Washing Machine Troubleshooting: Common Problems and DIY Fixes

Is your washing machine acting up and stopping you from doing your laundry? It can be a frustrating experience as you struggle to figure out what the issue is and how to resolve it.

But don’t panic. Our comprehensive guide will walk you through the most common problems you may encounter with your washing machine, from mysterious leaks to bad smells.

Discover practical solutions to the most frequent issues you may face and say goodbye to your laundry day woes

 

A smell coming from your washing machine

Your washing machine can become dirty over time if it’s not regularly cleaned and maintained, leading to bad smells.

There are a range of things that can cause your washing machine to smell, including:

  1. Dirty filter – This is the most common issue and the first thing worth checking. Your washing machine’s filter catches all residue from your clothes. Over time, this builds up if it isn’t regularly cleaned and can lead to bad smells.
  2. Detergent build-up – Despite being the thing that makes your clothes smell fresh, detergent residue can cause your machine to smell bad. Over time, it can build up in the drum or drawer, leading to an environment where bacteria can thrive.
  3. Dirty door seal – This is another area where your washing machine can collect grime, mould and mildew.

How to fix a smelly washing machine  

After establishing the cause of your smelly washing machine, the next step is to eliminate the odour. You can do this by trying a few simple fixes, depending on the issue:

  1. Clean the filter to remove the residue build-up. You’ll usually find the filter towards the base of your washing machine – remove it, wash it under running water and scrub it.
  2. Run a maintenance wash to give the drum a thorough cleaning. Alternatively, you can run the machine on a hot wash while there’s nothing inside. For a deeper clean, add bicarbonate of soda to the drum and white vinegar to the drawer before running the cycle.
  3. Wipe around the door seal to get rid of mould and mildew build-up.

In addition, it’s a good idea to keep your washing machine door open when not in use. This allows for proper ventilation and lets all the trapped moisture escape. It’s also wise to switch between liquid and powdered detergents – the latter can remove residue build-ups left by the former.

Your washing machine won’t turn on

Is your laundry starting to pile up because your washing machine won't turn on? Some of the common causes for this issue include:

  1. It’s not plugged in – The fault may not be with your washing machine; it might be that it’s not plugged in. It may seem obvious, but it’s always the first thing worth checking.
  2. Faulty plug socket – If your machine is plugged in but won’t turn on, then it could be a damaged plug socket causing the issue.
  3. Broken door switch – If there’s a problem with the machine’s door switch, it won’t turn on and start a cycle.

How to fix a washing machine that won’t turn on  

Here are a few simple fixes for you to try and get your washing machine to switch on:

  1. Plug the machine back into the mains. Once it’s plugged in, it should start working again.
  2. Call an electrician to check damaged sockets.
  3. Replace the door switch – you may be able to do this yourself, but if you’re not sure, call in an expert.

Your washing machine won’t finish a cycle

It can be confusing when you put your laundry into the washing machine and begin a cycle, but it won’t finish. Here are some common causes:

  1. Error codes – If your cycle stops or aborts completely, you may see an error code displayed. The error code may be flashing and can help you diagnose the issue.
  2. Heating issues – Your machine may be overheating (if it stops after 30 minutes) or not heating water enough (if it stops within the first 30 minutes). The most common reason for this is a malfunctioning thermistor.
  3. Drainage problems – There may be a blocked pump which is stopping your machine from draining properly.
  • What do the washing machine error codes mean?

    Washing machine error codes are there to tell you that there’s a fault and help you diagnose the problem. They usually start with an E followed by two digits (e.g. E10).

    Learn more about what each specific error code on AEG washing machines means in our comprehensive guide.

  • How to fix a washing machine that won’t finish its cycle

    Try these fixes to stop your machine finishing mid-cycle and get it spinning again:

    1. Refer to your appliance’s instruction manual, look up error codes and identify the fault. If it’s a major issue, consider calling a professional repair technician.
    2. Seek professional help to address heating-related problems.
    3. Identify and remove any blockages causing drainage problems (you can read more about this below).

Excessive noise coming from your washing machine

We’ve all been there - you’ve put your clothes into your washing machine, started a cycle, and the machine starts making a racket. Here are some of the reasons why your washing machine may be noisy:

  1. Trapped items – Small objects, such as coins, buttons or keys, may be trapped in the drum.
  2. Drum bearing failure – Drum bearings ensure the drum spins smoothly. If they’ve become worn over time, it can cause loud noises.
  3. Dirty filter – Filters that haven’t been cleaned for a while can collect debris, leading to more noise.

How to fix a noisy washing machine  

Now that you know the potential causes of your noisy washing machine, it’s time to fix it. Here’s how:

  1. Drain the machine before checking for any items that may have got stuck. Grab a torch to inspect thoroughly, try tipping the machine back and forth, and don’t forget to check the doorway’s rubber seal. If you find anything, remove it.
  2. To replace the drum bearings, call a professional.
  3. Locate the filter (usually bottom right at the front of the machine), pull it out and give it a clean. It’s a good idea to keep on top of this, so make sure you repeat the process every couple of months.

