Appliance Repair 101: Washing Machines

Loud Noises

Washing machines are not the quietest appliances. With the hum of the motor, the sound of water sloshing around, and the drum rotating, it can be difficult to determine if your washer is making any unusual noises. Over time, “worry sounds” like scraping and thumping can become more pronounced, making it harder to recognize when something is wrong.

If you notice unusual noises such as scraping, banging, thumping, or grinding coming from your washing machine, it is likely in need of repair or replacement. Pay special attention to sounds that worsen over time, as they may indicate that a part is on the verge of failure. Banging noises could suggest a loose drum or a malfunctioning motor while scraping or grinding sounds might indicate a loose part rubbing against other components inside the machine.

Clothes Aren’t Coming Out Clean

If your clothes come out of the washing machine just as dirty as when they went in, it may indicate one of three issues:

1. You might be using too much detergent, which can clog the detergent tray.
2. You could be using too little detergent.
3. There may be malfunctioning parts in your washer, such as frayed seals, a damaged drum, or a faulty heating element.

Before calling a professional for help, check the detergent tray for any clogs. Additionally, see if your washing machine has a lint trap that could be blocked. If it does, make sure to clean it regularly to prevent buildup.

The Washing Machine Is Leaking

A leaking washing machine is never a good sign. It could indicate a bad seal, a cracked drum, a misaligned door, a failing water sensor, or a clogged supply hose. Some of these issues are easy to identify, while others, like a misaligned door or a faulty sensor, may require a professional diagnosis.

Often, a leak is caused by a loose water supply hose. You can check this yourself by examining the hose at the back of the washing machine. If it is disconnected or if you notice moisture on the hose, it will need to be reconnected or replaced.

Before attempting any repairs, consider contacting a professional to handle the issue. One mistake could leave you standing ankle-deep in water before you know it.

Too Much Or Not Enough Water In The Drum

A washing machine’s drum, which holds the clothes and water, can encounter issues if it fills with too much or too little water.

If the drum is overfilled, some water may be left behind after a cycle, causing your clothes to come out soaked. This happens because the spin cycle is unable to remove the excess water effectively. An overfilling drum could indicate a faulty sensor, which is often replaceable.

Conversely, if the drum is not getting enough water, this could signify a more serious problem. Possible causes include a cracked drum, a failing motor, or a malfunctioning sensor. Depending on the make and model of your washing machine, the drum may not be replaceable. In such cases, you might have to buy a new washer. However, a professional should be able to repair or replace the motor and sensor if those are the issues.

It Smells Like Mildew

Few things are worse than pulling a freshly washed load of laundry out of the washing machine, only to discover that the drum, along with your clothes, smells like mildew. In such a situation, should you wash your laundry again in hopes that the smell will disappear, or do you need to take more drastic measures to eliminate the odour?

Sometimes, you can remove unpleasant smells from a washing machine by running a couple of cycles with only bleach and hot water. There are also commercial cleaners designed specifically for eliminating odours in washing machines. However, it’s important to use caution, as some of these products may damage your appliance. In many cases, using chemical cleaners may not completely resolve the mildew issue.

If you’re fortunate, replacing the seal may help, but often this type of smell can be quite difficult to eliminate. In some situations, you may ultimately need to replace the washing machine.