to prevent electrocution.
Step 2. Use a Philips screwdriver to loosen the nuts at the bottom of the front panel. Pull the panel downwards, then lift it off the cabinet.
Step 3. Take out the nuts holding the motor control board to the cabinet. Pull the board out of place.
Step 4. Use your screwdriver to remove the bolts securing the motor shield to the lower side of the tub. Move the shield out of place.
Step 5. Detach the wire harness from the drive motor at the lower section of the tub. Reach underneath the mounting base, then carefully pull the drive belt off the motor pulley and idler pulley.
Step 6. Use a 5/16 inch nut-driver to loosen the bolts holding the drive motor to the mounting base. Carefully pull the motor out of place.
Step 7. Inspect the drive motor for burn marks or other signs of damage. If the motor is damaged in any way, replace it.
Step 8. Once you’ve gotten your new drive motor, install it on the mounting base, then apply the bolts using your 5/16 inch nut-driver.
Step 9. Plug the wire harness into the drive motor. Push the motor shield into place, then apply the screws to secure it to the tub.
Step 10. With the grooved side facing inwards, loop the drive belt around the motor pulley and drive pulley.
Step 11. Move the motor control board into place, then use your Philips screwdriver to apply the nuts.
Step 12. Lift the front panel and snap it onto the cabinet. Use your screwdriver to tighten the bolts at the bottom of the panel.
Step 13. Plug your appliance back into the electrical outlet. Try running a wash cycle to see if your Zanussi washing machine smells.
Dryers
The steps below show you how to inspect the drive motor in your Zanussi dryer…
Step 1. In order to prevent any chances of electrocution, make sure to disconnect your appliance from the power outlet before starting this repair.
Step 2. Go to the back of the cabinet, then use a Philips screwdriver to take out the nuts holding the top panel. Pull the panel backwards about an inch or so, then lift it off the cabinet.
Step 3. Take out the bolts at the top of the control panel. Pry the panel off the mounting bracket at the front of the machine. Detach the wire harness connected to the control panel, then set the panel aside.
Step 4. Open your dryer’s door, then use your Philips screwdriver to loosen the bolts holding the lint filter housing.
Step 5. Get someone to help you tip the machine backwards carefully and support it. Take out the bolts at the bottom of the front panel.
Step 6. Carefully lower the appliance onto its feet, then take out the screws at the top of the front panel. Lift the front panel off carefully, then detach the door switch wire harness.
Step 7. Disconnect the drum light wire connector and door switch wire connector from the main control board at the top of the drum.
Step 8. Use your screwdriver to take out the nuts securing the control board’s support bracket to the front bulkhead. Carefully move the bracket out of place and support it on the cabinet.
Step 9. Take out the nuts holding the front bulkhead. Lift the bulkhead off the drum and cabinet, then set it aside.
Step 10. Reach under the drum, then push the idler pulley inwards a bit to release the tension on the drive belt. Unhook the belt from the pulleys.
Step 11. Carefully lift the drive belt and drum out of the cabinet, then set them aside. Unplug the wire harness from the motor assembly.
Step 12. Use a pair of pliers to secure the motor shaft. Loosen the blower wheel using a 7/8 inch socket wrench.
Step 13. Pry off the retaining clips at the front and rear of the motor (use a flat-blade screwdriver if needed). Pull the motor assembly out of the cabinet.
Step 14. Carefully inspect the drive motor for burn marks or other signs of damage. If you notice any damage to the motor, you’ll need to replace it.
Step 15. Once you’ve acquired your new drive motor, install it in the cabinet, then snap the retaining clips on.
Step 16. Plug the wire harness into your new motor. Secure the motor shaft with a pair of pliers, then use your socket wrench to apply the bolt on the blower wheel.
Step 17. Lift the drum and drive belt, then carefully guide them into the cabinet. Reach underneath the drum, then hook the belt onto the motor pulley and idler pulley in a zig-zag formation.
Step 18. To ensure that the belt is properly aligned, try rotating the drum by hand. Once the belt is properly in place, lift the front bulkhead and remount it on the cabinet. Secure the bulkhead by applying the Philips screws.
Step 19. Move the control board bracket so it rests against the front bulkhead. Secure the bracket by tightening the nuts.
Step 20. Plug the drum light and door switch connectors into the board. Carefully lift the front panel. Reconnect the door switch wire harness to the panel.
Step 21. Mount the front panel onto the machine, then tighten the screws at the top using your Philips screwdriver.
