Washing machines are among the most essential appliances in our homes, whether you have a top load, front load, or compact model. These machines save us from the back-breaking work of hand-washing clothes, making our lives much more convenient.
However, like all technology, they can encounter problems. What if you’re rushing to get ready for a meeting and find your washer noisy or leaking water all over the floor?
No need to worry at all!
Our blog covers 13 common washing machine problems with their solutions to help you keep your washing machine in top condition. Whether it’s noisy, leaking, or simply your washing machine is not working as it should, we’ve got the answers you need!
If, unfortunately, your washing machine is beyond repair and you can’t afford the new, expensive one, WA White Goods has an extensive range of most affordable, first rated refurbished washing machines for you. From top load to front load, we offer a wide variety from renowned brands like Miele, Samsung, Haier, Bosch, Westinghouse, LG, ASKO, and many more.
So, without further delay, let’s explore the washing machine problems to watch out for!
13 Most Common Washing Machine Problems & How to Fix them
1: My Washing Machine is Noisy!
Hearing your washing machine make more noise than usual can be annoying and concerning. Here are the common causes of your noisy washer:
- Loose Objects: Coins, buttons, or other debris from your clothes’ pockets can bounce around inside the drum. These objects can sometimes end up in the drum filter, which is easier to remove. However, if they get stuck in the inner chamber, they can cause loud rattling noises during every cycle.
- Imbalanced Load: When the laundry isn’t evenly distributed in the drum, it can cause loud banging noises during the spin cycle.
- Worn Bearings: Over time, the bearings can wear out, leading to grinding or rumbling noises.
How to fix a noisy washing machine?
- Check for the Items Thoroughly: Before putting clothes in the washer, check and empty pockets to avoid loose objects inside. If you hear a noise, check the filter or hose after the cycle and remove any objects found. If something is stuck inside the inner chamber, it may eventually fall into the filter, or you may need to wait for the cycle to end.
- Balance the Load: Make sure the clothes are evenly distributed in the drum to avoid an imbalanced load. Likewise, try not to overload the washer.
- Replace Bearings: If the noise continues, the bearings might need to be replaced. This can be a tricky job, so it’s advisable to consult a professional for help.
2: My Washing Machine Won’t Turn On
Don’t worry if your washing machine suddenly stops during a cycle or won’t turn on. The issue can be with the power source. There can be two causes of this issue; either the machine itself or the plug!
How to fix a washer that doesn’t turn on?
- Check the Plug: Unplug the washer and then plug it back in. This step can fix a loose connection. But, if the machine still doesn’t turn on, the issue must be a blown fuse. Now, it needs to be fixed by an electrician.
- Test the Socket: Plug in another appliance to see if the socket is working. If the other appliance doesn’t work either, the socket must be faulty and needs to be fixed or replaced.
3: My Washing Machine Smells Bad
Washing dirty clothes can lead to bacteria and grime building up inside the washer, causing unpleasant odours. This is especially common if you frequently use cold water washes. Additionally, debris from clothes might clog the filter, leading to dirt build-up.
How to fix a laundry machine that smells?
- Occasionally run a hot wash cycle to prevent bacterial growth.
- Check the filters after every cycle to avoid clogging.
- Keep the washer door open when not in use to allow moisture to escape.
- Never leave laundry inside once the cycle is complete.
Deep Clean: If the smell still continues, run a cycle with water, baking soda, and vinegar in the highest heat setting. It’s a safe and effective way of cleaning your washing machine against dirt and bacteria.
4: My Washing Machine Isn’t Spinning
There are three main reasons for the washer that doesn’t spin:
- Overloading: Adding too much clothes can stop the machine from spinning.
- Blocked Outlet Pipe: Blockage in the outlet pipe cuts off water flow to and from the machine causing the spin to stop.
- Faulty Control Board: If it’s not about overload or pipe blockage it can be a fault in the control board or motor
How to fix a washing machine that isn’t spinning?
- Remove a few clothes from your washer and see if it spins or not.
- Check for the blockage in the inlet and outlet pipe and see what’s blocking the drainage or water supply.
- In a faulty control board case, remove the panels from your washing machine and check it with a multimeter, if you don’t know how to do it it’s recommended to hire a technician.
5: My Washing Machine is Leaky!
It’s one of the most common faults in washing machines. The reasons for a leaky washer can be:
- loose water hose connection
- worn-out hose seal or cracked drain hose
These inner components loosen or wear out with time and the rapid vibration of the washing machine in every wash cycle.
How to Fix a Leaking Washing Machine
To fix a water supply hose connection;
- Move the washing machine away from the wall to give yourself more space.
- Check the water supply hose connection and tighten it securely.
- If the leak continues, replace the hose seals to prevent water from seeping out.
To fix leakage from the drain hose;
- Disconnect the washer from the power plug.
- Open the cabinet of the machine to access the drain hose.
- Inspect the drain hose for damage caused by rust or calcium deposits.
- If the drain hose is damaged, replace it immediately.
6: My Washing Machine Won’t Drain! / Washer is Clogged
Either it’s the drainage system that has been clogged with buildup from soap, threads, coins, and even tissues left in your clothes, or there is another drainage hose at the back of the washing machine where most clogging occurs.
