Washing Machine Issues?

Washing machine common faults and how to fix them

It is good practice every few months to run a hot wash with no clothes or detergent in the washing machine. Use the hottest setting on the washing machine – around 90 degrees. It can be good to do this with a washing machine cleaner which is relatively low cost, it will help to keep the build-up of grime at bay and eliminate bad odour. Along with regular cleaning of the filter, this can eliminate any future problems. Prevention is often the best cure, but if you still have issues, the advice below should help get you moving again!

  

Please check out the step by step guide on:

how to open and empty/clean the filter

Have a towel handy – just in case!

  

Every washing machine is different and some filters are harder to locate. You should be able to find a Youtube video if you search for the make and model of your machine.

  

My washing machine doesn't clean my clothes

If your clothes aren't coming out clean, or smelling fresh one of the most common reasons is a blocked detergent line or tray. If your detergent and softener can't reach your clothes then your washing machine can't wash them properly. If there is a blockage that is left untreated, eventually detergent, germs and sometimes even mould will build up and transfer onto your laundry. This will also happen if the filter is clogged or the drainage pipe on the water outlet is blocked. Try cleaning out both the detergent drawer and filter before starting your next wash cycle. If it's still not working, you might need to check the drainage outside.

Other reasons for your clothes not being clean might include: 

• Overloading the machine – if you try to squeeze too many items in one wash, you could be left with no clean clothes at all. Putting too many clothes in at once means the clothes can't move around the machine, dirt can get trapped between items of clothing and it doesn't leave enough room for the detergent to disperse.
• Using the wrong detergent or selecting the wrong wash cycle – certain detergents work best at specific temperatures, so check you are using the right temperature for your chosen detergent. On the other hand, certain wash programs will be designed for specific garments - wool for example. Opting for the wrong cycle might result in items not being washed to the right level.

  

Why won't my washing machine finish its cycle?

If your machine is relatively modern, it should display an error code when it fails to finish a wash cycle. If so, check the manual to help you find the best way to resolve the problem.

When an error code doesn't appear, common causes include:

• Faulty heating – If the machine turns off in the first half hour, the water may not be heating up correctly, which will signal for the machine to stop mid-cycle. Get in touch if you believe this to be the problem.
• Drainage – If your machine cannot drain the water between each cycle then it could force the machine to come to a stop prematurely. Check for blockages in the filter and the drain hose using the steps above.
• Faulty connection – If there is a faulty connection your machine could turn itself on and off. This can be hard to determine so let Cloud know if you suspect this and we'll arrange a contractor.
• Overheating – If you have used your machine consecutively for the past five hours it might just be overheating. Give it a break and try again later, if it persists let us know.
• Leaks – Some machines will stop mid cycle if they suspect a leak. If you see water coming from anywhere on the machine check the hoses, pump and door seal. Sometimes it can be as simple as having a sock stuck in the door.

   

My washing machine won't spin

If your washing gets to the end of each cycle but refuses to spin, it could be down to something as simple as overloading your machine, causing it to become unbalanced. If you've jammed in too many heavy towels or thick hoodies, for example, the weight can affect the sensors and shut off the machine. Split the load and try again.

If it's not a problem with overloading, it could be one of these issues giving you a washing machine that won't spin:

• Broken door latch or interlock – When the door closes fully the latch will be secure and that will signal to the interlock that the door is closed and it is safe to to move on to the next step in the cycle. The interlock will then ensure that the door stays shut while the wash is in progress. If either of these are broken or worn away then the washing machine will not get the green light to start spinning. You can check this by pressing the latch – if it doesn't click, it's broken. Also look at the plastic parts around the door lock, if they are worn or corroded the signal might not be working.
• Drive belt – You can find out if the belt is the issue by opening the door and trying to spin the drum. There should be some resistance – if the drum turns easily with no resistence then the belt might need replacing. Let us know if you think this might be the problem and we'll arrange a contractor.
• Drain block – If the drum cannot drain then the spin cycle will not begin. If you can still see water inside when the spin should be starting this is a clear sign you need to check your pipes or filter for a blockage using the steps at the beginning of this blog.

   

My washing machine isn't heating the water

Most modern washing machines will display an error code on the control panel if there's a problem with the heating system. You can then search for this error code along with the make and model of your machine to find a fix.

It's also important to note that just because you cannot feel the heat through the washing machine it doesn't mean the water isn't hot, as most machines are insulated. If the clothes are being effectively cleaned and there's no error code, then the heating is probably fine.

  

Why does my washing machine smell?

You spend so much time using your washing machine to clean your clothes you forget that it might need a wash itself from time to time. Smells can come from a dirty door seal or a mouldy drum or detergent drawer.

But the first thing to check is the filter and the drain hose for any blockages. Put towels on the floor to soak any excess water and pull out the filter (normally placed at the bottom of the machine). Remove any material or debris.

Before checking the drain hose, grab a bucket because there could be a gush of water when you detach it from the waste trap under the sink. Inspect both the hose and the trap for anything that could be clogging it up.

If it's clear, then you might need to give the machine a good clean. Mould, built-up grime and detergent can all contribute to bad smells. 

How to clean a smelly washing machine

1. Run a regular, hot, service wash.
2. Clean the rubber seal.
3. Wash the detergent drawer and lint filter.
4. Leave the washing machine's door and drawer open.
5. If you've done numbers one to four and your washing machine is still smelling, check your stand pipe.

