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Top 10 Washing Machine Problems and How to Repair Them

AZparts Team

Updated on Today

13 min read

Washing machines are indispensable appliances in most modern households, significantly reducing the time and effort required for laundry tasks. However, over time, they may experience common issues such as failing to spin, not draining, or producing unusual noises. In this article, AZParts will highlight the 10 most frequent washing machine problems and offer easy repair solutions that you can do at home.

Top 10 Washing Machine Problems and How to Repair Them

1. Common Washing Machine Problems

1.1 Washing Machine Smells Bad

A musty-smelling washing machine is a common issue that can be quite unpleasant. This odor typically comes from the inside of the drum, where detergent residue, fabric softener, and lint build up over time. When the washer stays damp, especially if the door is kept closed, mold in the washing machine can easily grow and spread, leading to a stronger, lingering smell that transfers to your clothes.

A musty-smelling washing machine is a common issue that can be quite unpleasant (Source: Freepik)

To effectively solve this problem, an easy method is to run a hot wash cycle with white vinegar and baking soda, which helps remove residue and kill bacteria. If your washing machine has a “drum clean” or “tub clean” function, use it regularly ideally once a month to prevent mold and odor buildup.

For a reliable smelly washing machine fix, you should always leave the door open after each cycle to let the drum dry completely. By combining regular cleaning with proper ventilation, you can eliminate musty smells, prevent mold growth, and keep your washer running fresh and efficiently.

1.2. Washing Machine Leaks Water

One of the most frequent causes is a washing machine hose leak, often due to a loose connection, a cracked or kinked hose, or general wear and tear over time. If you’re using a front load washer leaking water, the problem may be coming from the door area. A washing machine door seal leak can occur when the rubber gasket around the door becomes worn out, stiff, or deformed.

If you’re using a front load washer leaking water, the problem may be coming from the door area (Source: Freepik)

To fix the problem, start by inspecting all the water inlet and drain hoses. If you find any loose or damaged connections, tighten or replace them as needed.

For front-load washers, leaks from the door area usually mean the rubber door gasket is damaged; replacing it with a quality part like the WPW10381562 can fix the issue.
If water is leaking from underneath, the tub seal may be worn out—replacing it with a part like the WH02X10383 Washer Tub Seal, specifically designed for GE and Hotpoint washers, helps stop internal leaks.

1.3. Washing Machine Won’t Spin

A common issue is the washer not spinning, leaving clothes wet after washing. This can be caused by overloading - try reducing the load. If that doesn’t help and the lid is properly closed, the problem may be due to a broken motor coupling, snapped drive belt, or faulty spin control components.

One of the most common and frustrating issues users face is when the washer won't spin (Source: Freepik)

In such cases, replacing faulty parts is essential for restoring normal operation:

W10913953 Washer Shift Actuator: This component manages the shift between the wash and spin cycles. When the shift actuator fails, the washer may get stuck in one mode, fail to spin, or stop unexpectedly. Replacing it can help restore smooth switching between cycles.
WH49X10042 Washer Agitator Coupler Kit: If the motor coupling washer is broken, the motor won’t effectively drive the agitator or drum. This can lead to odd noises and uneven washing. Replacing the agitator coupler ensures proper rotation and motion during the wash cycle.
W10817888 Washer Clutch Band Kit (6 pieces): In many cases, a drum not spinning issue originates from a worn clutch band. This component transfers spin power from the motor to the drum. A weak clutch can cause weak or jerky spinning, or even prevent spinning altogether.
27001006 Washer Drive Belt: The drive belt connects the motor to the drum. If the belt is broken, worn, or emitting a burnt rubber smell, the washer will not spin and may produce unusual noises. Replacing the belt can restore spin functionality.
80040 Agitator Dogs: For washers that use an agitator, replacing worn agitator dogs may be necessary if the agitator spins in only one direction or fails to move clothes around properly. These small parts help the agitator rotate correctly and maintain cleaning performance.

1.4. Washing Machine Won’t Fill With Water

If your washer isn’t filling with water, it could be due to a clogged water filter, low water pressure, or a faulty inlet valve. Dirt buildup can block water flow, while weak pressure may prevent the valve from opening. A damaged valve can also cause no water intake or constant flow, often triggering error codes like IE, F20, or 1E.

