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Washer machine troubleshooting guide
Washing machine decided not to play ball? We've got you. From still-damp clothes to strange noises and mystery puddles, we'll help you figure out what might be going on.
When something goes wrong, it doesn’t always mean a big repair is on the cards. Plenty of common washing machine hiccups have straightforward causes, and there are some safe checks you can try at home before calling in the experts. Let’s get to the bottom of the problem and hopefully get that washing pile moving again.
Why is my washing machine not drying properly?
If your washing machine isn’t getting your clothes nice and dry, don’t worry. There are a few common things you can check first.
Overloading the drum
Packing too much into the drum makes it harder for hot air to circulate around your clothes, so they can take longer to dry. Try a smaller load or split a big pile of laundry into 2 drying cycles.
Blocked filter or condenser
A buildup of lint and debris can restrict airflow and affect drying performance. Giving your washing machine a regular clean can help keep everything running smoothly.
Low spin speed
If your clothes are still sopping after washing, the drying cycle has more work to do. A suitable spin speed will remove more water first, helping your clothes dry more efficiently.
Why is my washing machine not spinning?
Soaking wet clothes after a dry cycle is a pretty good sign that something’s not right. Check for the following issues to get things moving again.
Drainage issues
If your washing machine can’t drain properly, it might not be able to start the spin cycle. Look over the pump, filter and drain hose for any blockages or debris, and make sure the hose isn’t twisted. Giving the filter and hose a good clean can help get things moving again.
Too much detergent
Going overboard with the detergent can cause problems with the spin cycle. Check how much your machine recommends and stick to the right amount for each load.
Overloading
We know it’s tempting to squeeze that last T-shirt in, but an overloaded drum can struggle to spin properly. Make sure there’s enough room for your clothes to move around freely.
Why won't my washing machine start?
Washing machine refusing to get going? There are a few simple things worth checking.
Power supply
Start with the basics and check your washing machine is plugged in and switched on. It’s also worth having a look at your fuse box, since a tripped fuse or circuit breaker could be stopping power from reaching the appliance.
The door isn't locking
Your washing machine needs to know the door is securely closed before it'll start a cycle. Check that no clothes are caught between the door and the seal, then give it another go. If the door still won’t lock, there could be a problem with the locking mechanism that needs professional attention.
Incorrect settings
It's easy to accidentally switch on a setting that stops your washer dryer from starting straight away. Double-check you've picked the right programme and make sure things like the child lock or delay timer aren't turned on.
Why is my washing machine leaking water?
An unexpected puddle is never a welcome sight, but the cause could be simpler than you think. Here are a few places worth looking first.
Blocked detergent drawer
Detergent and fabric softener can build up in the drawer and cause water to overflow from the front of the machine. Take the drawer out, give it a good clean and check it regularly to help keep buildups at bay.
You’ve popped in too many clothes
An overloaded drum can stop water and detergent circulating properly and put extra pressure on the door seal. Try taking a few items out and sticking to the recommended load size.
Damaged door seal
Small items and debris can sometimes get caught in the rubber seal around the door or cause damage. Have a look for anything trapped inside, as well as any holes or tears. If the seal is damaged, it’ll need replacing to keep things watertight.
Blocked drain pump or filter
If the drain pump or filter is blocked, water might not drain away properly and could end up on the floor instead. Check and clean the filter regularly, following the instructions in your appliance manual.
Why is my washing machine making loud noises?
Hearing a few unexpected bangs or rattles from your washing machine? There’re a few common things that could be causing all that noise.
It's not sitting level
If your washing machine isn't level, it can vibrate and rattle, especially when it's spinning. Check that all the feet are firmly on the floor and adjust them if needed.
Something's caught in the drum
Coins, buttons and other little bits can sometimes sneak into the drum and make a surprising amount of noise. Have a look for anything that shouldn’t be there and remove it when the cycle's over.
A part could be worn out
Parts inside your washing machine, like the motor, drive belt or drum bearings, can wear out over time and start making grinding, rattling or banging noises. Pay attention to when the sound happens, whether it's washing, spinning or drying, as this can help narrow down what's causing it. If it’s particularly loud or getting worse, it’s best to arrange a professional inspection.
Why won't my washing machine drain?
Got a washing machine that's holding onto its water? Here are a few common culprits:
Blocked drain filter
Loose change, lint, hair and other debris can collect in the drain filter and stop water from emptying. Give the filter a clean following the instructions in your appliance manual. Once any blockages are gone, you might find it drains as normal.
Twisted or blocked drain hose
This hose carries all that dirty water out of your washer dryer. If it's bent, squashed or blocked, the water won't have anywhere to go. Look over the hose and straighten out any kinks or twists that could be getting in the way.
The door isn’t locking
Your washing machine won't always spin or drain if it thinks the door isn't safely locked. Check that the door is closing properly and look out for any error codes. Still no luck? The locking mechanism might need inspecting by a professional.
Why is my washing machine taking so long to dry?
Nobody wants to spend all day waiting for the drying cycle to finish. A few simple things could be slowing your washing machine down.
Overloading
It can be tempting to squeeze in that last T-shirt, but an overloaded drum can mean your clothes take longer to dry. Give your laundry a little more room and the air can circulate properly, helping everything dry more efficiently.
Restricted airflow
Fluff, dust and debris can build up over time and affect how efficiently your washing machine works. Give any accessible filters a regular clean and follow the instructions in your appliance manual to help maintain good airflow.
Why is my washing machine overheating?
If your washing machine is getting unusually hot, stop using it and let it cool down before going any further. Here are a few things to check when it's cooled off:
Faulty thermostat
Your washing machine uses a thermostat to keep an eye on the temperature. If it develops a fault, the appliance might keep getting hotter than it's supposed to. Try resetting your washing machine and check the control panel for any error codes. If it’s still overheating, switch it off and contact a qualified engineer.
Blocked airflow
Lint and dust can collect over time and restrict the airflow around your washer dryer, trapping heat inside. Give the filter a clean and check that any vents and airways are clear. That’ll help air circulate properly while your clothes are drying.
The element
This delivers the heat your washing machine needs to do its job, but if it develops a fault, the appliance could get hotter than it should. If you think this might be the problem, stop using the drying function and contact a qualified engineer.
Why does my washing machine smell bad?
Fresh laundry and funky smells definitely don’t belong together. Luckily, there are a few common causes that are usually pretty simple to sort.
Grime buildup
Detergent, fabric softener and everyday dirt can build up inside the drum, door seal and detergent drawer. Over time, all that residue can start causing unwanted smells. A quick clean is all it needs.
Mould and mildew
Moisture can hang around after a cycle, especially around the door seal and detergent drawer. Leaving the door slightly open when you're finished will help everything dry out and keep mould and mildew at bay.
Blocked filter
Your filter collects lint, debris and leftover water, which can start to smell if it’s left for too long. A regular clean will help keep things fresh.
Drainage issues
If water can't drain away properly, it’ll sit inside your washing machine and leave things smelling less than fresh. Take a look at the drain hose and filter for anything that could be stopping water from escaping.
And there you have it, washing machine woes needn’t turn laundry day into a drama. A quick clean, a lighter load or the correct settings are often enough to sort those everyday annoyances. If something still isn’t right, don’t force it or start tinkering with the parts inside. Follow your appliance manual or call in a qualified engineer and leave the trickier fixes to the pros.