   

Washing machine has a burning smell

A burning smell coming from your washing machine can indicate a potentially dangerous situation. Immediately turn off the machine and unplug it.

It's important not to try and attempt to fix the machine yourself. Instead, call Cloud to arrange a contractor.

   

My washing machine won't drain

If your washing machine won't drain off the excess water, then it will either be caused by a blockage or the pump is broken. You can check which is more likely by listening to the machine during a cycle. 

If you can hear the pump running but the water isn't draining, then it's a blockage. If you can't hear the pump, something's wrong with it. Whether it's a coin, tissues or a loose sock, blockages are common in washing machines. 

First unplug the washing machine and lay down some towels – water will leak out. Next, inspect the pump filter, which is typically situated at the bottom of the machine, and clear it of any debris.

Now, inspect the drain hose. Typically attached to the waste trap under the sink, the drain hose will be connected via a spigot. 

Unscrew this and empty the excess water from the hose into a bucket or sink. Look in the hose and the waste trap for blockages and remove if necessary. If there is still a problem, let us know and we will send out an engineer.

   

Why is my washing machine leaking?

First, check your detergent. Using incorrect products or too much soap can result in excess suds that could cause the drum to overfill and leak.

Next, ensure the machine is completely level – if the machine is wonky, water can seep out. Let us know and we will have the level adjusted.

If the leak is slightly smaller and coming from the front, this could be the washing machine door. Sometime it might be as simple as an item of clothing being trapped in the door. But often the seal around the dome can become worn with age, resulting in leaking and/or condensation, but it's easily replaceable by an engineer.

   

My washing machine is overfilling

The most common reason for a washing machine overfilling with water is a broken water-level pressure switch. The pressure switch uses air pressure to sense the water level in the machine and tells your washing machine when to stop. There is also a tube attached to the switch. If this has come away from the switch the machine could also risk overfilling. 

Another possible culprit could be the water inlet valve. This electronic valve controls the filling of the water. If the valve is faulty and doesn't close during each cycle once the water is at the appropriate level, it will overfill. Both of these issues require an engineer, get in touch with Cloud and we will arrange one for you.

  

Why is my washing machine so noisy?

Whether your washing machine hums, buzzes or vibrates, excessive noise then is something you shouldn't ignore.

Leaving your washing machine to cause excess noise even though it's still running could result in breaking the machine completely.

The possible causes include:

• Worn drum bearings
• Unbalanced washing machine feet
• Obstructions in the outer tub and inner drum
• Heavy wash loads - for this problem, make sure you split your loads and don't wash a big load of heavy items together

Strange noises coming from a washing machine are a slightly different concern to the machine simply being loud. Sounds such as rattling, scraping or knocking shouldn't be ignored, even if they're quiet. The most common reasons for strange washing machine sounds are coins and bra wires so look out for any foreign oblets in your drum or caught in the filter.

   

My washing machine door won't lock

If your washing machine door refuses to lock, then you firstly need to inspect the door and the handle – is there any visible damage that would mean the latch won't operate or anything jamming it? If the door looks fine, then the most likely culprit is a faulty door interlock, contact us for an engineer.

   

My washing machine door won't open

There are plenty of reasons why a washing machine door might refuse to budge, including:

• Drainage – As with all washing machines, if the excess water cannot be drained away from the drum adequately, not only will the cycle stop but the door will also lock this is to stop you emptying water all over your floor! If you can visibly see water left in the drum at the end of the wash then it's likely you have a blockage in the drain hose or the pump. See above for how to drain water from your machine.
• Door damage – If the door, handle or latch has any damage this could cause the machine to not open.
• Faulty interlock – The interlock is a mechanism further inside that keeps the door shut while a wash is in process. If this is damaged, the washing machine won't know the wash has stopped and therefore won't signal that the door can be opened. As above, let us know and we will arrange an engineer.

   

The detergent drawer is sticking shut 

Detergent drawers are prone to build-ups of mould, detergent residue. As well as looking unpleasant, build ups can prevent detergent from being washed into the machine and water entering the drum.

Most problems with detergent drawers can be fixed by giving them a good clean, and manufacturers recommend you do this regularly anyway.

Remove the drawer completely from the washing machine (there is normally a small clip or lip to push in to release the drawer), then while wearing gloves, use lukewarm water and washing-up liquid to give it a good scrub. You'll also want to clean the gap where the drawer sits in the machine, paying particular attention to the holes in the top as these often get blocked with residue.

It's also worth doing a service wash on your machine, which means running a very hot wash or a special program. Doing this once a month will help to keep dirt and grime at bay.

   

My washing machine won't turn on

When your washing machine won't turn on, the first thing to check is the connection and the socket. Is it plugged in? Does the socket look damaged? Can another appliance get power from the same socket? It might not be a fault with the washing machine. Check your fuse board to see if it has tripped. You can find more information on how to check this here

Once you've confirmed that the electricity supply isn't the problem, check the standby switch on the machine. Does it depress normally? Does it stay depressed? Does it look broken? If so, the switch may need replacing.

  

My washing machine won't turn off

If the power to your washing machine won't turn off then your standby button may be faulty. But if the wash cycles won't stop and just continues after every spin, then it's probably down to the timer or control board. An engineer will be needed to replace either of these parts.

If the pump or drain is blocked, therefore stopping the excess water being removed, the machine will also continue to run and it won't advance to spin or finish until the water is drained. Check both for obstructions using the steps at the start of this blog.

  

If you can't find your washing machine problem listed above, get in touch with the team and we will help you get back up and running!