Your washing machine works hard every week to keep your family’s laundry clean, so keeping it in reliable condition is essential. Without it, you could be stuck hand-washing clothes, something nobody has time for.
Because your washer is one of the most frequently used appliances in your home, occasional issues are inevitable. With proper maintenance, most problems can be prevented, but when something does go wrong, quick troubleshooting can save you time and stress.
Below are four common washing machine issues along with simple solutions to help you keep laundry day running smoothly. Caution: Always unplug your washing machine before attempting any repair or inspection.
1. Washing Machine is Not Spinning
This happens when you’re washing machine has small loads or just a few articles of clothing. Don’t do it.
Since most new washers have balance sensors, if you wash small loads or just a few pieces of clothing at a time, these sensors can interpret a potential risk as the washer could spin out of balance and lead to extreme vibration.
The same case goes with overloading your washing machine. This can also cause excessive heaviness and prevent your washer from spinning.
The solution: Don’t overload or underload the washer. Only wash what your washing machine is built to wash. As they say balance is the key to living a stress-free life.
2. Washing Machine is Very Noisy
Something is possibly stuck in the drum like coins (we all forget to empty our pockets before throwing in our pants into the washing machine) or loose buttons.
When this rattling sound happens, check the heater hole or the sump hose hole.
Also loose bearings can cause this noise. If you turn the drum with your hand and the noise emerges, then it’s probably the bearings that need to be replaced.
Another possibility is that something is stuck in the drain pump.
The solution: Check the filter to see if something is in there. If so, remove it. That should solve the noise problem.
3. Washing Machine Smells Bad
You open your washing machine and you get a whiff of a really bad smell. No fear, this is a common problem when you use low to cold temperature washes with liquid detergents without using hot water.
When you wash your clothes with low temperatures, bacteria slowly builds up inside the washer and the other tank causes that stinky smell.
The solution: It’s time to clean your washing machine, so run two empty loads of hot water with one quart of vinegar.
4. Washing Machine Door Won’t Open
If your washing machine door is stuck and doesn’t want to open, then it might mean a faulty door lock mechanism.
The solution: Unplug the washer and pull the machine out. Get the lid off and reach down to the door lock. Gently push the latch back to pop the door open.
If you’re running a load and it’s filled with water, it has to stay locked. If the load ends and it still won’t open, repeat the solution above.
If you’ve tried everything and your washer still isn’t working, call ARS Appliance Repair Service at 1-866-415-3937. Our technicians can inspect the issue, provide an honest repair quote, and help you get your washing machine running properly again, often saving you money and preventing future breakdowns.
ARS Appliance Repair Service has been trusted across Toronto, Ottawa, and Southern Ontario for over a decade. Our licensed, manufacturer-authorized technicians specialize in repairing all major household and commercial appliances with genuine parts and warranty-backed service. From refrigerators and washers to ovens, dishwashers, and more, we restore appliances quickly, professionally, and correctly the first time, earning the confidence of homeowners and businesses throughout the region.
