Why Does My Stove Smells Like Burning Plastic - Fix It In The Home (2024)

If you have noticed an unpleasant odor coming from your oven, it might be time to take some preventative measures. High heat can cause materials in the oven to release scents, which can then accumulate over time.

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A protective oil such as oregano or mint may help mask any smells that develop initially due to high heat exposure. Remember to use these oils periodically when burning candles or other small appliances in the oven.

Having proper ventilation is also important when using these types of fumes; opening up windows and doors will allow fresh air into the room while cooking occurs inside.

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Why Does My Stove Smells Like Burning Plastic?

If you’re noticing an unpleasant smell coming from your oven, it might be time to take a look at the way you’re using it. It’s important to remember that high heat can cause harmful chemicals to escape and mix with air in the surrounding area – including your kitchen.

One solution is to add some protective oil when preheating the oven or cookware in order for fumes and smells to dissipate faster. Finally, if this problem persists after following these tips, consider getting a new oven. Here are the reasons why stove smells like burning plastic:

1. Oven Smell

There are a few reasons why your oven might smell like burning plastic. Check the filters and see if they need to be replaced. Make sure that all of the vents in your oven are open and not blocked by any objects or clothes

If you notice an unusual odor coming from your oven, try using different cooking methods or substituting ingredients to see if that fixes the problem. Sometimes it can be caused by something as simple as dirtying the broiler pan.

2. Exposure To High Heat For First Time

If you’ve never used a stove that reaches high temperatures before, your first time using it might produce this smell. The plastic materials in the stove’s parts can react with the heat and release odors.

You can avoid this problem by gradually increasing the temperature of your new stove until you’re comfortable cooking at its highest setting. Keep an eye on any smells that appear while cooking- if they become intolerable, take corrective action right away.

Remember to ventilate your kitchen frequently so bad smells don’t accumulate

3. Protective Oil Burning

Burning plastic smells like cooking oil because of the chemicals used to make them. If your stove has a protective coating, it may be burning off and causing the smell.

You can fix the problem by reapplying protective oil or cleaning the burner with hot water and detergent. If this doesn’t work, you’ll need to replace your stove entirely.

Be sure to keep an eye on smoke detectors as well; they may have gone off due to the smoky smell from your kitchen stove.

4. Ignition Fault

A stove’s ignition could be faulty, causing a burnt smell to waft through your kitchen. Check the stove’s ignition fuse to make sure it’s working. If it’s not, you can try installing a new fuse to see if it’s causing the problem.

5. Mechanical Fault

If your stove is making a loud buzzing sound, the stove may have a mechanical fault. Check the stove’s fan, power cord, and gas valve for loose connections. You can also try cleaning the stove’s interior with a soft cloth, then give the fan, power cord, and gas valve a thorough cleaning. If these steps don’t work, you may need to replace your stove.

6. Insulation Fault

If your stove’s insulation has melted off, you may notice a burnt smell coming from the stove’s burner. Check the stove’s insulation for any cracks or holes. If it’s been damaged, replace it. If this is the case, your stove may also be emitting a burning smell from the faulty insulation.

7. Ventilation Fault

If you’re not venting your kitchen properly, the smell of burning plastic could be coming from your stove. Make sure that all of your kitchen vents are open and not blocked by any objects or clothes.

8. Burner Fault

If the burner on your stove is faulty, it could be releasing the smell of burning plastic. It could also be releasing smoke. Make sure that the stove is turned on and that the flame is burning properly. If this doesn’t work, you may need to replace your stove.

9. Improperly Connected Oven Thermostat

If your oven’s thermostat isn’t connected correctly, the oven’s temperature may be inconsistent. This could be caused by an improperly installed thermostat. Check the thermostat to make sure it’s not been disconnected. If the problem persists, you may need to replace your oven.

10. Improperly Connected Gas Supply

If your gas supply has been disconnected, you could have a gas leak in your kitchen. You should make sure that your gas supply has been properly connected to the kitchen gas line.

If you notice any odors coming from your kitchen stove, it’s important to identify the source of the smell. You can then use the methods outlined above to correct the problem.

11. Stove Parts Fault

If your stove’s heating elements are faulty, they could be emitting a burning smell. Make sure that all of your stove’s heating elements are installed correctly. If the problem persists, it may be time to replace your stove.

What to do if it smells like burning plastic?

If you smell something burning, there’s a good chance that it is caused by an electrical problem. To quickly diagnose the issue and prevent further damage, start by checking for fire hazards and clearing out any potential sources of sparks or flames.

