How to Repair Your Washing Machine

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

One day, while faithfully cleaning your clothes, your washing machine was operating without much of your attention. Then, a variety of events happened that put an abrupt end to everything.

Perhaps the machine's basin overflowed but wouldn't drain. Or it drained without spinning. Or perhaps the clothing were washed, but they weren't particularly clean. In other words, your washing machine either stopped operating at its highest level or just gave up and stopped.

It is not uncommon that your clothes washer will occasionally malfunction or see a decline in performance to the point where the clothes are not being thoroughly cleaned for a machine that works so hard. You don't need to hire an expensive appliance professional to fix your washing machine. Homeowners with little experience in appliance repair can complete the majority of these fixes using basic tools.

Safety Considerations

No matter how small the repairs may seem, always disconnect your washing machine before working on it. Keep in mind that washing machines can topple over because they are so heavy. The device must not be tipped over or moved on your own.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

• Pen (if necessary)
• Bucket (if necessary)
• Anti-vibration pads (if necessary)

Instructions

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Fixing a Washing Machine That Will Not Start

The washing machine won't start is the most elementary washing machine malfunction. Nothing happens after you load the laundry into the washer, turn the dial, or hit the "ON" button.

1. 1. Make Sure the Machine Is Plugged In

   Make sure the washer's power cord is plugged in by inspecting it behind the washer. Machines may shift as a result of the washers' violent movements, particularly when the load is unbalanced. It's possible for a machine to accidently unhook the power cord while it moves.

   Ties that shorten cords make them rigid and non-giving. Untie the cord in this situation to give yourself more flexibility.

   

2. 2. Check the Circuit Breaker

   Is the washer's circuit breaker turned off? Locate the electrical service panel and reset the circuit breakers there. Locate the appropriate circuit breaker, turn it "OFF," then "ON," and then switch it back.

   

3. 3. Check the Lid

   The lid switch strike on your front-loading washer can be broken. This part of the door frame tells the machine that the door is closed all the way and that it is safe to start filling with water. Watch as the portion on the door joins with the part on the machine when you close the lid. The top piece should fit snugly into the bottom piece.

   If you have a top loader, you may check the lid by turning the machine to "ON" and inserting the blunt end of a pen into the hole. Even with the lid open, the water should start filling if everything is functioning properly.

   

Fixing a Washing Machine That Doesn't Clean Clothes

Given that you only become aware of it after the washer has completed a full cycle, this may be one of the more aggravating laundry-related issues. Your clothes are purportedly clean when you pull them from the washer, but they are actually covered with lint, hair, and other little dirt.

1. 1. Check for Overloading

   Do not overfill your washer. The clean rinse water cannot remove the detergent and debris from a washer that is too full for it to do so. For particular load maximums, refer to your owner's manual.

   

2. 2. Adjust the Detergent

   lessen the detergent use. If you use too much detergent, it may not remove the lint and other particles from the clothing but rather deposit it back on it.

   

3. 3. Wash Pet Products Separately
   

   Wash chew toys, cat and dog beds, and other pet-related items separately from your other apparel. If the pet load is very unclean, after washing, clean the washing machine tub by hand.

   

Fixing a Washing Machine That Will Not Spin

The basin has been drained of water in this all-too-common washing machine issue, but the machine still won't spin. The process of squeezing the water out of the clothing so that it can be dried in the dryer involves spinning at a high rate of speed.

1. 1. Redistribute the Clothing

   Try to reorganize the clothing within the washer tub. When the washer is out of balance, it will shut off until you can balance the laundry again. Rearrange the clothing and then shut the lid. If the load distribution is proper, the machine ought to begin spinning on its own. High-absorption items like towels, sheets, and bulky apparel like trousers and sweaters frequently cause loads to become unbalanced.

   

2. 2. Make Sure the Machine Is Level

   Verify the machine's floor level. Your clothes washer is programmed to stop spinning when a machine is out of level for safety. Use a bubble level to check the machine's level, and then adjust the legs to level it out again. In the event that this is unsuccessful, you might need to level the floor again or install a level platform beneath the washer.

   

3. 3. Ensure Proper Drainage

   Verify the drain line and drainage system. The machine's drainage system could become clogged with small objects. It might be possible to examine the washer's drain pump without taking it apart. The drainage hose connecting the machine's back to a drainage point may also be blocked.

