Everyday use can take a toll on your washing machine over time. In this case, your first reaction would most likely be to check what’s wrong and fix it or quickly call a washer repair specialist.
But getting one to sort out the problem is more often than not expensive. It can also be difficult and frustrating due to your full schedule and their busy phone lines.
Not to worry, though, as you can positively repair your valuable washing machine yourself. And we’re going to help you with that by listing down how to fix some of its common issues.
Fixing a Washing Machine That Won’t Start
This is one of the most common problems with a washer. Even if you press the power button or turn the dial—as you do normally—nothing happens.
To fix this issue, follow the tips outlined below:
1) Check that the washer is plugged in
Don’t call a washing machine professional yet. Check first whether the appliance is plugged into the socket.
Either someone may have pulled it off for safety reasons, or the plug has loosened out by itself due to the shaky movements of the washing machine in operation.
We also recommend untying the cord if the plug is hanging on too short. This allows the washing machine to rinse your clothes without causing the plug to accidentally fall out.
2) Inspect your circuit breaker
In conducting home electrical repairs before, you may have inadvertently set the circuit breaker switch of the washer to “Off.”
Check that this isn’t so, but if it is, simply flip the switch back to the “On” setting. Your washing machine should now turn on again without any problem.
3) Close the washer lid properly
Third option: Make sure that the washer lid is properly closed against its grooves. As a safety feature, they won’t start if the door is partially open because then the water will flow out into your home.
This goes for both front and top-loading washers.
By the way, for top-loaders, you can test the lid problem by pressing the blunt side of a pen onto the lid hole. The machine should start even though the lid isn’t closed.
Fixing a Washing Machine That Doesn’t Clean Well
How frustrating it is if the washer spins but it doesn’t clean your clothes thoroughly. Luckily, this can be fixed easily by doing the following:
1) Don’t overstuff your washer
See to it that you’re not overloading your washing machine. This can block the entryway of water and thus prevent it from clearing your garments of soil and stains.
If this is the way you’ve always done it, we suggest consulting the product manual and checking the maximum load of your appliance.
2) Use less detergent
Dispensing a large amount of detergent can work the opposite way. Instead of getting the dirt out of your laundry, it can keep them soapy and bring back their dirt and lint.
3) Separate overly dirty items
Throwing everything in the washer regardless of its degree of dirt will make it harder for it to clean your clothes.
Instead, separate light and dark clothing and pet products and toys. Also, handwash underwear.
The result will be that the washer will be cleaning more efficiently and thoroughly.
Fixing a Noisy Washing Machine
A loud washer can distract everyone at home as they’re going about their routines or tasks. To patch this up, try the following:
1) Lubricate its tub bearings
Hear an irritating squeaky sound from the washer? The culprit may be the bearings found below the tub of your washer, as they may be old and worn.
To fix it, simply apply a lubricant to them, but if this doesn’t resolve the issue, consider replacing the tub bearings.
2) Replace the motor or pulley belt
The noise coming out of the washer can also be caused by the motor drive and/or pulley belt.
The reason for this is that these components can be worn and frayed and so, they need to be replaced.
Because you would have to dismantle your washing machine using tools, we suggest leaving it to a repair specialist. This is a safer alternative to DIY, as it ensures you don’t do more damage to the washer.