If the problem seems to be with electrical wires or cables, replace them as needed and test your main circuit breaker (if applicable). Finally, if damage has been done to electronic components, repair them as necessary or replace them altogether.

Why is my stove making a weird smell?

If you’re noticing a strange smell coming from your stove, there could be several reasons. Perhaps something is stuck in the ducts and is causing the odor. Or maybe there’s something blocking the flame or heating element, which is causing gas to build up and cause an unpleasant smell.

In either case, fixing the issue will likely require some fiddling with the stove’s parts. Wired smelling is a common problem for wood-burning stoves.

Your Oven Is Not Preheated

The oven needs to be preheated in order for the heating elements to work properly. If your oven is not preheated, there may be a problem with the heating elements or with the thermostat.

The Door Was Left Open

If the door is left open, it will allow cold air into your oven which can cause it to overheat and start making strange smells.

Dirty Filter

A dirty filter will block airflow and result in an increase in baking soda levels, which can produce a bad smell from your oven.

Defective Ignition Coil

An ignition coil can fail due to corrosion or faulty wiring, which will then lead to problems with starting up your stove and a bad odor coming from it.

Damaged Wire Harness or Power Cord

A damaged wire harness or power cord can also cause problems with starting up your stove as well as poor heat distribution and an increase in baking soda levels in the oven chamber

Why does my heating system smell like burning plastic?

If you’re noticing a burning plastic smell coming from your heating system, it might be time to take action. This smell is often caused by clogged vents or filters that are not keeping the system clean and free of bacteria.

If left untreated, this can lead to a fire in your home.

Check for any obstruction

If you’re noticing an increase in smells coming from your heating system, it may be because something is obstructing the heat from reaching it.

This could be something as simple as a piece of furniture or debris blocking airflow into and out of the furnace. If this is the case, you’ll need to take some steps to clear up the obstruction and get your heating system working properly again.

Install the furnace properly

A properly installed and connected furnace will help distribute heat evenly throughout your home while also supplying power to all of its components. If you notice any irregularities with your wiring or installation, please contact a professional for assistance right away.

Turn off any nearby appliances

When furnaces are running, they tend to use a lot of energy – which can potentially drain batteries or other devices in close proximity without us realizing it. It’s important to turn off any lights or electronics whenever we aren’t using them so that our heating unit isn’t drawing unnecessary electricity from elsewhere in our home.

Clean out for debris

If there’s anything inside your furnace (or even outside) preventing air flow effectively, then this will cause increased condensation levels within your equipment, resulting in an unpleasant smell – especially during colder weather months when moisture tends to build up more easily. Clearing out all accumulated debris should help remedy this issue quickly.

Try Changing the Filters

If you feel any smell, try changing the filters. It might help you.

What happens if you smell plastic burning?

If you smell plastic burning, there may be a problem with the engine. Plastic can catch on fire when it’s heated up in the engine, and this can cause serious damage.

If you smell anything unusual while driving, please stop and check your engine immediately. If you smell plastic burning, there is a good chance that the source of the fumes is coming from a mechanical device.

This could be an air compressor, fan, or other machinery in your garage. When this type of equipment runs, it can create high levels of toxic fumes which are known to contain chemicals such as plastics and rubber.

It’s essential to check for any clogged air filters and vents in order to determine where the plastic fumes are coming from. If you identify the issue early on, it will likely prevent serious damage from occurring to your vehicle or property.

Make sure all electrical parts in the area are working properly if you’re smelling plastic burning near them. Issues with your car’s battery, lights, and radios may be caused by faulty wiring or connectors nearby. If it’s a large open space like a garage or warehouse; evacuate immediately due to potential health risks posed by exposure to harmful emissions.

Does electrical fire smell like burning plastic?

If you smell something burning, it’s not surprising to think that the source is a fire in your house. But what if you smell something similar when there’s no fire? That smells like electrical fires do – like burning plastic.

This smell comes from polymer materials such as plastics and insulation breaking down and releasing chemicals that give off this odor. Electrical fires can also produce other chemicals, such as ammonia, which can contribute to the scent of burning plastics.

If you smell something burning, there is a good chance that the electrical wiring in your home or office has caught fire. This type of fire can cause intense heat and smoke, which often smells like burning plastic. It’s important to check for any unusual smoke or flames coming out of the wires before calling an electrician.

If you find anything abnormal, get an expert to take a look right away.

Does a gas leak smell like burning plastic?

