Washing machine troubleshooting guide

Your washing machine works hard to keep your clothes clean. Its your faithful and trusty laundry companion – constantly washing, spinning and turning dirty clothes and murky whites into clean, fresh brights, ready for a new day of wear.

When your washer refuses to drain, fails to spin or worse – produces clothes that are as dirty as when you added them to the wash, you know its time for some maintenance and care. Before you call a technician or buy a new washer, check out our washing machine troubleshooting guide. With a few simple tools and know how, you can get your washing machine operating like new again.

2. The washer won’t drain

Often a clogged drain hose is the likely cause of a washer that won’t drain properly. Sometimes the problem can be a little bigger and a damaged pump may be the culprit.

Drain hose

First step is to check the drain hose. Remove the hose and visually inspect it for any blockages or kinks that could be obstructing the flow of water. This can stop the washer from draining. Straighten any kinks and re-start the washer to see if starts to drain normally again. If there are no kinks, there could be a blockage.  To unblock your drain hose, detach it from the drain pump. You may need a screw driver or wrench to loosen the clasp.

Handy hint! Keep a bucket nearby to catch any released water. Using a drain snake or garden hose, gently poke through to clear any blockages.

Pump

Your pump is located either in the front or rear of your machine (check your manufacturer’s instructions if unsure). You may need to remove a panel to access your pump. Detach your pump and remove the screen, then rinse screen thoroughly. Check inside the pump to make sure nothing is lodged inside. Inspect the pump for cracks, warps or leaks. If you sight any damage, your pump may need replacing.

3. The washer won’t unlock

All front load washing machines (and some top loaders) have a safety mechanism. This is known as a door lock or interlock which works to prevent the door or lid from opening, while the machine is in use. If you find your washer door or lid won’t open there could be a couple of reasons.

Not enough time has lapsed since the end of the washing cycle

• The door can’t be opened for about 2-5 minutes after the end of a wash cycle. This is normal. First make sure the timer has expired and the water has fully drained, then check to see if the door unlocks.

Check if there is water in the machine

• If there is water in the machine, the door usually cannot be opened. So you will need to wait until the water has been pumped out. If the cycle has stopped and you can still see water in the drum, your washer may have drainage problems. If you attempt to manually open the door, be prepared with a mop and towels to soak up water that seeps out.

Pressure switch

• The culprit could be a faulty pressure switch, which prevents the washing machine from resetting to empty and releasing the door. Try switching your power off at the mains for 5-10 minutes before opening the door again.

Faulty interlock

• Repeated use of your washing machine over a short time span can cause your washer to overheat. Switch your washer off at the mains and allow to cool down for a few hours. After that, try to open the door again.

Check that the Child Lock is not activated

• In some front load washers, a child lock will lock the door. This safety mechanism is in place to prevent children from opening the door. Check that the child lock is off.

Check your washer dial is in the ‘off’ position

On some models, the washer dial must be in the OFF position for the door to open. If you need to open a door mid cycle, always press the Start/Pause button (hold down firmly for a few seconds) and wait for the door to release.

4. The washing machine smells

If you do not regularly clean your washing machine, it becomes the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and mould growth. Lingering moisture and residue can result in bad smells. To remove bad smells, follow these easy instructions:

Step 1: Wipe down the rubber door seal with hot soapy water. While you are doing a clean, check for any cracks or sign of wear and tear. If damaged, you may need a replacement seal.

Step 2: Remove the detergent dispenser draw and wash with warm soapy water.

Step 3: Put your machine through a vinegar & bicarb soda cycle. For a top load washing machine, set your machine at its hottest and longest setting. When it has filled up with water, add 2 cups vinegar and 1/2 cup baking soda. Let it run for a complete cycle. For a front load washing machine, add 2 tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda into the detergent drawer and ½ cup white vinegar into the drum. Let it run for a complete cycle on the hottest setting.

Step 4: Keep mould away by ensuring your laundry is well ventilated. Keep the washer door and dispenser draw open when not in use.

Step 5: Clean out the pump and lint filter.

Step 6: Descale your washing machine. We recommend Aktivo Dishwasher + Washing Machine Descaler This will help remove unwanted odours and thoroughly cleanse your washing machine.

Learn more washer (and dryer) cleaning tips on our blog post.

5. Washing machine shakes or vibrates

This is often a result of your washing machine not sitting level on the floor. It should be positioned on a solid, flat level surface.

Firstly, check that your wash load isn’t off balance. Open your washer and adjust the load if it has bunched up to one side.

If this does not resolve the issue, check that the feet are level and resting firmly on the floor. To do this, unplug your washer first. Place a level on top of the washing machine, then check under your washing machine and adjust the feet until your machine is level.

Suspension spring

• Another cause could be the suspension spring. With regular use, the suspension springs in top loaders can become stretched, damaged or can even detach. This will cause the washer to vibrate or make excessive noise. If damaged, you will need to replace the springs.

Shock absorbers

• Shock absorbers are found between the outer tub and base frame of your washer. They moderate the shaking of the tub when the washer is in spin cycle mode. If they aren’t working effectively, you will hear the banging of the tub against the frame during the spin cycle. You can check the shock absorbers for any signs of wear and tear, or fluid leaks. Replace both if this is the issue.

6. Washing machine is noisy

If you notice your washing machine making weird noises, its time to investigate. The problem could be a simple as loose coins that may have slipped out of pockets. This can make a very loud noise (and can damage your washing machine!). Drain your washing machine and take a look. Don’t forget to check your washing machine seal and lint filter – sometimes small hair clips, loose bra clips and coins can get stuck there.

There are many washing machine parts can cause your washing machine to make loud and unusual noises.  Here are a few to investigate:

Drum bearing

• Drum bearing failures can cause very loud noises. If you hear noises when your washer is in spin mode, the bearing could be worn out. You will notice the sound getting louder and worse over time and your bearing will need to be replaced. A squeaking sound when the drum rotates indicates the bearing needs lubrication.

Drain pump

• A clogged drain pump can also cause your washer to make loud noises. You can usually hear this when the washer is spinning. To troubleshoot, you will need to remove the drain pump and clean the clogged dirt and debris.

Shock absorbers

• If you hear a thud type noise, this could be a result of faulty shock absorbers. Over time the absorbers and springs can weaken. This in turn, allows the washing machine drum to move too freely, resulting in a thumping noise. You will need to replace the shock absorbers or springs if this is the problem.

Motor drive belt

• Another culprit could be the motor drive belt or pulley. If worn out, it will need to be repaired. As this is a more advanced repair, a technician may need to be involved.

7. Washing machine won’t spin

More often than not, this occurs when your washing machine is carrying a load that is either too big or too small. The easiest way to avoid an imbalanced drum is by making sure you place the correct load in your washer and avoid overloading it. Try readjusting your load and try spinning again.

If your top loader won’t spin it may be worth investigating the washer belt. The belt is designed to spin the drum and is attached to a mechanism at the bottom of the drum. When it spins, the belt pushes the drum back and forth to agitate. A loose, slipped or damaged belt may cause the spinning mechanism to fail.

Washing machines are designed to make our lives easier. A little care and attention will ensure that they are performing at their peak.

Looking to cut down on laundry time? We share out time saving hacks on our blog.

Need help with your home appliance repairs and maintenance? Check out our DIY videos on our YouTube Channel. All the expert hints and tips to make appliance repairs a breeze!

 Statewide Appliance Spares can help you find the right washing machine spare part. We have Australia’s biggest range of washing machine spares. All the big brands including Bosch, Fisher & Paykel, LG, Samsung and Simpson at the lowest prices.