Common washing machine problems and how to fix them

Whether your washing machine isn’t cleaning your clothes like it used to, or you keep finding leaks after each cycle, don’t ignore the signs that something's wrong with your machine.  

Some washing machine problems can be solved very easily using a few tools or even just by tightening a hose, while others may need the work of a professional. Read our tips and advice on how to fix some of the more frequent faults.

If your washing machine spends more of its life being repaired than it does washing clothes, it might be time to buy a new one. 

Discover the best washing machines according to our tests so you can find a great model you can rely on

3 most common washing machine faults

In our latest large appliance survey*, more than 5,000 Which? members and members of the public told us about the problems and niggles that have affected their washing machines over the years. Here are the three you encountered the most:

1. Drum or drum bearings problem If you start to hear an unusual grinding noise while your machine is running, it could be that the drum or drum bearings are damaged. Without the bearings keeping the drum stable, it will move around excessively within the outer tub. This isn't a repair job for DIY novices as you risk worsening the damage, so it's best to call in a professional.
2. Breaking down for no obvious reason If this happens, your first port of call should be to switch off your machine at the wall before investigating further. Check the power plug and breaker, look for obviously broken knobs or controls and test that the door closes properly. If you turn on your washing machine and it tries and fails, it could be a motor fault. If you're within your warranty period, contact your manufacturer to find out your next steps.
3. Leaks or flooding Start by checking the hose connections at the back of the machine, as these can loosen over time due to vibrations during wash cycles. Make sure the inlet and drain hoses are secure and free from splits. Leaks from underneath your washer could indicate a problem with the internal pipework, which is best checked by a professional.

Why is my washing machine leaking?

A washing machine typically leaks due to loose or damaged water hoses, a clogged drain filter, a torn door seal (gasket) or a failing pump. 

If your washing machine is leaking, check your detergent first. Using incorrect products or too much soap can result in excess suds that could cause the drum to overfill and leak. 

Next, ensure the machine is completely level – if it's not, water can seep out.

If the machine's still leaking, then it's time to inspect the hose. Tighten the connections and look for any cracks or rips. 

If water still leaks during the next cycle, you might need to change the water inlet filter screens or the O-rings in the water hose. Any build-up of debris or general wear and tear can cause these items to fail and leak.

If the hose itself is leaking, then it will need to be replaced. It's also wise to check the water pump, too.

If the leak is slightly smaller and coming from the front, this could be the washing machine door. The seal around the dome can become worn with age, resulting in leaking and/or condensation, but it's easily replaceable.

My washing machine is overfilling

The most common reason for a washing machine overfilling with water is a broken water-level pressure switch. The pressure switch uses air pressure to sense the water level in the machine and tells your washing machine when to stop. If the switch has broken or is blocked, then the machine will not know when to stop filling.

There is also a tube attached to the switch. If this has come away, the machine could also risk overfilling. 

To investigate, unplug your washing machine, unscrew the top panel and inspect the pressure switch. Each machine will be different so check your manual beforehand.

Another possible culprit could be the water inlet valve. This electronic valve controls how much water fills into your machine. If the valve is faulty and doesn't close during each cycle once the water is at the appropriate level, it will overfill.

My washing machine won't drain

If your washing machine won't drain the excess water, that means you've either got a blockage or the pump is broken. You can check which is more likely by listening to the machine during a cycle. 

If you can hear the pump running but the water isn't draining, then it's a blockage. If you can't hear the pump, something's wrong with it.

Whether it's a coin, key or loose sock, blockages are common in washing machines. 

To fix this, first unplug the washing machine and lay down some towels – water will leak out. Next, inspect the pump filter, which is typically situated at the bottom of the machine, and clear it of any debris.

Now, inspect the drain hose. Typically attached to the waste trap under the sink, the drain hose will be connected via a spigot. 

Unscrew this and empty the excess water from the hose into a bucket or sink. Look in the hose and the waste trap for blockages and remove anything if necessary.

If none of the above works, check the pump itself for small items of clothing or material that might have wrapped around the impeller. 

Still nothing? The pump may be broken and need replacing or you could have an electrical fault. A technician can help with this.

My washing machine has a burning smell

A burning smell coming from your washing machine can indicate a potentially dangerous situation. Immediately turn off the machine and unplug it.