If you smell a burning plastic odor coming from your home, it’s important to check the thermostat first. If the thermostat is not the issue, then clean the heat exchanger and fan blades and fix the blocked air venting.

Check if there are any burner issues – replace filters or caps as necessary and replace burners if needed. Finally, make sure that the furnace filter or cap has been replaced in the past six months

To Recap

There are a few possible sources for the smell of burning plastic when your stove is on. A build-up of grease or food residue can cause a plastic odor, and if the burner is not properly adjusted, hot gas from the stove could be burning plastics in the oven.

If you notice this smell and it’s causing problems with your cooking or safety, contact an appliance repair professional to fix the issue.

Why Does My Stove Smells Like Burning Plastic - Fix It In The Home (2024)

FAQs

Why Does My Stove Smells Like Burning Plastic - Fix It In The Home? ›

Leftover cleaning residue can leave a strong plastic burning smell that lingers long after the cleaning took place. This odor can seep into food when the oven is heated and ruin any of the delicious meals you cook.

How do you fix burnt plastic smell? ›

“Accidentally Inhaled Burning Plastic”
  1. Ventilate the home by opening doors and windows. ...
  2. Use bowls filled with white vinegar to absorb the smell in the most affected rooms.
  3. Light candles, incense, and use deodorizers to mask the odor.
  4. Use baking soda on carpets overnight to absorb the odor and vacuum the next day.

Why does my stove smell like burning? ›

Burnt smells come from foods that have dripped on the bottom of the stove. This is the most common bad oven smell and it's easy to get rid of. Before you reach for the store-bought oven cleaner, try using your oven's self-cleaning mode.

Why does my natural gas smell like burning plastic? ›

Cause: Electrical Problem

If your furnace smells like burning plastic or burning rubber, it might have an electrical problem. This smell of burning can be created by melting plastic wire casing, which is a safety issue.

Is burning plastic smell safe? ›

It is extremely harmful to you, those around you and the environment. Very harmful toxins are released when burning plastic and can significantly increase the chances of cancer, respiratory illnesses and birth defects. It can also greatly damage internal organs and the hormonal system.

Can you fix burnt plastic? ›

Acetone or nail polish remover: Saturate the plastic residue with acetone-based nail polish remover, and allow it to work for five minutes before scraping. Baking soda: If you prefer a more natural method, mix some baking soda with a few drops of water to make a paste.

Why does my electric range smell like burning plastic? ›

When your new electric range smells like burning plastic during its first use it's likely that plastic packing material was left inside. Like the oily coating on some oven interiors, these materials are meant to protect oven components or secure them during shipping and installation.

Is it bad to smell burning when nothing is burning? ›

Smelling burned toast does not indicate anything medical. But if you're smelling something that isn't there, there may be an underlying cause. Phantosmia is a condition that causes you to smell things that aren't there. It's also called olfactory hallucination.

Why do I smell something burning but there's nothing? ›

Phantosmia is when a person smells something that is not actually there. The smells vary between individuals but are usually unpleasant, such as burnt toast, metallic, or chemical smells. Possible causes range from nasal polyps to a stroke. Phantosmia is also called a phantom smell or an olfactory hallucination.

Can a dirty air filter cause a burning smell? ›

Dirty Filter

If your air filter is clogged, these contaminants can get sucked into the blower and cause it to overheat. This can also lead to dirt and dust reaching the heat exchanger and heating up. Both of these will cause a burning smell and can be mostly avoided by changing your filter regularly.

Should I call the fire department if I smell burning plastic? ›

The smell may resemble the scent of burning plastic. If you smell a burning odor in your house, please do not ignore it and please do not waste valuable time searching for a possible cause. Immediately dial 911 and ask for the fire department to respond.

Does carbon monoxide smell like burnt plastic? ›

Carbon monoxide has no smell. It is an odorless, colorless gas that's a byproduct of combustion. Because carbon monoxide can leak from your gas furnace, stove, dryer, water heater, wood stove or gas fireplace, it is essential to put safeguards in place for immediate detection when a leak occurs.

Do you smell burning before a stroke? ›

Cognitive impairment is common during stroke and can be a lasting side effect. There is a common myth that during a stroke, the victim will perceive the smell of burning toast. The medical term for this is phantosmia; an olfactory hallucination. In other words, a phantom smell, or a smell that isn't really there.