Your washing machine won’t spin

If your washing machine isn’t spinning, it may be because of one of these reasons:

  1. Too much laundry – If you overstuff your drum with too much laundry, it may become unbalanced, making it difficult to spin efficiently.
  2. The machine isn’t level – An unbalanced machine can cause the drum to wobble, and it will stop to prevent further imbalance.
  3. Poor or no drainage – The drainage hose may be twisted or clogged.
  4. Faulty motor – The motor is responsible for driving the drum’s rotation. If it’s defective, it can’t generate the necessary force to spin the drum.

How to fix a washing machine that won’t spin

Fortunately, there are DIY fixes for most of the issues that cause your washing machine not to spin. These include:

  1. Put moderate loads of washing into the machine for each cycle to ensure it isn’t overstuffed. Make sure you know your machine’s maximum weight limit.
  2. Adjust the machine’s front legs to level it out – learn more in our guide to maintaining your washing machine’s longevity.
  3. Untwist or unclog the drainage hose. For the latter, check manufacturer instructions to see if you’ll need to remove the back of the washer.
  4. Contact a professional or the manufacturer if the drive motor is faulty or burnt out.
  • Your washing machine won’t drain

    Many factors may be preventing your washing machine from draining. These include:

    1. Clogged drain hose – A build-up of detergent or twists in the hose can cause this.
    2. Broken drain pump – The drain pump is designed to pump out water. If it’s faulty or broken, water won’t drain.
    3. Faulty lid switch – The lid switch tells the machine when the lid is closed properly, ensuring that it’s safe to operate. If it’s faulty, it can stop the machine from draining.
  • How to fix a washing machine that won’t drain

    Before attempting to fix your washing machine’s drainage problem, you must make sure you drain all the water, which you can do easily by bailing it out into a bucket or bowl. 

    Once you’re sure the machine is drained, try the following:

    1. Check the drain hose for kinks and straighten it out, ensuring everything’s properly connected. If you spot a blockage, remove it.
    2. See if there’s any debris in the drain pump, and if there is, remove it. If there’s a genuine fault with the drain pump, it’s best to replace it.
    3. Replace the lid switch if it’s faulty.

Your washing machine is leaking

A leaky washing machine is one of the most frustrating issues. Not only does it indicate a fault with your machine, but it also can cause damage to floors, walls and nearby appliances.

There are many reasons why your washing machine might be leaking. Some of the most common are:

  1. Damaged, disconnected or clogged hoses – If one of the machine’s hoses is compromised, it can cause leaks.
  2. Unlevel or overloaded machine – If the machine isn’t balanced or too full, it can wobble during a spin cycle, causing water to escape.
  3. Damaged water pump – The water pump circulates water through the machine. If it’s damaged, it can cause leaks underneath the drum.

How to fix a leaking washing machine

See if you can restore your leaking washing machine by trying the following:

  1. If you find that any of your washing machine’s hoses are faulty, replace them immediately. If the hose is clogged, flush it out with water. Make sure all hoses are re-connected to the water supply and washing machine before starting a cycle.
  2. Level your machine, ensuring it sits evenly, or avoid overloading when doing your laundry. Always stick to the manufacturer’s guidelines for load capacity.
  3. Install a new water pump following the manufacturer’s instructions. If in doubt, contact a professional technician.
  • Your washing machine door won’t open

    One of the most frustrating faults with a washing machine is if the door refuses to open. It’s tempting to try and use force – don’t! This can cause even more damage.

    1. Interrupted power supply – There may be a loose plug or the electrics in your house may have tripped, interrupting the machine’s power supply.
    2. Clogged drain pump – If the drain pump is blocked, it can’t remove all the water from your machine, causing the door lock to remain active.
    3. Twisted drainage pipe – Your drainage pipe connects the washing machine to the wall pipe. If it becomes twisted, water can’t drain properly, and the door will stay locked.
  • How to open a washing machine door

    There are a couple of quick fixes which may help you unlock your washing machine door, including:

    1. Make sure your machine is plugged in properly and the power switch is on. Also, check your fuse box to ensure the electrics in your house are working properly.
    2. Open the machine’s bottom front panel, and if you notice water in the drum, then it’s likely to be a clogged pump. Unscrew the filter and clean it if it’s dirty while also removing any trapped items.
    3. Straighten the drainage pipe, ensuring it’s not twisted or tangled and water can easily pass through.

    Sometimes, if your washing machine door is jammed shut, there’s little you can do as the door interlock is stuck. If this is the case, contact a repair expert and get them to come and sort it out for you.

Shopping for a new washing machine

If problems with your washing machine persist, it may be time to invest in a new one. You’ll find plenty of options at AEG, including: