In this article, we will focus on problem solving for the most common problems with washers. For this purpose, we have selected the most common defects, problems and operating errors in our experience and offer problem solutions for them in this article.
front loading washing machine open
In our opinion, this includes :
- Unpleasant odor and musty smell from the washing machine
- The washing machine no longer opens. What now?
- The washing machine no longer spins!
- The washing machine does not draw water. What is the reason?
- The automatic washing machine no longer pumps the water.
- Water leaks from the machine.
However, before you get into the details, we recommend the following first of all, the following cleaning of the lint filter carry out. Because often this small screen is the cause of common problems with our washing machines.
The cleaning we have described in detail in our video and in the article. The cleaning is done in approx. 10-15 minutes carried out. Often the problems are already solved.
How to clean your lint filter!
Since a dirty lint filter is the cause of many defects and problems in washing machines in practice, we have a comprehensive article a step-by-step guide for cleaning the lint filter written. There is also a video tutorial.
If you have problems with your machine, we always recommend that you first clean it as follows. Often the problem is solved.
Problem 1: unpleasant odor and musty smell from the washing machine
This problem unfortunately occurs with some of our blog readers. Many inquiries about this have already reached us. That is why we have written a detailed article on this subject. Therefore we go here only again briefly on the problem.
Main reason for odor formation from the washing machines are usually bacteria. These form due to moisture in the washing machine. This will cause an unpleasant odor and musty odor formation.
It also becomes problematic when this odor is transferred to the washed laundry. Then it is imperative to hurry up.
What can you do against the odor?
To solve this problem, let’s take a look at the main reasons for bacteria and mold growth in the washing machine. At the same time we explain the solution to the problem.
Bacteria formation in the lint filter
lint filter open
the lint filter serves as a filter for the washing water that runs off. Here you will find hair, partly coins and all kinds of leftovers from the washed laundry. Many people do not clean the lint filter until the machine is causing problems. This is why it is usually a paradise for bacteria.
Problem solutionTurn out the lint filter and check it. Clean it carefully and rinse it under hot water.
Tip from usthe lint filter is usually located at the bottom right of the washing machine and is equipped with a rotary switch to turn it out. attention: water leaks quickly. Provide a container!
Cause: residual moisture in the washing machine
Often happens with a defective pump in the washing machine. Then moisture accumulates under the washing drum and over time bacteria and mold form. In this case, the only solution is to replace the lint pump. Is however rather rare with a functioning washing machine.
Problem solvingCheck the function of the lye pump and replace it if there are any leaks. Is more for experts and a service technician.
Mildew and bacteria in the detergent compartment
Mildew is already forming here
The detergent compartment, and especially the fabric softener compartment, looks really bad on some washing machines. Apparently some people don’t mind if there are already black mold forms. What goes on in these heads is a mystery to us, but it is indeed a frequently occurring problem.
Of course, in the detergent and fabric softener compartments there always remains a residual moisture and therefore you have to do this clean the tray regularly.
Problem solving: in all washing machines you can remove this compartment. Most of the time there is a special push button or you can remove it from the rail. Please refer to the operating instructions of your washing machine and then clean the removed detergent compartment under hot water and with detergent.
Problem zone rubber seals on the door
Residual moisture and bacteria in the sealing rubber
On the rubber seal of the washing machine door there is always residual moisture. This rubber seal also consists of several layers and here is the ideal space for hair, moisture and so many other things. Because it’s always humid here, odors are often caused by bacteria.
Problem solvingClean the rubber seal, especially in the gaps, and dry it often. Of course, you don’t do this after every wash, but you should clean it regularly to prevent odors from forming.
Lime deposits in the washing machine
Lime residues and lime deposits in the washing machine are an ideal basis for the formation of bacteria and mold. This then results in a musty smell, which in extreme cases can also infest your laundry.
Depending on the lime content of your washing water this happens faster or slower. You can ask your water company what the hardness of your water is. The harder the water, the higher the limescale content.
Problem solvingdecalcify your washing machine regularly with a special decalcifier. You can get this for a few euros in any supermarket. To keep your washing machine lime-free! And thus also free of bacteria and mold.
Washing temperatures too low
Energy efficient washing machines and ever decreasing power consumption has led to modern washing machines being more efficient at always lower temperatures wash.
What many do not know : even if you set 60 ° on your washing machine, the real washing temperature is often much lower. In the special programs, the washing temperature is usually set very low to minimize power consumption. the problem with this is that it facilitates the formation of bacteria. Because high temperatures are the natural enemy of these bacterial cultures.
Problem solution: run a boiling wash cycle once a month. You can also do this without laundry in the drum. This effectively prevents the formation of bacteria and already existing bacteria are killed quite reliably.
Problem 2: the washing machine does not open anymore! What now?