What are the symptoms of inhaling burning plastic? ›

Symptoms
  • Drooling.
  • Eye pain.
  • Loss of vision.
  • Severe pain in the mouth and throat.
  • Severe pain or burning in the nose, eyes, ears, lips, or tongue.
  • Throat swelling (which may also cause breathing difficulty)
  • Voice changes, such as hoarseness or muffled voice.

Why can I smell burning in my house? ›

The most common reason you are encountering this smell is because the dust that has built up during the warm seasons is burning due to the heat. This smell should go away within an hour or two. If it persists after longer than that, check your air filter.

How do you remove plastic from a stove? ›

Wash down the stovetop with a wet cloth and liquid dish soap. Carefully use a razor scraper to lift the edges gently, and then scrape the plastic off with a wooden spatula for any remaining melted plastic. Use a cotton ball and nail polish remover to wipe off areas where you still feel plastic.

Is burned plastic toxic? ›

Burning plastic and treated wood also releases heavy metals and toxic chemicals, such as dioxin. Other chemicals released while burning plastic include benzo(a)pyrene (BAP) and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which have both been shown to cause cancer.

Is it safe to use an oven after burning plastic? ›

You can use the oven as soon as you've thoroughly cleaned and removed any remaining melted plastic residue.

Why does my stove smell weird? ›

When you first start the oven, it is normal to detect an unusual odor. This is caused by the combustion of gas at the burner and will go away within a minute or two. The odor of the unburned gas can be compared to the smell of rotten eggs. It is not normal to smell unburned gas in your kitchen.

Why does my gas stove smell like propane? ›

If you smell gas near an appliance , it may be just a pilot light that has gone out or a burner valve that is open slightly. If you find this problem and can fix it, the problem may be solved. If you smell gas inside: Go to a phone that is not near the smell and call your propane company right away.

What does an electrical fire smell like? ›

That being said, an electrical fire can smell like the following: Burning Plastic: The acrid odor of an electrical fire is often described as that of burning plastic. This is because wiring insulation, connectors, and many other electrical components are made of plastic materials.

Is electrical burning smell toxic? ›

Electrical Fires Not Only Smell Bad, But They're Also Toxic

This results is toxic fumes that include ketones and aldehyde gases that are harmful to inhale. Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) by-products are also emitted from electrical burning equipment that can cause cancer and other serious health issues.

What is the symptom smelling burning? ›

If you have phantosmia, the odors can vary from smells that almost make you sick to really pleasant scents. But most people with phantosmia tend to detect bad smells. The odors have been described as “burned," "foul," "rotten," "sewage," or "chemical." You may be smelling it from one or both of your nostrils.

What happens if you smell chemicals? ›

Some chemicals with strong odors may cause eye, nose, throat or lung irritation. Strong odors may cause some people to feel a burning sensation that leads to coughing, wheezing or other breathing problems. People who smell strong odors may get headaches or feel dizzy or nauseous.

How long does a burnt smell last? ›

Burnt odors have a way of clinging to fabrics, which is why you could be stuck with a bitter scent in your home for days or even weeks after something has overcooked. While you can wash curtains and blankets to eliminate the smell, it may also absorb into your carpets or rugs.

Why is my sense of smell so strong all of a sudden? ›

Hyperosmia is an overwhelming sensitivity to smells. There are many reasons behind this change in smell. Some include genetics, hormone changes, and migraines. ‌If you have hyperosmia, your taste may also be affected.

How do I know if my house air filter is dirty? ›

What Are the Symptoms of a Dirty Air Filter?
  1. Filter is a different color. ...
  2. Energy bills are higher than usual. ...
  3. Low air flow. ...
  4. Rise in physical issues. ...
  5. Headaches. ...
  6. Allergies. ...
  7. Carbon monoxide poisoning. ...
  8. Forces HVAC systems to work harder.
Oct 31, 2019

What does a bad air filter smell like? ›

A dirty air filter can make your home smell musty and stale. A weaker airflow prevents air from adequately circulating through your home, letting bad smells from cooking or other activities linger longer.

Why does my air smell like burnt rubber? ›

Some air conditioning systems are equipped with a belt-drive blower rather than a direct-drive blower. These systems have a rubber belt with them and can wear out over time and cause a burning rubber smell.

What do I do if I smell smoke but don't see fire? ›

Our advice is to call the fire department as soon as you start smelling smoke in the house. You can use the non-emergency fire department number if you're certain there's not a flame, but call them just to be safe.

