Was the dryer used for the first time?

A new electric heating element in an electric dryer may have an odor. The odor will be gone after the first couple of cycles.

Is the dryer located in an area where paint, stain or varnish was recently used?

Ventilate the area where the dryer is located if it has recently been painted, stained or varnished.

When odors or fumes are gone from the area, rewash and dry the load. The odor is on the load because the dryer pulls in surrounding room air to dry the load. To avoid this, do not run the dryer while painting, varnishing or refinishing near the dryer.

CLICK HERE for more information on how to clean the dryer drum.

Were damp or wet clothes left in washer or dryer?

A wet load left in the washer or dryer for a long time will begin to grow mildew, which can result in odors. Rewash and dry the load to remove the odors. Promptly remove loads from the washer at the end of the wash cycle to avoid odors.

Use the Fan Fresh option (on some washer models) to keep your clean clothes fresh and free from odors for up to ten hours. This feature circulates air in the washer after the cycle ends, allowing you to wash now and dry later.

Have you verified the condition of the power cord and outlet?

If you are noticing an "electrical" type of odor, and are using an electric dryer, verify that the power cord and outlet are in good operating condition. Over time, your power cord could get cracked, corroded, or frayed and may not be getting a good connection in the outlet. This can cause the cord to overheat and the dryer may not work correctly. Also verify that the outlet is secure and in good working condition. If you are unsure, contact a qualified electrician.