How to Repair Your Washing Machine

Repair a Washing Machine That Won't Turn On

One of the most common washer problems is a machine that will not start when you press the "on" button or turn the dial.

1. Check the Machine Is Plugged In

   Washing machines can move around a lot and might get unplugged, especially when a load of laundry is not balanced.

   • Double-check the power cord behind the washer to ensure it's plugged in.
   • Untie any shortened cords to give the appliance wiggle room.
     

2. Check the Circuit Breaker

   Check the circuit breaker hasn't tripped.

   • Reset the breaker by flipping it to the "off" position.
   • Wait a few seconds, then flip it back to the "on" position.
     

3. Check the Lid

   If the lid of a top-loading or front-loading machine is not fully closing, this fail-safe can stop the washer from functioning.

   • Front-loading washer: Ensure the front-loader washer's lid and the machine's switch strike plate connect. This connection tells the machine the door is closed and safe to fill with water.
   • Top-loading washing: Test the lid mechanism by turning the machine "on" and pushing the lever in the lid latch hole with a pen or screwdriver. Water should start to fill the basin.
     

Repair Washing Machine That Won't Clean Clothes

If you notice your clothes come out dirty or covered in lint and hair after a wash cycle, make some small adjustments.

1. Avoid Overloading the Washer

   Follow the owner's manual instructions to avoid overloading your washer and ensure it has enough room to run its rinse cycle.
   

2. Use Less Detergent

   Too much detergent has the opposite effect: It can redeposit lint, retain grime, and add a soapy film to clothing.

3. Wash Pet Stuff Separately

   • Separate pet-related items like blankets, beds, and chew toys from your clothing and linens.
   • If the load is filthy or your pet sheds a lot, clean the washing machine by hand before using it for your things.
     

Repair Washing Machine That Will Not Spin

This issue occurs when a washer basin has drained of water but refuses to spin or spins slowly.

1. Redistribute the Clothing

   • Heavy items like towels, sheets, jeans, and knitwear can unbalance a machine.
   • Pause the cycle and redistribute the clothing within the washing machine tub.
     

2. Level the Machine

   Your washer will automatically stop spinning if it's not sitting evenly.

   • Use a laser level or bubble level to check if the machine is still level on the floor.
   • Adjust the legs to re-level the machine or add a level platform under the washer.
   • If this fails, you may need to re-level the floor.
     

3. Check for Clogs

   • Turn off the water to your washer.
   • Check for clogs in the drainage hose behind the machine and the drain pump in the back or below the door.
     

Fixing a Loud Washer

If the washing machine thumps or grinds during the agitation or spin cycles, this excessive movement can cause long-term damage.

1. Lubricate or Replace the Tub Bearings

   • The tub bearings, found directly below the machine's tub, could be worn out and need replacement.
   • If your washer is squeaking, try lubricating the tub bearings.
   • Use grease, mineral oil, or synthetic oil as a lubricant.
     

2. Check the Belts

   If you notice a loud machine and the smell of burning rubber, the washing machine motor drive belt or pulley may be worn out, cracked, or frayed.

   • This repair involves disassembling a significant section of the machine.
   • Call a professional for this fix.
     

Repair a Washing Machine That Doesn't Agitate

If your washer's tub fills with water but the agitator (central post twisting mechanism in a top-loading machine) does not move, it could be malfunctioning small plastic cogs (also called "dogs").

1. Test the Function of the Cogs

   • Open the lid while the machine is in agitation mode.
   • Push down the lid switch with the blunt end of a pen so the machine keeps running.
   • If it's making normal sounds or a grinding noise, but the agitator is not moving, the cogs likely need replacement. Unless you have some experience, it's usually best that a professional handle this.
     

2. Reset the Machine

   • A power spike may have impacted your machine's washer motor, which needs resetting.
   • All brands have different reset procedures; check your owner's manual for information about resetting the machine.
     

Repair Washing Machine That Fills But Doesn't Drain

Clogs and pump tube issues can cause drainage issues.

1. Check for Clogs

   • Bail water out of the tub with a measuring cup or jug.
   • Unplug the machine.
   • Remove the screws on the front panel, tilt the machine up, and keep it propped at an angle with two-by-four boards or bricks.
   • Use a set of pliers to untwist any clogs from the pump gently.
     

2. Check the Tube

   • Look at the tube leading to the pump for a clog.
   • Grab a bucket and unclamp the tube.
   • Drain the water inside into the bucket and check for clogs. If there is one, it is usually at the end of the hose.
   • Pull it out by hand or with pliers.
     

Repair a Vibrating Washer

During the spin cycle, violent shaking or vibrating can cause a washing machine to "walk" or move. You may notice this more when using a high-efficiency machine.

1. Balance the Load

   An unbalanced load is the most common (and easily fixed) cause of a shaking washer.

   • Top-load machines: Drape long, heavy items around the central agitator and evenly distribute large items in the tub.
   • Front-load machines: Pause the cycle, loosen the items in the washer so they can move more freely during the cycle, and distribute them evenly.
     

2. Check the Machine's Level

   • Use a bubble level or laser level to assess the machine's level from side to side and front to back.
   • Adjust the machine's level by turning the machine's legs up or down.
     

3. Tighten Connection Straps (Stacked Machines)

   Stacked washer-dryer sets use connection straps to keep them aligned.

   • Check the straps since they can come loose and cause the units to shake.
   • Tighten or replace connection straps found on the sides of the machines if they have become worn down.
     

4. Consider Using Anti-Vibration Pads

   Independent testing has shown that 3-inch-thick vibration pads do an excellent job of deadening shaking and vibration.

   • Install inexpensive, easy-to-find anti-vibration pads to reduce excessive movement.
     

When to Call a Professional

Code errors are a good first clue as to what is wrong with your machine. They could point to something simple, like an open door, or something more complex, like a sensor issue. Sensor issues are more complicated and require the help of a pro.

Try rebalancing the laundry, resetting your machine, checking the circuit breaker and power plug, looking for clogs, and ensuring the door latch works. Beyond those fixes, it's time to call a professional. Any further actions you take could stress the machine and damage more parts.