Are you tired of your washing machine stopping mid-cycle? Frustrated by loud noises, leaks, or a machine that won’t turn on just when you need it? Washing machines have become a daily essential in most homes, they save time and are especially helpful for the elderly or those with back pain.
However, like any other appliances, they can fail to work, leak, stop working, or make loud noises, especially if they are used regularly without the necessary maintenance. And, when it breaks down, your schedule gets hampered, and can throw your whole routine off balance.
From clogged drains, malfunctioning spin cycles, electrical problems, and door latch failures, these washing machine issues not only disrupt performance but, if left unchecked, can result in more extensive repairs. To get your washing routine back on track, you must first identify what’s wrong.
So, let’s get started and break down the most common washing machine problems, how to spot them, and what you can do to avoid, or resolve them.
Frequently Asked Washing Machine Problems and Their Easy Fixes
1. Why is my washing machine not turning on?
This usually happens when there is no electricity going to the machine. Common reasons could be a loose plug, a tripped circuit breaker, a broken wall socket, or a door that is not closed properly (which stops the machine from starting).
Solution: First, check if the power cord is plugged in securely and try using a different socket. Look at your home’s circuit breaker and reset any tripped switches. Also, make sure the door is closed completely, as most machines won’t start unless it is locked tightly.
2. Why does the washing machine stop mid-cycle?
If your washing machine stops suddenly during a cycle, it might be because of a door that does not close properly, a broken door mechanism, a power problem or an issue with the timer or control panel. Sometimes, a heavy load of clothes can also cause the machine to pause automatically.
Solution: Check if your machine is overheated, if it is then wait for it to cool down before trying again. Check if the lid or door switch is working properly or not. Spread the clothes out evenly, and if the problem continues, contact a washing machine repair service provider to inspect and fix timer or control boards.
3. What causes the washing machine to vibrate or shake violently?
Heavy shaking or vibration often happens when the machine is not on a flat floor, or the clothes inside are not balanced. If the parts that hold the drum steady are weak or broken, this may also make your washing machine shake or move more during a wash than usual.
Solution: Make sure the washing machine is level on the floor. Distribute the clothes properly (not too heavy) inside the drum. If shaking continues, you should call a technician to check the parts that hold the drum (like the rods or supports), and replace them if they are damaged.
4. Why is the washing machine not draining water?
A machine that does not drain water usually when it has a blocked drain hose, a clogged pump filter, or a broken drain pump. Also, things like lint, fabric threads, or small objects can get stuck and block the flow of water which causes the machine not draining water.
Solution: You can start by disconnecting the machine, cleaning its drain hose and the pump filter. Check for something stuck inside. If the machine is still not draining, the pump might be damaged and needs to be repaired or replaced.
5. What makes the washing machine leak water?
Leaks in the washing machine can happen from a loose water hose, a damaged rubber door seal, or even cracks in the drum or detergent drawer. Putting too much clothes in the machine can also cause water to spill out during the rinse cycle.
Solution: Immediately check the inlet and drain hoses to make sure they are tight and not cracked. Look for any decomposed or holes in the rubber door seal. Avoid overloading the machine and replace the broken parts to stop the leaks.
6. Why is the washing machine making loud or strange noises?
If the machine makes strange sounds like banging, grinding, or squealing it can happen because of things like coins stuck in the drum, broken drum bearings, or a damaged motor. If you do not fix the noise timely, it can cause more serious problems.
Solution: Stop using your machine if it noises too much or makes unusual sounds. Immediately look inside the drum for small objects. If the noise keeps happening even after no objects in the drum then get a technician to check the bearings and motor. To avoid this, make sure to empty your pockets of your clothes before putting them in the machine.
7. Why does my washing machine don’t spin properly?
If your washing machine is not spinning, it might be because of the heavy loads of clothes, the spinning belt which helps the drum spin is loose or broken, or the lid switch is not working. A full drum of clothes can stop the spinning and cause the machine to shut off automatically.
Solution: First thing to do is take out some clothes from the machine if the drum is too full and spread the clothes around to make it balanced. Check the lid switch, especially in top loaders, and replace the drive belt if it looks old, broken or damaged.
8. What causes the washing machine to smell bad?
A bad or sour smell usually comes from mold/decomposition or bacteria that have grown inside the drum or around the door seal. Detergent and dirt buildup in hidden parts can also lead to bad smells over time.
Solution: To prevent your machine from smelling you can run a hot wash with vinegar and baking soda once a month. Clean the door seal and detergent drawer of your machine regularly. After each wash, leave the door open so the area can dry and prevent mold from growing.