Step 22. Open the dryer door, then apply the nuts on the front panel to secure the lint filter housing nuts.
Step 23. Get someone to help you support the machine as you tip it backwards. Tighten the bolts at the bottom of the front panel.
Step 24. Lower the appliance back onto the floor. Plug the user interface wire connector into the control panel.
Step 25. Snap the panel onto the mounting bracket at the front of the machine secure the panel by tightening the Philips screws at the top.
Step 26. Mount the top cover on the cabinet, then push it into place. Secure the panel by applying the bolts at the back.
Step 27. Plug your machine back into the electrical outlet. To find out if your Zanussi washing machine smells, try running a cycle.
Note: Please keep in mind that some of the steps above will be a bit different depending on the model of your washing machine.
3. Zanussi Washing Machine Smells Burnt — Burnt Motor Control Board
If your Zanussi washing machine smells burnt, the final thing to check is the motor control board. Follow the steps below to inspect this part…
Front Loaders
To inspect the motor control board in your front loader Zanussi washing machine, follow the steps below…
Step 1. Avoid any chances of leakage and electrocution by disconnecting your appliance from the power outlet and shutting the water taps before starting this repair.
Step 2. Go to the back of the machine, then use a Philips screwdriver to take out the bolts holding the top panel. Pull the panel backwards, then lift it off the cabinet.
Step 3. Using a pair of pliers if needed, disconnect the COLD and HOT water supply hoses from the ports at the back of the machine (keep a rag nearby in case water spills).
Step 4. Take out the screws holding the vibration dampener block to the top of the cabinet. Lift the block off the machine carefully, then set it aside.
Step 5. Unplug the power cord’s grounding wire and wire harness at the back of the cabinet. Release the power cord’s wire retainer from the support rail at the top of the rear panel using needle-nosed pliers.
Step 6. Loosen the bolts securing the support rail to the rear panel. Lift the rail off and set it aside.
Step 7. Take out the nut holding the retainer to the drain hose. Pull the retainer off and set it aside. Remove the nuts holding the rear access panel to the cabinet. Carefully lift the panel off the machine, then support it on the cabinet.
Step 8. Use your Philips screwdriver to take out the bolts securing the motor control board in the cabinet beside the drum. Pull the board out of place.
Step 9. Disconnect the wires connected to the board assembly (make sure to note where each plug goes).
Step 10. Inspect the board carefully for burn marks and signs of damage. If the board is damaged in any way, replace it.
Step 11. Once you are sure that the board is in good condition, plug the wire harnesses into the appropriate terminals.
Step 12. Install the board in the cabinet, then apply the Philips screws to secure it. Place the rear access panel back on the cabinet, the apply the nuts.
Step 13. Slide the retainer onto the drain hose, then tighten the bolt. Mount the support rail on the rear access panel, then secure it with the screws.
Step 14. Snap the power cord’s wire retainer into the support rail. Reconnect the power cord’s wire harness and grounding wire.
Step 15. Mount the vibration block on the machine, then use your Philips screwdriver to apply the bolts.
Step 16. Place the top cover on the cabinet, then push it forwards. Secure the panel by applying the nuts at the back.
Step 17. Reconnect the COLD and HOT water supply hoses to their corresponding ports (in order to prevent leaks, ensure that each hose is properly attached).
Step 18. Turn the water taps back on, then reconnect the power cord into the electrical outlet. To find out if your Zanussi washing machine smells burnt, try running a wash cycle.
Top Loaders
Take the following steps to inspect the motor control board in your Zanussi top loader washing machine…
Step 1. Ensure that you disconnect your washing machine from the power outlet before starting this repair, in order to prevent electrocution.
Step 2. Go to the front of the machine, then take out the bolts at the bottom of the front panel using a Philips screwdriver. Pull the panel downwards, then detach it from the cabinet.
Step 3. Use your screwdriver to take out the bolts holding the motor control board to the cabinet. Pull the board out of place.
Step 4. Disconnect the wires attached to the motor control board (ensure that you note where each plug goes).
Step 5. Carefully inspect the board for burn marks or other signs of damage. If you notice any damage to the board, you should replace it immediately.
Step 6. Once you are sure that the motor control board is in good condition, plug each wire connector back in.
Step 7. Install the board in the cabinet, then secure it by tightening the Philips screws. Snap the front panel onto the cabinet, then apply the nuts.
Step 8. Plug your washing machine into the electrical outlet. Try running a wash cycle to see if your Zanussi washing machine smells burnt.