Washing Machine Won’t Fill With Water (Source: Freepik)

To fix the issue, users should regularly clean the inlet filter, check the water supply, and replace the inlet valve if needed. You should inspect and clean the water inlet screen filter regularly. If you notice weak water flow, consider installing a booster pump. In case of a damaged water inlet valve washer, replace it with a compatible part to restore proper machine function.

Recommended Replacement Parts:

285805 Washer Water Inlet Valve: Suitable when the washer is not filling or fills very slowly, often with error codes like IE or F20 (Whirlpool, LG, etc.).
DC97-15459G Inlet Valve: Designed for Samsung washers. Fixes issues of no water intake or continuous water flow, with errors like E1, 1E.
W11101906 / W11210463 Water Inlet Valve: Resolves weak water intake or continuous flow when the washer is not operating.
134637810 Inlet Valve (Frigidaire/Electrolux): Used when the washer doesn’t fill with water or has leaks around the inlet valve area.

1.5. Washing Machine Won’t Drain

One of the main causes is a drain pump clogged with debris, hair, or foreign objects, preventing water from flowing out properly. Additionally, a kinked drain hose or a washing machine stuck full of water can indicate a drainage system problem.

In some cases, a faulty drain pump motor or a malfunctioning control board may also prevent the washer from draining water as expected.

A washer not draining is a common issue that disrupts the washing cycle (Source: Freepik)

To unclog washer drain, you can start by cleaning the washer’s drain hose. Remove and thoroughly clean it to ensure smooth water flow. If the washer still doesn’t drain after cleaning, it’s likely that the drain pump is damaged and needs replacement. Using the right replacement parts will help restore your washer’s performance.

Recommended Replacement Parts:

280187 / 8181684 Washer Drain Pump Motor (Askoll M75): Responsible for extracting and draining water from the drum. Should be replaced if the washer is not draining, draining weakly, or making unusual noises during the draining process.
DC97-16991A Washer Drain Pump Filter (Samsung Drain Pump Filter): Ideal for washers with slow drainage, standing water issues, or error codes related to drainage problems (such as OE, F21, etc.).

1.6. Washing Machine Vibrates and Moves

A washer shaking violently and moving during the spin cycle is often caused by improper washing machine leveling, uneven feet, or an unstable floor surface. Additionally, a washing machine unbalanced load, where clothes are not evenly distributed in the drum, can lead to excessive vibration and loud banging noises.

To fix the issue, check the placement of your washer. Use a leveling tool if necessary and adjust the feet to ensure proper washing machine leveling. You should also arrange the laundry evenly in the drum and avoid washing too few or too many items at once. These steps help in stabilizing a washing machine and reducing unnecessary vibration.

Washing Machine Vibrates and Moves (Source: Freepik)

If the washer continues to shake violently despite proper leveling and balanced loads, it may be time to replace worn-out suspension components. One recommended replacement part is the DC97-16350V Suspension Rod Damper (compatible with Samsung models).

1.7. Washing Machine Leaves Marks on Clothes

If your washing machine stains clothes, leaves black marks on laundry, or your garments come out dirtier than before, the cause is likely a washer drum dirty from long-term use without proper cleaning. Over time, dirt, grease, and leftover detergent can accumulate inside the drum and transfer back onto your clothes during the wash cycle. In some cases, using too much detergent or the wrong type can lead to detergent residue on clothes, resulting in white streaks or sticky patches after washing.

The cause is likely a washer drum dirty from long-term use without proper cleaning (Source: Freepik)

To resolve this issue, it’s important to clean the washer drum regularly. You can use a commercial washing machine cleaner or natural ingredients like white vinegar and baking soda to break down buildup and disinfect the drum. Also, make sure to use the correct type and amount of detergent - ideally one formulated for washing machines - to avoid excessive suds and residue.

For heavy or large loads, consider selecting a wash cycle with an extra rinse step to ensure that all detergent and grime are thoroughly removed, keeping your clothes fresh and clean after every wash.

1.8. Using the Wrong Washing Detergent

Using the wrong detergent or too much detergent, especially in front-load or high-efficiency (HE) washers, can cause a variety of issues. Non-HE detergent in an HE machine creates excessive suds, which can overflow, cause water leakage, or even trigger error codes or safety locks, stopping the washer mid-cycle. Even when using the correct detergent, overuse can lead to residue buildup on clothes, a dirty drum, and black marks after washing. This not only affects wash quality but also accelerates wear on the machine’s internal parts.

