7 Common Washing Machine Problems and The Ways to Fix Them

Featured Image Source: brgfx via Freepik

The washing machine is one of your best allies when it comes to cleaning clothes and household linens. However, there can be a number of scenarios that may cause it to break down. 

If you’re experiencing this, we’re here to help! We’ve made an easy-to-follow guide to help you fix the most common washing machine problems. 

Washing Machine Types and Their Common Failure Points

Let’s talk about the types of washing machines first. This helps because some types actually do cost more to repair, being more complex, and may be more prone to certain issues than others. 

Anyway, if your broken washer does end up biting the dust, knowing your alternatives can be useful. 

It’s not just about common issues unique to each type either: there are also considerations like the amount of space each type often needs. Whether you live in a house, a serviced apartment, or a furnished apartment, it’s wise to choose a washer you can use comfortably in your setting.  

Anyway, here are the different washing machine types along with their pros and cons. 

Of course, we included the common failure issues associated with each type and their repair costs. Note that these are just estimates and can still vary.

Ways to Fix Common Washing Machine Problems

Now that you have a general idea about washing machine types, let us look into the common washing machine problems you may encounter together, with some easy fixes you can try. 

1. The washing machine is producing strange noises. 

A washer that’s suddenly making strange noises is undoubtedly alarming for some. However, before you panic, it’s best to know that a variety of reasons can cause incessant clicking, buzzing, or gurgling sounds, and most can also be solved immediately. 

Solution

If you catch a clicking sound when the machine is running, you can turn it off and check if there are coins or other foreign objects lodged in your washing machine’s drain. Remove any item that’s been caught inside.

To avoid this problem, make sure that your clothes’ pockets are empty before washing. 

Buzzing or gurgling sounds, on the other hand, can be caused by foreign objects stuck in the washer’s pump or drain line. Again, you just have to remove the object to get rid of the noise and to prevent severe damage to the pump. 

2. It is not draining properly.

Drainage problems can’t be taken lightly. Well, if you don’t fix them immediately, you’ll end up with a flooded floor, which may compromise your washer’s lifespan.

Solution 

A blocked drain hose is one of the major reasons a washing machine is not draining properly. That is why one of the easiest fixes you can try is removing any item that may be clogging the hose. 

Back siphoning can also happen if the drain hose is sealed into the standpipe. Make sure that the small gap around the drain hose inside of the standpipe is open. This allows air into the pipe connection.

3. The washer has a bad or funny smell.

It’s pretty common for laundry machines to develop a strong, musty, or mildew smell after some time. It may be caused by bacteria or mold growth in the washer tub. 

Here’s what you can do to remove this weird odor. 

Solution

Mix ¼ cup of baking soda with ¼ cup of water and put the mixture in the washer’s detergent container. After that, pour two cups of white vinegar into the inner drum.

Let the washing machine run on a normal cycle at high heat. Of course, you’ll have to ensure that there are no clothes in the drum before doing so. 

Once done, you can scrub away any stubborn grime or spots with a kitchen sponge. 

4. The washing machine is not spinning. 

A washer that’s not spinning can either be a small problem with a simple fix or a complicated issue that may require the assistance of a washing machine repair service or electrician. 

Solution 

Let’s first discuss the simple cause. You see, your washing machine may stop during a cycle if there are too many clothes or linens inside. 

When the load is not properly distributed into the inner drum, the washer may stop spinning. If this happens, you will have to redistribute your laundry or remove some stuff for it to spin again. 

If that doesn’t fix the issue, then it’s most likely caused by a malfunctioning internal component (probably the motor or the control board). Since you need to have it repaired or replaced for it to spin again, it’s best to hire a qualified repair team with the right tools and equipment to handle the job for you. 

5. The clothes I washed came out ripped. 

Did you notice tiny holes, tears, or rips on your clothes? Well, the culprit may be your faulty washing machine. 

Note that this issue is not always caused by the washer per se, but also the items left inside the drum and the way you use the machine. 

Solution 

The first thing we suggest you do is to check if there are any sharp items left inside the washer. People tend to forget to empty their clothes’ pockets when they put them inside so these objects can scratch and damage other clothes.  

If there are no foreign objects inside, there might be something wrong with the washer’s drum paddles – the triangular plastic pieces that help direct the water flow inside. 

Sometimes these parts break off, so the sharp metal hinges where they are connected can damage your clothes or linens. You may have to repair or change the drum paddles when this happens.  

6. It is not filling up with enough water. 

If you notice that there’s not enough water during the wash or rinse cycle, then there might be a problem with the washer’s water-level switch. 

This switch is the one sending the command to stop the water supply if it reaches its required quantity. 

Now, if the water-level switch is malfunctioning, it will turn the inlet valve (the one connecting the water hose to the washer) off even if the water is not yet enough. Besides that, this problem can also cause overfilling. 

Solution 

Look for the water-level switch. Most washing machines have it at the bottom of their outer tub. Once you have located it, you can try removing and reconnecting the switch. 

In most cases, doing this step can solve the problem. However, if it didn’t work, you can also check if there’s no dirt or lint blocking the inlet valve or hose. 

Again, if you think the water-level switch needs further repairs, it’s best to call a handyman or professional repair services near you. 

7. The washing machine shakes or bounces around. 

Vibration or slight movements during a washing cycle is completely normal. 

However, if you notice that it is shaking violently or bouncing around loudly, don’t be afraid. 

It’s not haunted. This might just be an indication that there’s something that needs to be repaired or replaced in your washing machine. 

Solution

For it to function properly, your washer needs to be placed on a leveled floor. If it’s not balanced, it will shake or bounce around. 

That is why we suggest that you buy washing machine pedestals or hire a carpenter who can build a customized stand made of rubber or plastic if you will place it on an uneven surface. 

Another reason why a washer vibrates loudly or bounces a lot during a wash cycle is that the load is not evenly distributed inside the drum. 

For example, if you will only wash one rug, you might notice that the vibrations are louder because it’s not even half of the regular load. 

For this reason, we don’t recommend using the washer for a single item. Aside from potentially damaging the washing machine, it’s also a waste of electricity. 

Nonetheless, if the need arises, we suggest that you put the washer on its lowest setting to prevent it from shaking violently. 

FAQs About Washing Machines in Dubai