9. Why is the detergent not dispensing properly?
When the detergent does not come out of the drawer or mixes poorly, it might be because the drawer is blocked, the water pressure is too low, or there are hard water deposits. This can affect how well your clothes get cleaned.
Solution: Take the detergent drawer out and clean it under warm water. Check the inlet valves to make sure they are working and the water pressure is normal. If you live in an area with hard water, use a descaling product now and then.
10. How does the washing machine damage clothes?
Yes, washing machines can damage clothes,the clothes may tear or stretch because of sharp parts present inside the drum, overloading the machine, using the wrong washing settings, or mixing soft fabrics with heavier ones.
Solution: Before starting your laundry, at first look inside the drum for any rough or damaged areas. Avoid putting too much clothes in at once and sort clothes by fabric type. Always use the correct wash cycle and water temperature for each load.
Washing Machine Maintenance Tips to Prevent Future Issues
Applying preventive measures to maintaining your washing machine does not just prevent sudden breakdowns, it will also ensure the washing machine runs efficiently and lasts longer. Here are some useful maintenance tips below that will help you avoid problems in the long run:
1. Clean the Lint Filter regularly
Using a machine on a daily basis might cause a lint filter to collect lint and small pieces of fabric over time. So make sure to clean the lint filter (If your machine has one) every time after use. Cleaning every time will also help you avoid blocked filters and during drainage.
2. Keep the Door Open after Every Wash
Always keep the door open of your washing machine for a number of hours after every wash, to let the interior of the machine completely dry out. This will minimize the build up of mold and the unpleasant smell of wetness in the drum.
3. Use the Correct Detergent and Dosage
Incorrect detergent and/or excessive use of detergent will lead to excess foams buildup which can damage the internal parts of your machine. Always use the detergent according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Run a Cleaning Cycle Every Month
Nowadays most of the machines are manufactured with a self cleaning function. Meanwhile the machines which do not have their cleaning function can run a cycle on hot water with vinegar/white vinegar or a washing machine cleaner each month to remove soap foam and bacteria.
5. Check for Leaks or Cracks in the Hoses
Hoses (flexible rubber or plastic tubes) which help in draining and supplying water will need to be visibly checked every couple of months. Simply replace any hoses if you see any cracks, bulges, or leaks to ensure it is not damaging your home and will help to improve water flow through the system.
6. Make Sure You Are Not Overloading the Washing Machine
Every machine comes with their recommended load size. So, make sure that you are not overloading your washer as overloading puts stress on the motor, drum, and suspension system, which will not make it work properly.
7. Level the Washing Machine
If the washer shakes, hops, or is out of level while it is on a spin cycle, it may be because it is not level. With the weight of the clothes, the load should be evenly distributed and all 4 feet should firmly be on the floor. Being a little out of level while washing is not a problem but it will seriously dent worry-free use and will wear out components more than needed.
8. Wipe Down the Door Seal & Detergent Drawer
Both the laundry detergent drawer and the rubber door seal will collect detergent foam or waste, and moisture will remain inside, causing the growth of mold or a bad smell. To prevent these from happening, wipe both of these down once a week using a wet cloth.
9. Turn Off The Water Supply When You Are Not Using the Machine
If you are going somewhere or not using your machine for a long period of time, it is better to turn off the water supply to your machine to prevent it from water pressure that might cause leaks and unexpected hose bursts.
10. Get Your Washing Machine Professionally Serviced Every Year
Though your washing machine looks fine to work, it is better to get it checked once a year with professionals. It helps you recognize small problems early so you can get it replaced or repaired as needed before they turn into bigger problems. It also includes cleaning and oiling the moving parts of the machine to keep everything running smoothly.
Conclusion
These days washing machines have become a very common part of daily life, it is helping save time and make laundry easier. However, the washing machine is just a machine, and it can sometimes break down or stop working. The good thing is that many of the usual problems, such as difficulty in draining, shaking or vibrating during spin, or unpleasant smells, are simple to spot and fix with basic steps at home.
By recognizing these issues early and applying the right fixing solutions, you can prevent more serious and expensive repairs, and can keep your machine working well for a long time.
Doing regular maintenance, keeping it clean, and using it properly can help stop most problems before they start. If the issue seems too tough to handle like a broken door, damaged motor, blockage in pipe. It is always better to reach out to a technician for assistance.
Why fight with damaged appliances? Contact us right now for experienced repair assistance at your doorstep. We deliver reliable, affordable, and fast washing machine repair services across Kathmandu valley. Whether you need a one-time fix or regular maintenance, we have got you covered.
