Why Is My Washing Machine Not Washing?
It can be seriously frustrating when something isn’t working, especially something you use regularly and rely on. If your washing machine isn’t washing properly, there is something wrong with it. It could be something minor that you can fix yourself, but you might need professional help, or it could be time for a new one.
So, if you’re standing by your leaky, blocked or noisy washing machine, you’re probably asking yourself, ‘Why is my washing machine not working?’ This article discusses the common complaints and problems for typical washing machines, solutions on how they could be fixed, and other helpful information about this hardworking appliance.
How long should a washing machine last?
A washing machine in a typical household gets used almost every day, but how long should a washing machine last?
Old washing machines commonly lasted around 10 years, some reaching 20 or 30 years. These days, modern washing machines are lucky to survive the 3-year mark. Some think manufacturers design washing machines only to have a short life span and use parts that are impossible to fix, so people buy washing machines regularly.
The UK laundry market size equates to over 1.8 million, and with the average person doing around 13,000 loads in their lifetime, this is unsurprising. Not only are you spending money on a new washing machine every few years, but laundry care products cost a pretty penny, not to mention the water consumption you’re paying for.
Cleaning your washing machine regularly, reading the labels on clothes, separating materials and using the correct wash cycle, as well as using a suitable detergent, can help keep the costs down.
Another alternative is to use a laundry service, like Love 2 Laundry, that does it for you; that way, you don’t have the headache of dealing with the enormous unnerving laundry pile or the bother of a broken washing machine. That way, you don’t even need to think about when everything should be washed.
Common washing machine complaints and problems
Some of the most common washing machine complaints include clothes not being washed properly, unfinished cycles, water temperature, leakages and blockages, noise and faulty doors.
For some problems relating to washing machines, it can be as simple as giving it a good clean, tightening something and getting some essential tools out, whereas other times, it requires an engineer or it’s time to do a skip run.
My washing machine isn’t cleaning my clothes properly
A blocked detergent line or tray is the most likely reason for your washing machine not cleaning your clothes properly. Alternatively, there could be a blockage elsewhere, meaning that detergent, germs, dirt and grime will eventually build up and transfer onto your clothes.
Try cleaning your washing machine, including the detergent drawer and the filter, and if that doesn’t work, check the drainage system for blockages.
Other reasons why your washing machine isn’t washing your clothes properly
Overloading- putting too much in at once will reduce the quality of the wash.
Using the wrong detergent or setting- check the labels on the laundry and separate them into materials that require the same temperature. Use a suitable detergent for the temperature and fabric.
Try getting to know the laundry symbols so you can better inspect the labels on your laundry to match the right setting on the machine.
My washing machine isn’t finishing its cycle
Most modern washing machines have a display that will show an error code if a cycle cannot be completed. Refer to the washing machine’s manual to decipher the meaning of the code and go from there.
If your washing machine hasn’t finished its cycle and isn’t displaying an error code, there are other causes, including faulty water heating, drainage issues, leaking or a defective connection. All of these reasons will force your washing machine to stop before the end of a cycle.
If you need clarification on the problem and no error code is displayed, call a qualified washing machine engineer to look at it.
My washing machine has problems with the spin cycle
They’re still sodden if you’re taking your clothes out of the washing machine after a spin cycle. The solution could be as simple as taking a few pieces of laundry out, as your washing machine will struggle to spin if it is overfilled.
If it’s not a problem with overloading, it could be one of these issues:
- Broken door latch or locking system
- Drive belt
- Blocked drain
- Faulty drive motor or pump
If you’re still not sure about the cause after a thorough inspection, call a professional for help.
My washing machine isn’t filling or draining properly
If you can see water in your washing machine at the end of a cycle that hasn’t drained or you can’t see any water swishing around in the drum, the problem is most likely due to a blocked drain, disconnection or disconnection or faulty pump.
If you can hear the pump, but no water is draining, the most feasible solution is to clean the drain. If you can’t hear the washing machine trying to drain, something is most likely wrong with the pump.
If you want to try and fix the problem yourself, open the door (get plenty of towels ready as water will pour out of the machine) and clear out any debris from the pump at the bottom of the machine. Disconnect the drainage hose from the back of the washing machine and clean it.
My washing machine is very noisy
There is nothing worse than getting home from work after a busy day and you’re trying to relax, but first, you put a wash on because you can see the ominous pile in the corner growing every time you walk past it, and all you can hear is the rattling, vibrating washing machine and the drum thudding as it spins.
This is not ideal; it can be annoying and shouldn’t be ignored as the problem will only get words.
It could be:
- A worn or cracked drum
- An unbalanced washing machine
- Too tight in the gap (particularly for integrated washing machines)
- Obstructions around the outer tub or inner drum
- Heavy wash loads
- Something in the laundry load is causing the noise.
But how do you fix a loud washing machine? For starters, always check your laundry for items that shouldn’t be going into the washing machine, like keys or pens, as this could cause noise from inside and it can also cause damage.
Check around the drum for debris, such as coins, loose straps or underwires, and clean the drum to ensure nothing obstructs it.
Ensure the washing machine isn’t too tightly packed into a small space, as the vibrations from the machine could be causing more noise by banging against a door or unit. Ensure the appliance is correctly balanced so it can’t wobble on the floor.
If it is a problem with a cracked or damaged drum or any other part of the washing machine is damaged, it’s time to call for professional help or get a new washing machine.
Common reasons for smelly washing
Not only do people complain about the washing machine not working correctly, but sometimes a washing machine can produce smelly clothes after a complete cycle, and no one wants to walk around wearing smelly clothes.
Clean your washing machine
Try cleaning your washing machine. Most people forget that the machine needs cleaning every so often to eliminate build-up and debris from dirty laundry. Not only this, but if there is a build-up in the detergent try, the cleaning product can’t do its job, so make sure you clean the tray too.
Is there an alternative?
Washing laundry is a challenging task; it is time-consuming. Not only is it incredibly frustrating to maintain a washing machine and have to buy a new one every few years, but laundry is hated housework. If done correctly, laundry needs to be separated, labels must be examined, and clothes grouped based on colour and material; it is pretty complex.
About Love 2 Laundry
Love 2 Laundry is an online laundry service in London that make dry cleaning and laundry service easy. You order online, using their app or on the website, and someone collects your laundry at the time and place you requested. Love 2 Laundry works its magic using its expertise, and voila! Your laundry is fresh, clean, and delivered back to you at the requested time and place.
Not only is this option perfect for busy people who don’t want to spend their precious free time doing laundry, but it means that your clothes are properly cleaned and pressed every single time, and you don’t have to worry about faulty washing machines letting you down.
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