I was washing a queen-sized comforter and smelled a burning ''rubber''smell from the washer. Water was on the floor. I unplugged the washer with a soapy comforter inside. did I burn up the washer? Julia

hi Alyson.
this is what i found on the internet.
WHAT'S CAUSING A BURNING SMELL IN YOUR WASHING MACHINE? If you notice a burning smell in your washing machine, the cause could be any number of things. Regardless, this is one smell you shouldn't ignore. It's important to quickly diagnose the problem and find the solution.
The Burning Belt Smell Many top loaders are direct drive. This means they do not use a belt. The motor is directly connected to the transmission.
In Whirlpool and Kenmore models there is a rubber coupler between the motor and transmission that takes much abuse. It's very common for the fingers or the rubber itself on the coupler to break. A clicking noise with no spin or agitation along with a slight rubber smell are symptoms of this problem.?DIY repair is possible. Older models may also have belts that can be tighted or replaced
The new Whirlpool or Maytag washer can often be fixed without calling for repair.
To work on a top load HE washer pull the empty unit away from the wall. Drape a small rug or towel over the control to minimize damage to the wall and the panel. Lean the unit against the wall and the bottom will be clearly visible. Lie on the floor and note if there are rubber pieces or shavings under the washer. The belt may be rubbing against a plastic guard attached to the motor. The solution is actually quite simple: If the belt is shredded or worn you need to replace it. You can call a repair person or, if your washer is under warranty, the manufacturer. Or, if you or someone you know is handy, you can do it yourself!
Electrical Problems If your washer smells. The first thing to do if you notice an electrical smell in your washing machine and not a rubber burning smell, is to unplug the machine and call the manufacturer or a repair person.
An electrical burning smell may also be caused by a water leak coming into contact with electrical wiring. Both are major concerns and should be addressed immediately. A water leak can cause structural damage in your home and can short out the electrical wiring in your washer and cause additional damage to the machine.

Other Causes

Another more likely cause of a burning smell in your washer is overloading. Adding too many clothes to your washing machine can stress the motor or transmission, causing them to overheat or malfunction and emit a burning smell. For top load washers, overloading can cause the agitator to freeze or malfunction, stressing the drive belt and causing friction, which could emit a burning rubber smell.
To prevent overloading, know the size of your washer. They are measured in cubic feet. In addition, know how many towels, pants, shirts, and other items you can safely load. When it doubt, do smaller loads. Not only will this prevent overstressing the machine, it will also ensure clothes are thoroughly cleaned and rinsed.
or go to this link might help you to find out more.

washing machine has smell of melted rubber and found black bits on the...

Does the drum turn, if not then the drum bearings may have siezed.

tub will not spin, smells like it is burning

It may be the motor, transmission, or both. If these are shot on your washing machine, the result may be an electrical burning smell. Both are necessary to run your washing machine and can be costly to repair. The first thing to do if you notice an "electrical" smell in your washing machine and not a "rubber" burning smell, is to unplug the machine and call the manufacturer or a repairperson.

An electrical burning smell may also be caused by a water leak coming into contact with electrical wiring. Both are major concerns and should be addressed immediately. A water leak can cause structural damage in your home and can short out the electrical wiring in your washer and cause additional damage to the machine.

Another more likely cause of a burning smell in your washer is overloading. Adding too many clothes to your washing machine can stress the motor or transmission, causing them to overheat or malfunction and emit a burning smell. If the washing machine is old (15 - 20 years) you could have nuisance tripping on aGFCI outlet, however that doesn't mean you get rid of the protection of the outlet, it means you probably should consider replacing the washing machine for a newer model.

If you notice a burningsmell in your washing machine, the cause could be any number of things. Regardless, this is one smell you shouldn't ignore. It's important to quickly diagnose the problem and find the solution.
The "Burning Belt" Smell

Older, top-loading washing machines use a belt drive to transport energy from the motor to the transmission and pump. The belt can prevent costly repairs to the motor or transmission by slipping, stretching, or breaking if there is a malfunction in the machine. If the belt slips, stretches, or breaks, it can cause friction and a burning smell, most likely a burning "rubber" smell.

The solution is actually quite simple: you need to replace the drive belt on your washing machine. You can call a repairperson or, if your washer is under warranty, the manufacturer. If you or someone you know is handy, you can replace the belt yourself. The belt is located either from the back access panel or from the underside of the washer.

Most new washing machine models are "direct drive." This means they do not use a belt. The motor is directly connected to the transmission. If you have a direct drive machine and your washer smells like it is burning, read on.
Electrical Problems

If your washer smells and you have a direct drive machine, it may be the motor, transmission, or both. If these are shot on your washing machine, the result may be an electrical burning smell. Both are necessary to run your washing machine and can be costly to repair. The first thing to do if you notice an "electrical" smell in your washing machine and not a "rubber" burning smell, is to unplug the machine and call the manufacturer or a repairperson.

An electrical burning smell may also be caused by a water leak coming into contact with electrical wiring. Both are major concerns and should be addressed immediately. A water leak can cause structural damage in your home and can short out the electrical wiring in your washer and cause additional damage to the machine.
Other Causes

Another more likely cause of a burning smell in your washer is overloading. Adding too many clothes to your washing machine can stress the motor or transmission, causing them to overheat or malfunction and emit a burning smell. For top load washers, overloading can cause the agitator to freeze or malfunction, stressing the drive belt and causing friction, which could emit a burning rubber smell.

To prevent overloading, know the size of your washer. They are measured in cubic feet. In addition, know how many towels, pants, shirts, and other items you can safely load. When it doubt, do smaller loads. Not only will this prevent overstressing the machine, it will also ensure clothes are thoroughly cleaned and rinsed.

Not sure what you are saying.. if washer is off balance, it will shut off, check legs are secure to floor and unit is leveled. If washer lid isnt sealed or lid switch is bad it can shut off at spin or start cycle. Depends on unit model. The smell can be a burning belt from a heavy wet comforter or you have mildew from water not properly drained from unit.

The machine is leaking water from the bottom, I think the leak is in the area near where the motor is mounted. Before we noticed the water comes from underneath the washer, we smelled like burning rubber.

Al Bana

Hi Karen,
It is not normal to smell a burning smell after a new coupler install. If the pump is not held on the motor with two clamps then it will raise off of the motor and strip the pump. This would cause the burning smell and also cause you to need a new pump. Before you use it again install the second pump clamp. If you cant find it let me know and we can ship you one over. Contact us anytime m-f 9-5. (865)945-3808
Anderson Appliance Parts and Service
Michael Anderson (Owner)

hi. thanks for the question .the clicking sound is something caught, in water pump. the rubber smell is the belt . pull washer away from the wall. small door at the back left corner ,remove pump on the floor. remove 3 3/8 bolts remove. replace . belt underneath washer . replace thanks the appliance doc please rate me