How to fix a washing machine that isn’t draining?
Check the filter inside the chamber and clean out any deposits.
If the water doesn’t drain, manually drain the water to check the drainage hoses. Move the washing machine away from the wall and then clean out the blockage in the drainage pipe.
The other drainage hose is also detachable and can be easily cleaned. If the issue still continues, it must be serious internal damage that needs expert help.
7: My Washing Machine Moves Around During the Cycle
Washers naturally vibrate during a wash cycle. But if the vibration is so intense that it causes your washer to move, there can be multiple reasons:
- Your washing machine can be on an uneven surface and is not properly balanced.
- Another reason could be worn-out or loose shock absorbers.
How to fix a washing machine that bounces during cycle?
- Level the Washing Machine: Move your washing machine to an even surface so it is properly balanced. Check if your washer has adjustable legs and align them with the surface.
- Check Shock Absorbers: If the surface is not the issue, seek the help of a technician to fix the shock absorbers by replacing them or securely attaching them to the machine chassis.
8: My Washing Machine Door Won’t Open
If your washing machine door is stuck, it can occur while the water is filling or even after the cycle is complete. This happens due to
- a clogged filter
- washer overheating from running too long
- issues with internal components like the control board or door switch
How to fix a washing machine door that won’t open?
- Switch Cycles: Switch to a different wash cycle to drain the water, which allows you to open the door.
- Check the Filter: Check the filter if there’s any blockage. Clean it out and run the washer normally afterwards.
- Cool Down the Washer: Sometimes, overheating can occur from overloading or repeated washing cycles. So, let it cool down before opening the door.
If there’s an issue with the switch or control board, don’t try to repair it yourself unless you have technical expertise. Contact a professional to prevent further damage.
9: My Washing Machine Isn’t Filling up Water
Sometimes, washing machines make a humming noise but do not fill up with water. The reason could be a clogged water supply pipe. Blockage in taps or the filter can also cause the problem.
How to fix a washing machine that isn’t filling up water?
Simply check and remove the blockage in the hose to free the water supply.
If that’s not the issue, check the taps for clogging.
To clean the taps, turn them off. For the hot tap, drain the water from the hot water tank. If it still continues, there is something wrong with the valve connection in the filter. In this case, call a technician because it needs to be replaced.
10: My Washer Is Damaging the Clothes
If your washing machine is causing damage or leaving marks on your clothes, it can be frustrating. There are some reasons for this, such as:
- overloading the machine
- using the highest spin speed on delicate items
- washing heavy clothes with more delicate fabrics
- excessive or undiluted bleach
How to fix a washing machine that is ruining clothes?
- Wash heavy items separately from delicate fabrics.
- For delicate items, use a low-speed final spin. Avoid mixing clothes with zippers, sequins, or buttons with fragile fabrics.
- Never overload your washer, as it can cause friction and damage to your clothes.
- Dilute the bleach properly before adding it to the wash cycle. It will prevent colour fading, rips, or tears.
11: My Washing Machine isn’t Dispensing the Detergent
When your washing machine isn’t dispensing detergent properly, it’s often due to a clogged dispenser. This can be caused by heavy build-up or using the wrong type of detergent.
How to fix a washer with a dispenser problem?
Use purified vinegar to clean the dispenser. Pour some vinegar into the dispenser and run the washer on a normal cycle to remove any build-up.
Always use the detergent type that’s recommended in your washer’s user manual. If your washer is designed for liquid bleach, avoid using powdered detergent to prevent clogs.
12: My Washing Machine Isn’t Finishing Its Cycle
If your washing machine isn’t completing its cycle, it’s due to several reasons:
Faults in the control board can interrupt the cycle. An unevenly distributed load can cause the cycle to pause. Moreover, if the washer can’t drain properly, it cannot finish the cycle as well.
How to fix it if my washer isn’t completing the wash cycle?
- Consult your user manual for instructions to ask how to reset my washing machine.
- Distribute the load evenly to prevent interruptions.
- Examine and resolve any drainage problems that can prevent the cycle from completing.
13: The Washing Machine Is Tripping the Power!
This issue can be caused by several factors. There can be a fault in the motor, or a leak that causes water to reach electrical components. Overloading can also cause the motor to overheat.
How to fix power-tripping issues?
Ensure you’re not overloading the machine to prevent the motor from overheating. If your current machine can’t handle your family’s laundry needs, it’s time to invest in a larger model.
Contact the manufacturer to discuss repair options and get professional assistance, if the problem persists.
What if your washing machine breaks down and is beyond repair?
Find Affordable, High-Quality Refurbished Washing Machines at WA White Goods
Sometimes, there comes a bad luck and your washing machine breaks down or needs to be replaced. Yet, it can be expensive to buy new washing machine models, parts, and accessories all of a sudden.
WA White Goods helps you with the best alternative that saves you money yet bringing you the quality as well! Now, you can buy from our wide range of properly tested and high-quality refurbished washing machines and other home appliances that are way more affordable than the options in other local stores.
So, why wait and worry about the heavy costs?
Call us at 0424 260 450
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