Note: Please keep in mind that some of the steps above may be a bit different depending on the model of your washing machine.
Zanussi Washing Machine Smells Bad — Solved
If your Zanussi washing machine smells bad, the following are steps on how to fix this issue…
1. Zanussi Washing Machine Smells Bad — Cleaning Dispenser Assembly
If your Zanussi washing machine smells bad, it is most likely the result of detergent build-up in the dispenser assembly. Follow the steps below to clean the dispenser assembly…
Step 1. Prevent leakage and electrocution by disconnecting your appliance from the power outlet and turning the water taps off before starting this repair.
Step 2. Go to the back of the machine, then use pliers to disconnect the HOT and COLD water hoses from the inlet ports (it is advised that you keep a rag nearby to clean leaks).
Step 3. Use a Philips screwdriver to take out the bolts holding the top cover to the machine. Slide the panel backwards about an inch or so, then lift it off the machine. Loosen the nuts holding the vibration block to the top of the machine, then lift it off.
Step 4. Go to the front of the machine. Pull the soap tray out, then press the little button inside to release it from the housing.
Step 5. Take the soap tray to a sink, then use running water and a brush to thoroughly clean it. Set the tray aside once it is clean.
Step 6. Use your screwdriver to take out the nut holding the retainer to the drain hose at the back of the machine. Pull the retainer off the hose and set it aside.
Step 7. Disconnect the power cord’s grounding wire and connector at the back of the cabinet. Using needle-nosed pliers if needed, release the power cord’s wire retainer from the support rail on top of the rear panel.
Step 8. Take out the nuts holding the support rail to the top of the rear panel. Lift the rail off the panel and set it aside.
Step 9. Take out the screws securing the rear access panel to the cabinet. Lift the panel off the machine carefully, then lay it against the cabinet (the drain hose will still be attached).
Step 10. Note the positioning of the wires connected to the inlet valve assembly. Detach each wire harness from the inlet valve.
Step 11. Use your Philips screwdriver to take out the nuts securing the inlet valve to the dispenser assembly. Detach the valve from the dispenser and set it aside.
Step 12. Go to the front of the machine, then take out the Philips screws next to the dispenser’s opening on the control panel.
Step 13. Using pliers, squeeze the spring clamps holding the outlet hose and vent hose to the dispenser assembly. Slide the clamps out of place. Detach each hose from the dispenser.
Step 14. Carefully pull the dispenser assembly out of the cabinet. Take the housing to a sink, then thoroughly clean it using a brush and running water.
Step 15. Once the dispenser assembly is clean, reconnect the vent hose and outlet hose to the appropriate ports, then slide the spring clamps into place using pliers.
Step 16. Push the dispenser assembly into position, then apply the nuts on the control panel. Mount the inlet valve assembly on the dispenser, then tighten the screws to secure it.
Step 17. Plug each wire harness into its appropriate terminal on the inlet valve assembly. Lift the rear access panel, then carefully mount it on the cabinet. Secure the panel by applying the nuts.
Step 18. Place the support rail on the rear panel, then apply the Philips screws to secure it. Snap the power cord’s wire retainer into the slot on the support rail.
Step 19. Plug the power cord’s grounding wire and wire harness. Mount the vibration block on the machine, then secure it by applying the Philips screws.
Step 20. Slide the retainer onto the drain hose, then apply the Philips screw to secure it. Place the top panel on the washer, then push it forwards. Secure the panel by tightening the bolts at the back.
Step 21. Reconnect the COLD and HOT water inlet hoses to the appropriate ports at the back of the machine. Push the soap tray into the dispenser assembly.
Step 22. Plug your appliance into the electrical outlet, then turn the water supply on. To ensure that the issue has been fixed, try running a wash cycle.
2. Zanussi Washing Machine Smells Bad — Cleaning Drum
If your Zanussi washing machine smells bad, it could be due to mould build-up in the drum. Follow the steps below to clean the drum of your Zanussi washing machine…
Step 1. Open the door of your washer, then take out any clothes in the drum. Pour about 2 cups of white vinegar into the soap tray.
Step 2. Close the door of your machine, then turn the water and power supply on. Set the washing machine to a normal wash cycle with the highest water temperature.
Step 3. Press the Start button to begin the cycle. Once the cycle is completed, open the washer’s door, then clean the door glass and door boot seal using a towel dipped in white vinegar or chlorine bleach.
Step 4. Once you’ve cleaned the door seal, leave the washer’s door open for a few hours (this will help the machine air out).