A common mistake that reduces washing machine performance is using the wrong detergent in the washer (Source: Freepik)

To avoid these problems, always read the manufacturer's instructions, use only the recommended amount of detergent, and choose one formulated specifically for your machine type. Doing so will not only protect your washer but also ensure your laundry comes out clean and fresh every time.

1.9. Pausing a Washing Machine During a Cycle

A common issue when using a washing machine is the inability to pause the washing machine cycle and resume it later, especially in the middle of a wash. This can happen for various reasons, including technical malfunctions or the user accidentally stopping the cycle. For front-load washers, many models are designed to allow users to pause the washing machine cycle to add more laundry. However, if the pause is too long, the machine may fail to resume the wash cycle properly, resulting in an incomplete wash.

Pausing a Washing Machine During a Cycle (Source: Freepik)

If you encounter this problem, you can try to resume the wash cycle by pressing the "Start/Pause" button to continue the washing process. If the machine still doesn’t restart, there may be an issue with the control panel or the machine’s control board. In this case, a thorough inspection is recommended, and if necessary, seek the help of a professional technician to fix the issue.

Make sure to carefully read the user manual for your front-load washer to understand how to properly pause the washing machine cycle without disrupting the wash process.

1.10. Washer Door Won’t Unlock

A common issue many washing machine users face is a washing machine door stuck after the wash cycle is complete. This typically occurs when the automatic door lock mechanism has not been released or the door is jammed, preventing you from opening it after the wash cycle ends. One common cause is that there is still water inside the drum, or the machine is in a safety mode that prevents the door from being opened while there is water inside.

To resolve this, you can try to manually unlock the washer by following the instructions in the user manual or by using the emergency door release washer (if available). Some washing machines have an emergency release system, which can be accessed through a cord or a hidden button under the door. If the door still doesn’t open, check if there’s any water left in the drum. If so, you will need to drain the water manually to release the door lock.

A common issue many washing machine user's face is a washing machine door stuck after the wash cycle is complete (Source: Freepik)

If you cannot resolve the issue yourself, it's advisable to contact a technician to inspect and repair the door locking mechanism.

Here are some replacement parts from AZParts that might help you fix the issue of the washer door won’t open after wash:

Washer Door Striker – Part Number: 131763310

Compatible with: Frigidaire, Kenmore
Function: Locks the door/latch to ensure it is securely closed.
When to Replace: If the machine does not recognize that the door is closed, displays a door error, or will not start the wash cycle even after closing the door.

131763302 Washer Door Striker

Function: Keeps the door securely closed to activate the door lock switch.
When to Replace: If the door does not close, the machine displays a door error, or the cycle does not start (errors E41, E42).

W10810403 – Washer Lid Lock Assembly

Use When: The washing machine won’t start, or the lid won’t open or close.
Symptoms of Failure: The lid does not lock, the machine will not start the wash cycle, or the door is stuck and won’t open after washing.

These replacement parts can help you resolve the issue of a washer door won’t open after washing.

2. FAQs: Everything Else You Might Wonder About Washing Machines

2.1. How can I make my washing machine work better?

To ensure your washing machine operates efficiently, you should regularly clean the drum and water filter to remove any debris. Additionally, use the correct type of detergent, avoid using excessive amounts, and ensure that clothes are evenly distributed in the drum to prevent overloading or imbalance.

2.2. Where to find your washing machine’s serial number?

The serial number of the washing machine is usually affixed on a label on the door or the back of the machine. Additionally, you can also find the serial number in the user manual or on the warranty card of the machine.

2.3. What are transit bolts and why are they important?

Transit bolts are bolts used to secure the washing drum in place during transportation. They are crucial as they prevent the drum from moving, protecting the machine from damage. Before using the washing machine, you need to remove these bolts.

During the use of a washing machine, it's inevitable that issues may arise. However, most problems, such as the washer not draining, shaking violently, or the door not opening, can be easily fixed if you understand the cause and how to address it. Maintaining your washing machine in good condition not only protects the equipment but also saves on repair costs in the future. Always perform regular checks and cleaning, and replace parts when necessary to ensure your washing machine operates efficiently.

If you need to replace parts for your washing machine, we offer a range of high-quality genuine parts to keep your machine running smoothly. Contact us today to find the right washing machine parts for your needs.

Contact Information:

Address: 8 The Green, Ste A, Dover, Delaware 19901-3618, United States

Email: support@azparts.com

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