   

Fixing a Washing Machine That Makes Loud Noises

When the washer creates thunking, grinding, or thumping noises during the agitation or spin cycles, this is one of the more bothersome washing machine issues. Since this type of movement could harm the washer and lead to other issues, fix this issue as soon as you can.

1. 1. Consider Lubricating or Replacing the Tub Bearings

   The tub bearings, which are found directly underneath the tub, could need to be replaced since they are worn out. The tub bearings may require oil if the washing machine is squeaking.

   

2. 2. Check the Belts

   The drive belt or pulley for the washing machine motor could be worn out. In order to access the motor in this repair, a sizable portion of the machine must be disassembled. The pump pulley belt may be damaged in some other way, such as being cracked or frayed. The belt frequently also has a burning rubber odor.

   

Fixing a Washing Machine That Will Not Agitate

One frequent issue with washing machines is that the central agitator does not move when the machine's tub or basin fills with water.

The back and forth motion of agitation is what cleans the clothing. The agitator, a central plastic cone-shaped device, carries out this function. The bottom and top halves of the agitator are connected by tiny plastic "dogs," or directional cogs.

1. 1. Test the Function of the Cogs

   While the machine is in the agitation phase, open the lid. To prevent the machine from stopping while the lid is open, press the lid switch firmly with the blunt end of a pen. The cogs may be worn out or broken and require repair if the machine is agitating normally or even generating a grinding noise but the agitator is not moving.

   

2. 2. Reset the Machine

   It may be necessary to reset the washer motor on your machine if a power surge had an impact on it. For information on how to reset a motor, consult your owner's manual as each model has a distinct process. For instance, many General Electric washing machines demand that you disconnect them, put them back in, then rise and lower the lid six times in a span of 12 seconds, elevating the lid by a minimum of 2 inches, to disrupt the magnetic connection of the lid switch.

   

Fixing a Washing Machine That Fills With Water But Will Not Drain

Lifting the lid of the washing machine only to find garments floating in a pool of murky gray water is a common household nightmare. When you first start the machine, the water is either hot or lukewarm.

1. 1. Look for Clogs

   The pump in your machine can be obstructed by a piece of clothing or another washing-related object. With a kitchen measuring cup, drain the water, then unplug the appliance. Remove the front panel's screws. For simpler access, tilt the machine up and support the front with bricks or 2x4s. It may be simple to see the pump housing on your machine, making it possible to determine whether the pump is clogged. If so, gently twist the obstruction from the pump with pliers.

   

2. 2. Check the Tube

   In addition, the corrugated tubing leading to the pump may have a blockage. Open the tube's clamp. Due to the fact that this tube will be filled with water, have a bucket or container handy. Remove the water. The end of the hose is typically where a blockage will be found if there is one. Use pliers or your hands to remove it.

   

Fixing a Washing Machine That Vibrates, Shakes, or Walks

Your washing machine may shake or vibrate ferociously while it is running, especially during the spin cycle, frequently to the point where the machine starts to move. If you have a high-efficiency machine, which has a quicker spin cycle than top-loading machines, this might be more obvious. Walking machines are extremely hazardous because they may pull at the power cable and start an electrical fire, or they might separate from the water lines or drainage lines.

1. 1. Ensure the Machine Is Balanced

   It could be necessary to rebalance your machine. To determine the machine's level from front to rear and side to side, use a bubble level. Turn the machine's legs up or down to reposition it level. Most washing machines feature four adjustable legs, as opposed to the dryer's two front adjustable legs.

   

2. 2. Tighten Any Connection Straps

   Perhaps you should rebalance your machine. Check the machine's level front to rear and side to side using a bubble level. Turn the legs of the machine up or down to reposition it level. Most washing machines have four adjustable legs, as opposed to the dryer, which has just two front ones.

   

3. 3. Ensure the Load is Balanced

   An unbalanced load is the most common and simple solution for a shaking clothes washer. Wrap heavy, lengthy objects around the main agitator so they are not all gathered on one side. Place large objects on the opposite side of objects that are also large.

   

4. 4. Consider an Anti-Vibration Pad

   Think about getting an anti-vibration pad. Three-inch thick pads work very well to dampen the rattling and vibration, according to independent testing. Anti-vibration pads can be a useful tool for lessening the transmission of washer vibration on your home's floor even though they are not cheap.