What To Do When Your Washer Won’t Wash

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In today’s fast-paced world, one appliance stands out as a true time and energy saver: the washing machine. Before its invention, people spent countless hours each week handwashing garments of all types, from slightly soiled to caked in mud. Every piece had to be scrubbed, rinsed, and wrung out by hand—a tedious and exhausting process. Thankfully, modern washing machines have freed us from this labor-intensive chore. But what happens when your trusty washer starts to lose its effectiveness? Read on for practical tips to restore its performance and keep your laundry routine running smoothly.

1. Check Power and Settings

  • Power Supply: Ensure the washer is plugged in and hasn’t begun to slip from of the outlet. Check the main electrical panel to see if the breaker has tripped
  • Settings: Double-check that the cycle, water level, and temperature settings are correct for your load.

2. Inspect the Lid or Door

  • Door/Lid Switch: If the washer doesn’t start, the lid or door might not be fully closed, or the switch could be faulty.
  • Test by opening and closing the lid firmly to ensure it’s engaging properly, and nothing is blocking it’s function.

3. Verify Water Supply

  • Hoses: Check that both hot and cold water supply hoses are connected and the water valves are fully open.
  • Water Pressure: Ensure there’s sufficient water pressure for the machine to fill.

4. Examine the Drum

  • Obstructions: Look for any items stuck in the drum or agitator that might block movement.
  • Overloading: Make sure you haven’t overloaded the washer, as this can prevent proper agitation.

5. Inspect the Detergent

  • Right Type/Amount: Ensure you’re using the correct detergent and the proper amount. Excess detergent can leave residue and affect washing.
  • Detergent Drawer/Dispenser: Clean out clogs or buildup.

6. Check for Drainage Problems

  • If the washer doesn’t drain properly, it might leave clothes dirty.
    • Drain Hose: Make sure the hose isn’t kinked, clogged, or improperly positioned.
    • Filter: Check the drain filter for debris or blockages.

7. Monitor Agitation or Spinning

  • Agitator Issue: If the drum doesn’t move, the motor, belt, or agitator mechanism might be faulty.
  • Uneven Load: Rebalance the load if the drum isn’t spinning properly.

8. Run a Maintenance Cycle

  • Clean the washer with a maintenance cycle using washing machine cleaner or vinegar to remove buildup that may affect performance.
  • If none of the above fixes work, contact a professional appliance repair service or the washer’s manufacturer for assistance.

The suggestions above offer a great starting point to troubleshoot and potentially fix the issue with your washer quickly and easily. Sometimes the solution is right in front of your eyes! Other times, however, the failure is larger than your skillset and may require a technician to formally diagnose and repair the problem. If you find that to be the case, File a Claim with Complete Protection™ to get a professional out to take a look. Don’t have an account yet? Sign up today!