A cover or pile of laundry can obstruct openings or retain heat around the appliance. The dryer needs its specified clearances during operation, not just when it is being cleaned.
Understanding this situation
Soft coverings should not be used to muffle a new noise or hide an appliance in a shared room. They also make it harder to notice changes or reach controls promptly.
A useful next step
Keep the surrounding area as the manual requires. Stop use if overheating, burning or unusual operation occurs. Removing a cover afterwards does not establish that any damage has been resolved, so report the event before reuse where safety is uncertain.
Manuals and supporting guidance
Model-specific instructions take priority. These references support the practical principles discussed here; they do not diagnose your appliance.