What could cause a chemical smell in my house? ›

Chemical Smells

The heat exchanger is the part of your furnace that will transfer the heat from the combustion chamber. If this part becomes cracked or damaged, it can release dangerous carbon monoxide fumes into the air that can circulate through your HVAC ductwork and out into the air in your home.

What are two warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning? ›

What are the symptoms of CO poisoning? The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. CO symptoms are often described as “flu-like.” If you breathe in a lot of CO it can make you pass out or kill you.

Can you detect carbon monoxide with your phone? ›

The Carbon Monoxide Detection Systems Checklist mobile app inspects Carbon Monoxide Detection Systems using an iPad, iPhone, Android device, or a Windows desktop.

Is there a way to get smoke smell out of plastic? ›

Place the item in a plastic bag. Place an odor-absorbing substance in the bag with the item. There is a wide choice of materials that will do the trick, amongst them kitty litter, charcoal, baking soda and cedar shavings. Put the bag in a dry and cool place, and wait for a couple of days.

What to do if you burn plastic on the stove? ›

Wash down the stovetop with a wet cloth and liquid dish soap. Carefully use a razor scraper to lift the edges gently, and then scrape the plastic off with a wooden spatula for any remaining melted plastic. Use a cotton ball and nail polish remover to wipe off areas where you still feel plastic.

How do you get cooking smell out of your house fast? ›

Here are our top tips for getting rid of cooking smells in your house:
  1. Ventilate your kitchen with a range hood and open windows.
  2. Simmer odor-killing potpourri.
  3. Leave out vinegar or baking soda.
  4. Channel your inner barista with coffee grounds.
  5. Use an air purifier.
  6. Clean immediately after cooking.
Dec 8, 2022

Does Febreze get rid of burnt smell? ›

Febreze Air is ideal for emergency stink situations and comes in scents such as sea spray, jasmine & lime and fresh-baked vanilla. You can use it anywhere burnt odors are lingering in the air—or where you just need a burst of freshness!

How long does burnt smoke smell last in house? ›

Depending on your steps and diligence in combating the smoke particles, your odor removal timeline could range anywhere from two weeks to a month. But remain patient since your house fire is unique.

Does plastic smell go away? ›

Placing your plastic item outside within direct sunlight will do much to remove odor. The ultraviolet rays, fresh air, and open space will all work to neutralize the odor and lift it away. Place the item outside on a sunny day until odor is gone.

What absorbs smoke smell in house? ›

White vinegar cuts through odors naturally. Try wiping down furniture, washable walls, floors, etc. with white vinegar. Also, try placing several bowls of vinegar around the room with the smoke damage, leaving them there for several days.

How do you get rid of smoke smell without washing? ›

Without Washing:
  1. Air it Out. The first thing a smoky garment needs is some fresh air. ...
  2. Odor Eliminating Spray. If the smoke smell remains, keep the garment hanging and use an odor eliminating such as Febreze all over the front and back. ...
  3. Baking Soda. ...
  4. Vinegar Pre-Soak. ...
  5. Scent Booster. ...
  6. Vodka.
Aug 10, 2022

What happens if you inhale burnt plastic? ›

What are the risks? The exact composition of any fume produced when the material is heated for processing will therefore vary, but any plastic fume can cause severe irritation to the eyes, nose and lungs. In some cases, the effects can be long term and irreversible and include occupational asthma.

Can burnt plastic fumes harm a person? ›

Inhaling burnt plastic can be bad for your health. It can cause a number of respiratory problems, including coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, it can be life-threatening, which is why it's important to seek medical attention if you're exposed to burnt plastic fumes.

Is plastic toxic when burning? ›

The burning of plastics releases toxic gases like dioxins, furans, mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls (better known as BCPs) into the atmosphere, and poses a threat to vegetation, and human and animal health.

Does an electrical fire smell like plastic? ›

That being said, an electrical fire can smell like the following: Burning Plastic: The acrid odor of an electrical fire is often described as that of burning plastic. This is because wiring insulation, connectors, and many other electrical components are made of plastic materials.

Does carbon monoxide smell like burning plastic? ›

Carbon monoxide has no smell. It is an odorless, colorless gas that's a byproduct of combustion. Because carbon monoxide can leak from your gas furnace, stove, dryer, water heater, wood stove or gas fireplace, it is essential to put safeguards in place for immediate detection when a leak occurs.

What if my house is filled with smoke but no fire? ›

Our advice is to call the fire department as soon as you start smelling smoke in the house. You can use the non-emergency fire department number if you're certain there's not a flame, but call them just to be safe.

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