Our site uses cookies to give you the best experience. or continue shopping if you're happy.
Accept & close
Washing Machine Troubleshooting Guide
Washing machine playing up? This handy guide is here to help you decide if you need to buy a replacement, or you can get a longer life out of it with a quick fix. Read on for some top tips on how to keep your washing machine in good nick.
Common problems
Why is my washing machine noisy and unstable?
Enjoy a bit of calm and quiet on laundry day
Signs you need to replace your washing machine
Washing machine acting oddly but not sure what it means? Here’s a load off your mind – we’ll show you 5 warning signs to look out for. If your model’s getting on a bit, it might work out cheaper to replace it instead of paying for repairs. It’s always good to save a few pennies.
It's making a racket
There’s nothing worse than movie nights being disturbed by a really loud washing machine. If it’s started making more of a racket than usual, and you've tried out our tips above, it could mean that something bigger has gone wrong, and it’s time for a new one. Why not have a look at our range of models with super-quiet digital inverter motors?
It's sprung a leak
Water, water everywhere? It means you’ve got a leak. If your washing machine gives your kitchen floor a clean instead of just your laundry, it’s time to have a look at the attachments. If anything looks loose then it should be a quick fix. But if everything seems hunky dory there, it means there’s a problem with the inner workings, and it might be best to replace it instead of any costly repairs.
Drum problems
There can be quite a few things behind a misbehaving drum. If water’s not draining properly, it might be something as simple as a blocked U-bend, but it’s always a good idea to get it checked by a professional. Clothes coming out like they’ve been in the bath? That’s a sign the drum’s not getting up to speed when it spins, and if the motor’s to blame, it’s probably time for a new washing machine.
It's not efficient
Washing machine tech is getting better all the time, making them quieter and cleverer every year. But if your washing machine’s more than 7 or 8 years old, it won’t be long before it starts falling behind and will need replacing soon. If you’re on the hunt for a new model and want to know which one is the most efficient, just have a look at what grade it has on the new A-G energy scale. The closer to A it is, the better it’ll be for your bills and the environment. Laundry days will be greener than ever.
The drum's too small
If your family’s growing and the laundry pile’s getting larger by the day, your washing machine’s drum might not be big enough anymore. Your clothes won’t be washed properly if they’re packed in tight, so it could be time to upgrade. If you’re not sure if you need a new model, a rough guide to go off is: 6kg and under – 1/2 people; 7-9kg – 3/4 people and 10kg+ - 5/6 people.
Did you know we can do the hard work for you?
Remove & Recycle
With our Remove & Recycle service, we'll take away your old appliance
AO Care
Our monthly plan protects your appliances from accidental damage and breakdowns
FAQS
- Why is my washing machine taking so long to wash?
A lot of washing machines have eco-friendly programmes which use lower temperatures over a longer period to clean your clothes effectively. Check your manual to see if there’s another that’s faster. If your machine is constantly filling and draining with water, this can slow your machine down. Check that the filter is clear and not full of excess water. Then check that the water supply tap at the back of the machine is in the correct position, if it’s not, the machine won’t fill properly.
- Why is my washing machine not spinning?
Washing machines have a safety feature called out of balance protection which evenly distributes the weight of the load around the drum before the spin cycle starts. If you’re washing a single heavy item, like a quilt or bathmat, it can become unbalanced. If it’s stopped spinning altogether, try to move the clothes around to redistribute the weight.
Another problem might be that it can’t drain the water properly. Check the pump filter to make sure it’s in the right position and that there are no blockages.
- How do I unblock my washing machine?
Every now and then our washing machines can get blocked up, leaving a puddle of water in the bottom of the drum. This can be down to anything from a limescale or residue build-up to small items such as socks or loose coins blocking the drain.
