Gas Dryer has developed 'burnt' smell

Hopefully someone can help. All of a sudden, my Maytag gas dryer has developed a 'burnt' smell that it leaves on all the clother. It is actuallt fairly strong. I have wiped clean the entire inside, took off the face and vacumed out all the lint, replaced the duct hose, replaced the vent 'port' to the outside, and still there is a smell.
There is a 'grate' in the back of the interior drum that appers slightly scorched on some of the metal. I have throughly cleaned this, as best I could, even with a fine wire brush to knok off any loose 'scorch'.
When I place a sheet of fabric softener in with a load of clothed, the smell is barely noticeable. But do to allergies of some family members, this is not always an option.
What could be causing this?
What else can I do to cure this?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

HI, and thanks, found the answer to my own question. A can of oil-based stain was in the same room as the dryer. It has some run-off of the sides of the can.
Thaks to everyone