Common washing machine issues and fixes

If you think a small amount of water coming out of your washing machine after a cycle is not a big issue. Think twice. A washer losing small but frequent amounts of water over time can result in a bang – a sign that your washer drum broke. Your washer machine is an essential appliance that makes your household work easier. Indeed, you can’t imagine going down the river to beat your clothes until they are clean. Thanks for technology and progress!

There are plenty of issues your washer can encounter throughout its life cycle. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to signs such as clothes not being washed properly, strange noises, unpleasant smells, or finding a puddle of water every time you do a load of clothes. Some problems are easy to fix by yourself, but others require an expert technician to assess the proper solution. Here are some of the most common issues that your washing machine can experience:There are plenty of issues your washer can encounter throughout its life cycle. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to signs such as clothes not being washed properly, strange noises, unpleasant smells, or finding a puddle of water every time you do a load of clothes. Some problems are easy to fix by yourself, but others require an expert technician to assess the proper solution. Here are some of the most common issues that your washing machine can experience:

Washing machine is not cleaning

Not much use in having a washer leaving your clothes unclean or in worse condition than when you started the washing cycle. When you start noticing that your clothes are not being cleaned properly can be due to:

Blocked detergent tray or filter. When the line or tray is blocked, it can not reach your clothes. Thus, your clothes will not be clean when the cycle finishes. Furthermore, the blockage causes detergent to accumulate, germs, and even mold. This harmful organism can transfer to your clothes, creating a health hazard for you and your family. This problem can be easily fixed by cleaning the detergent tray and filter before starting your next washing cycle. However, if the problems persist, you may need to check the drainage.
Overloading If you fill your washer with too many clothes, they can not move around the machine. It will cause the dirt to be trapped in the fabric, and the detergent will not be able to reach it. Therefore, when washing your clothes, leave enough space so your clothing items can be washed adequately.
Using the wrong detergent or washing cycle.Certain detergents work best at specific temperatures. Then, it is recommended to check their instructions before using them. Also, most washers have programs designed for special garments such as silk, wool, etc. Choosing the wrong program can leave you with unclean or damaged clothes.

Washing machine won't spin

If by the end of the washing cycle, your machine doesn’t spin, it could be something as simple as too many clothes in the washer. When the washer is overloaded with clothes, it can become unbalanced, affecting the sensors. You can resolve it by re-balance the load and trying again. If this doesn’t solve the issue, your machine might not spin because of a:

Broken door latch or interlock. When your washer door is closed securely, it will give the green light to the interlock to start the cycle. However, the machine will not do its job if either the latch or the interlock brakes. You can check by making sure the door is shut well. Also, if any plastic parts around the door are broken, worn, or corroded, it will signal your washer not to start
Broken drive belt. If you notice that when spinning the washer's drum, there is no resistance, the belt might need replacing
Drain block.Another reason your washing machine may not spin is that the drum is not draining correctly. If you see that is still water inside is recommended to check the pipes for any obstruction.
If none of the other problems are present, the spinning trouble may result from a faulty drive motor or pump. In this case, you will need to call an expert technician to repair the problem.

Washer Not Draining

One of the most common washer troubles you may experience. If your washing machine is not draining can be due to:

Blockage. Something as small as a sock, piece of underwear, or handkerchief can block the drain pump or hose. But this issue can be quickly fixed by you unplugging the machine. Then, lay some towels on the floor around the washer. Locate the pump, usually found at the bottom part of the machine. Proceed to clean any debris stuck in the pump. Now, check the drain hose attached to the waste trap under the sink, usually connected via a spigot. Unscrew the part and empty the excess water from the hose in a bucket. Then, remove any blockage present in the hose and waste trap.

Electrical fault. If, after cleaning, any blockage in the pump or drain does not get your machine working, it may be an electrical issue. You may get an error code that you can look over on your user’s manual. This sort of problem is better resolved by a washing machine expert. Don’t delay contacting them.

Washing machine is overfilling

If your washing machine is overfilling, it can be caused by the following:

Broken water-level pressure switch. The most common reason for your washing machine overfilling. The water-level pressure switch senses the water level in your washer and tells it when to stop. A broken or blocked switch will prevent your appliance from knowing when to stop filling. To resolve this, you can unplug the washer; then unscrew the top panel, and inspect the pressure switch.

Faulty water inlet valve. This electronic component regulates the filling of the water in the washing machine. Overfilling will occur if the valve does not close during each cycle once the water reaches the appropriate level.

Smelly Washing Machine

Because you use your washer to do your laundry, you can forget that it needs to be washed from time to time. Unpleasant smells can come from a dirty door seal, a moldy drum, or a neglected detergent drawer. All washing machines produce something called “bio-film,” a decaying matter that is consistently damp. This build-up will produce a foul smell in the machine that can spread to your laundry, the laundry room, and further.

To clean a smelly washing machine, follow these steps:

If your washer is still smelly after completing these four steps, it may be a pipe issue. You should contact a washer technician to repair this problem.

Noisy washing machine

When a loud noise comes out of your washing machine, it can simply be some coins or a metal belt that went into the load by accident. This can be quickly resolved by stopping the washing cycle and removing the items or waiting until the end of the washing to take them out. Occasionally, these objects can get caught in the washer’s drum. In this case, you can turn the drum until the items fall into the hose or filter and remove them. If your washing machine makes strange sounds after removing the object, it may be due to a faulty or damaged internal component. In this case, you will need a professional’s expertise to repair the issue. A prompt call can save you time and money.