Unlocking mechanism on the door
Also a problem that some of our readers have reported: the washing machine indicates that the washing process is finished but does not allow the washing machine door to be opened.
There are several reasons for this. Direct cause is of course that the lever is blocked and the bull’s eye does not open. But of course this has several reasons.
Possible solutions
1. Just wait a short time
Just when someone washing machine brand new this is often the problem. The washing machine already shows that the washing program has run through, but until the door is released it still takes a little bit. Is so in rare cases. Therefore, just wait a few minutes longer and see if the door then still opens.
2. Light shaking sometimes helps with old machines
The washing machines usually have in their doors a so called "blockage" snap mechanism built in. Especially with older machines it can happen that this mechanism is not working properly something jammed is.
Therefore, it may help slightly at the bull’s eye, or. To jiggle the washing machine door. Also light shocks against the frame can help. Trying to open the door with the handle at the same time.
Note: but please only with little use of force. You do not want to break the door, but only to solve a possible jamming.
3. Check if the water has been pumped out
A quite normal safety procedure for washing machines is the door blockage when water is not pumped out in the washing drum.
This makes sense : because if there is still water in the washing drum, then the whole thing would run into your apartment. This is why washing machines block the door when the sensors indicate that the water has not yet been pumped out. With defective machines, the problem is: sometimes this is true, sometimes not.
Every washing machine has a washing program "pump down". The name varies slightly, of course. Therefore, set this program and let the machine pump again. Check afterwards if the door can be opened now.
4. Contaminated lint filter
Often the indirect problem when a washing machine has not pumped out after the washing program. This causes the water still in the washing machine and the door will not open.
Therefore, check if your lint filter is very dirty. If this is clogged, the washing water cannot drain off. Note, however, that if you unscrew the lint filter, the water will drain directly from the washer. Therefore, you need containers to collect the washing water.
Most of the time a washing machine has a drain hose next to the lint filter. Open the drain hose and drain the water before removing the lint filter. Then clean the lint filter and put it back in place.
5. Manual unlocking of the door
Some fully automatic washing machines have a special switch to turn the unlock the door manually if it is blocked. Please check your manual to see if this is the case for you. It is important to check if the drum is still full of water, because if it is, you will have to put cloths under the machine to soak up the water when you open the door.
If all else fails, check the warranty and call a service technician!
Problem 3: the washing machine no longer spins properly!
Often the cause of the problem: a clogged / kinked drain hose
If you find that the spin cycle is not working properly, we recommend that you first check the lint filter again. Because even here modern washing machines have a safety device. If the water not pumped out has been removed, then the Spin cycle not started. Because that would be disastrous!
The washing machine would almost certainly move around and cause damage. Not to mention the damage to the washing machine itself. Therefore, check if there is still water in the washing drum and then clean the lint filter (as described above).
Possible solutions
Cause : clogged drain hose
Sometimes it is simply the case that the water drain hose of the machine is clogged by residues and dirt. Therefore, check your water drain hose to see if the water can pass through. Sometimes you can find things like paper tissues and remnants of clothing.
The transport lock is still in place
Also a mistake we have often encountered : the new washing machine was installed and connected, but it was forgotten the transport lock has been removed. Then the washing machine does nothing. This is a good thing, because otherwise it will break directly. Therefore, check whether the transport safety device is a new machine has been removed.
Again the short overview :
- First check the lint filter for heavy contamination and clean it
- check the drain hose for permeability
- Check whether the transport safety device has been removed from a new machine
Another reason for the abortion of the spin cycle in modern washing machines is an unbalance in the washing drum. D.H. The load is extremely awkward or the machine is not level and wobbles. In such cases, the machine will stop or not start the spin cycle for safety reasons.
Problem 4: the washing machine does not draw water! What is the reason?
This problem is not a reason to buy a new washing machine. Often it is a very trivial problem.
The following tips will help you to solve the problem:
- Check if the water inlet hose clogged is or perhaps bent. If water does not pass through here (or not in sufficient quantity), then of course the washing machine cannot draw water.
- Check if the door properly closed and locked in place. If this is not the case, the machine will not start at all and will not draw water.
- Of course you should also check water inlet tap opened is. Sometimes this is only very slightly open and too little water can pass through.
Problem 5: the washing machine does not pump anymore!
first clean the lint filter
If the washing machine does not pump out more is also here the first look at the lint filter to straighten. As you can see, the lint filter causes a lot of problems in the washing machines. Because hardly anyone cleans this regularly. If the lint filter is clogged, then the water can no longer be pumped out.
Sometimes the washing machine pump clogged. This can also be cleaned. However, this is rather something for the expert.
Our tipon youtube you can sometimes find very good instructions on how to do this. So that even a non-specialist with a little craftsmanship can solve the problem.
Another reason is a clogged drain hose
Check if the drain hose is kinked or crushed. If this is not the case, check if it is clogged. Unfortunately, it must be dismantled for this purpose.
