When your washing machine stops working properly, it's easy to panic and immediately call for repairs. However, many common issues have simple causes that you can diagnose and often fix yourself, saving the cost of a service call and getting your laundry back on track faster. This guide walks you through troubleshooting the most frequent washing machine problems.
Machine Won't Start
If your washing machine doesn't respond when you press start, work through these checks systematically:
Power Supply
First, verify the machine is receiving power. Check that the power cord is securely plugged in and the outlet is working by testing it with another device. Check your home's circuit breaker or fuse box to ensure the circuit hasn't tripped. Some machines have a reset button, usually on the plug or the machine itself.
Door/Lid Issues
Washing machines won't start if the door (front loader) or lid (top loader) isn't properly closed and locked. Check that clothing isn't obstructing the door seal and that the door is clicking shut firmly. Try opening and reclosing it several times. If the lock mechanism is faulty, the machine may not detect that the door is closed.
Control Panel Lock
Many machines have a child lock or control lock feature. If activated, the controls won't respond. Check your manual for how to deactivate the lock, usually by pressing and holding a specific button or combination.
Reset Your Machine
For many electronic issues, a simple reset can help. Unplug the machine for 1-2 minutes, then plug it back in. This clears any temporary glitches in the control board and often resolves unexplained problems.
Machine Won't Fill with Water
If the cycle starts but no water enters the drum, the issue is usually with the water supply:
Check the Taps
Ensure the water supply taps are fully open. It sounds obvious, but taps can be accidentally turned off or not opened fully after maintenance work. Check both hot and cold taps if your machine uses both.
Inspect Inlet Hoses
Kinks in the inlet hoses can restrict water flow. Straighten any kinks and ensure hoses aren't crushed behind the machine. Also check for leaks at the tap connections or the machine connections.
Clean Inlet Filters
Most machines have small mesh filters where the inlet hoses connect. These can become clogged with sediment, especially in areas with hard water. Turn off the taps, disconnect the hoses, and clean the filters with an old toothbrush. Also check any filters inside the tap fittings.
Water Pressure
Low water pressure can prevent proper filling. Check if other taps in your home have normal pressure. If pressure is low throughout, contact your water utility. Some machines won't function properly below minimum pressure requirements.
Machine Won't Drain
Water remaining in the drum after a cycle indicates a drainage problem:
Check the Drain Hose
Inspect the drain hose for kinks, blockages, or improper positioning. The hose should have a high loop before entering the drain to prevent siphoning, but shouldn't be inserted too deeply into the standpipe (maximum 15cm).
Clean the Pump Filter
Most washing machines have an accessible drain pump filter that catches debris before it enters the pump. This filter can become clogged with lint, coins, hair clips, and other items. Locate the filter (usually behind a small door at the bottom front), place towels and a container to catch water, then remove and clean the filter.
Be Prepared for Water
When opening the drain filter on a machine that hasn't drained, expect significant water to flow out. Have plenty of towels and a shallow container ready. Some machines have an emergency drain hose near the filter for controlled drainage.
Check for Blockages
Items like socks, tissues, or small toys can block the drain pump or impeller. After emptying the filter, shine a torch into the filter housing and check for obstructions. Never reach into the pump area, as the impeller blades can be sharp.
Excessive Vibration or Noise
Unusual movement or sounds during operation often have straightforward causes:
Unlevel Machine
The most common cause of vibration is an unlevel machine. Use a spirit level on top of the drum and adjust the feet until level. All four feet should make solid contact with the floor. Lock the feet in place with the locking nuts if your machine has them.
Unbalanced Load
An unbalanced load, especially during spin, causes banging and excessive movement. Pause the cycle, open the door, and redistribute the clothes evenly around the drum. Avoid washing single heavy items; add a few towels to balance heavy loads.
Foreign Objects
Coins, buttons, or underwire from bras can become lodged between the drum and the outer tub, causing grinding or scraping sounds. Check pockets before washing and use laundry bags for items with loose parts.
Transit Bolts
If you've recently installed a new front loader and it vibrates excessively, check that all transit bolts have been removed. These bolts secure the drum during shipping and must be removed before use. Running the machine with transit bolts installed can cause serious damage.
Bad Odours
Musty or unpleasant smells, particularly in front loaders, are usually caused by mould and bacteria growth:
Clean the Door Seal
Pull back the rubber door seal folds and wipe away any visible mould or residue with a cloth dampened with diluted bleach or white vinegar. Make this part of your regular cleaning routine.
Run a Cleaning Cycle
Run an empty hot wash cycle with a washing machine cleaner, two cups of white vinegar, or half a cup of bicarbonate of soda. This helps eliminate odour-causing residue from the drum and pipes.
Leave the Door Open
After each wash, leave the door slightly ajar to allow air circulation and prevent moisture buildup. Also leave the detergent drawer open to dry.
Clothes Not Clean
If clothes aren't coming out as clean as expected:
Detergent Issues
Using too little detergent results in poor cleaning. Using too much leaves residue and can prevent proper rinsing. Follow dosing guidelines and adjust for load size and soil level. Ensure you're using HE detergent for high-efficiency machines.
Overloading
An overloaded drum doesn't allow clothes to move freely, reducing cleaning effectiveness. Leave space at the top of the drum for proper agitation.
Wrong Cycle
Ensure you're selecting appropriate cycles for your laundry. Delicate cycles won't effectively clean heavily soiled work clothes, while heavy-duty cycles may be overkill for lightly worn items.
When to Call a Professional
While many issues can be resolved at home, some problems require professional attention:
- Burning smells or smoke
- Electrical issues such as sparking or tripping breakers
- Significant water leaks that aren't from obvious sources
- Error codes that don't clear after basic troubleshooting
- Grinding noises from the motor or drum bearings
- Control panel malfunctions
Key Takeaway
Many washing machine problems have simple solutions: power and door issues prevent starting, blocked filters cause drainage problems, unlevel installation leads to vibration, and poor maintenance causes odours. Before calling for repairs, work through basic troubleshooting steps. You'll often solve the problem yourself, and if you do need a technician, you'll be able to describe the issue more accurately.