Sometimes the V-belt is also to blame
Similar to a car engine, a washing machine also has a V-belt. This ensures that the power transmission from the motor to the washing drum takes place. If the belt is broken, the motor will continue to run, but the drum and the pump of the washing machine will not move.
How to clean the lint filter: how-to video from us
Problem 6: water leaks from the washing machine
also check the water drain with siphon
Unfortunately, there are many known causes for this. The connection points are the weakest points here. This includes:
- The lye pump is leaking
- Water inlet and drain hose are defective
- Various hoses in the machine itself
- Seals in the washing machine
- Water level sensors
- Drain at the lint filter
- The detergent inlet for the detergent
If your washer loses water, we recommend the following procedure
- Again, check the lint filter first. Here is a drain hose attached, which could be leaking.
- The so-called water pump is usually located in the middle underneath the washing machine. Check if there are any leaks.
- Check the water connections to the washing drum and the heating (more for professionals)
- check detergent inlet
Conclusion on common defects and problems
Some of the tips given here will help you to solve the problem yourself. Some of the problems are only for the experts though. But also technically gifted craftsmen can repair some things themselves, such as a leaking water pump.
Our tip is simply to search on youtube for the identified problem and often you will find a very simple how-to video from a specialist. We have also often done so and it works.
If you have another problem or a solution, then we are of course happy to receive a comment here on the blog.
If your old washing machine is not salvageable at all time for a new machine. In our reviews and comparisons of popular washing machines you will certainly find a suitable new model for you.
9 answers to„ common problems and defects in washing machines“
When spinning, the washing machine always moves forward and never stays in mm its place… What is the cause?
I would guess that your washing machine is standing unevenly. Try to push the washing machine slightly to the left, to the back and to the front while it is at rest. If it does not stand cleanly in the water on all fours and starts to wobble immediately, then this is the reason. During the spin cycle, there are strong forces at work and if a washing machine is not clean and level, these movements will occur.
If it’s an old washing machine, it could be an imbalance in the drum. Unfortunately there is nothing you can do. If the spin cycle no longer runs smoothly, the same thing happens.
Many greetings, alex
Moin,
my liquid detergent and fabric softener inlet seems to be blocked. After each wash there is a small puddle of water in front of the machine.
After cleaning as much as possible (with a small bottle brush, toothbrush, etc.), I have to do it again. ) ran the WM again a few weeks (6 person household – almost daily use) without puddle. Now runs again in front some water from the drawer outside down on the device.
Question: how can I clean the feeds from the drawer to the drum over the entire length?? Goes for it a spiral?
Unfortunately, often the softener remains stuck in the inlet. However, there are other causes for it, if your washing machine does not pull a softener. This could be for example the aquastop and the water inlet responsible. Also the water tap or. The valve at the inlet are sometimes the culprit.
Check if your aquastop is clogged. Then it can happen that there is not enough pressure to open the pressure valve properly. Also a shipped inlet hose can be the cause here.
The best way is to clean the following components:
- The holes that are above the rinse aid tank
- The complete water inlet hose
- And the aquastop, if you have one
- In addition, necessarily the sieve in the valve for the washing machine connection
To clean the fabric softener box I would fill it with vinegar. Vinegar has the ability to dissolve the softener residues and open the holes again. You can do the same with your hose.
I hope to have helped you a little, greetings alex
Hello, I have a siemens washing machine 16S790 and had error 43 (motor damage). Shortly before the occurrence of the error, I heard a grinding noise when spinning. Have replaced the motor carbons and performed a successful reset. Programs can be controlled and the machine pulls water and also pumps out. But the drum does not rotate. By hand, however, it can be turned and also has no play. Now my question: what else can be broken? On the motor or the control for it??
Wanted to get back to you. The machine is running again! In desperation, I dismantled the motor again to clean it with a brush and vacuum cleaner. Also the contacts of the main plug, because the WM is already 10 years old, and suddenly it works again.
Hello my washing machine is very loud when spinning, you can now hear in the whole house
Please check if the washing machine wobbles or slips during the spin cycle. Otherwise it is just a very loud model.
Hello, I think my washing machine is in order. Everything I have read here works on my washing machine. My problem is probably the drain pipes. Only when my washing machine pumps off runs partially water from the drain in my shower high. Then nothing works. Toilet does not flush either.
With a plunger I have now managed 2x that all drains work again. I leave my washing machine now. But it can’t be the machine. OR?
A company is already informed about the house management.
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About me
Hello everyone, I’m alex and write here on my blog about washing machines and everything related to washing. Professionally I am always dependent on clean laundry and personally attach great importance to easy and perfect washing of my clothes.
There is probably no test report about a washing machine, which I have not read.
If you are still unsure, then just write me via the comment function. I am always happy to help. More about me on my about me page.