The burning smell could be down to a broken drive belt or motor, but it's important not to try and attempt to fix the machine yourself unless you're qualified to do so. Instead, call out a professional to diagnose the problem.

If your drum bearings give way during a cycle, that can also lead to a smoky or acrid odour. This is caused by the drum rubbing against the rubber door seal as it spins and creating a huge amount of friction. 

Again, this isn't something that can be fixed by a DIY newbie and will require expert input.

If your washing machine is broken, check out our list of the most reliable washing machine brands to help you find a replacement

Why does my washing machine shake, move and vibrate?

If your washing machine won't stop vibrating or even moves around the room during a wash, it probably needs levelling out. Every washing machine has to sit level on a flat surface – and if it isn't, it will shake, especially during spin cycles.

Check if the machine is aligned using a spirit level. And if need be, adjust the feet underneath accordingly.

If the feet are level, then it might be the surface causing the issue. Uneven flooring can create a shaky machine so try sitting it on a sturdy piece of wood or old desktop and manoeuvre the corners to even it out.

Other causes might include:

• Unbalanced washing loads Washing a 'heavy' garment, such as a cotton towel by itself, or only with light garments, may cause problems. The towel will absorb water and gain weight, and when it's thrown against the side of the drum during the spin cycle, your machine could shake around noisily. Avoid unbalanced loads by washing heavy items together. Overloading the drum could cause a similar effect.
• Transit bolts If you've just moved house or your washing machine is new, make sure you’ve removed the transit bolts. These bolts are fitted to the rear panel of the machine and help to lock the drum in place while it's being moved. Machines typically have three or four bolts that must be removed before you can use it. If they aren't taken off, this will cause vibrations and could eventually cause irreparable damage.

If your washing machine is making strange noises, it could be a fault. Follow our step-by-step guide on how to fix a loud washing machine

My washing machine won't fit under our worktop

Most front-loading washing machines are designed at the standard dimensions of 85cm high and 59.5cm to 60cm wide. And most kitchen cabinets are also designed to accommodate this size.

But if you're struggling to fit the machine under your worktop, you could try lowering the machine's adjustable feet to gain an extra few centimetres.

My washing machine won't turn on or off

Washing machine won't turn on

When your washing machine won't turn on, the first thing to check is the connection and the socket. Is it plugged in? Does the socket look damaged? Can another appliance get power from the same socket? It might not be a fault with the washing machine.

Once you've confirmed that the electricity supply isn't the problem, check the standby switch on the machine. Does it depress normally? Does it stay depressed? Does it look broken? If so, replacing the power switch could do the job.

If the display panel is lit up and you can select a program but the cycles won't start, then the door latch might be to blame. This latch indicates to the interlock, and therefore to the machine, that it's safe to move onto the next cycle. If it's worn or broken, the machine won't proceed with a wash. You can attempt to fix this yourself, but if you're not keen on DIY, call a local tradesperson.

Another mechanical issue that could be at fault is the door interlock. This isn't the spring that latches the door shut but the electrical mechanism further inside that keeps the door shut while a wash is in process. Diagnosing and replacing this can be tricky, so it's worth calling a professional in.

Washing machine won't turn off

If the power to your washing machine won't turn off, then your standby button may be faulty. But if the wash cycles won't stop and instead continue after every spin, then it's probably down to the timer or control board.

The timer will signal to the machine when to move to the next phase of the cycle, while the control board will signify what program to use. If either of these is damaged or worn, the machine may continue to run until it's manually stopped. Both parts can be replaced, but the latter should be done by a professional.

If the pump or drain is blocked, therefore stopping the removal of excess water, the machine will also continue to run – it won't advance to spin or finish until the water is drained. Check both for obstructions before paying for a call-out.

My washing machine won't finish its cycle, or advance to the next one

Washing machine won't finish its cycle

If your machine is relatively modern, it should display an error code when it fails to finish a wash cycle. Check the manual to help you find the best way to tackle the problem.

When an error code doesn't appear, other causes might include:

• Faulty heating If the machine turns off in the first half hour, the water may not be heating up correctly. On the other hand, if the cycle stops past 30 minutes, the water may be overheating. Either of these will signal for the machine to stop mid-cycle, and the most likely cause is a faulty thermistor.
• Drainage If your machine cannot drain the water between each cycle then it could force the machine to come to a stop prematurely. Check for blockages in the pump filter and the drain hose.
• Faulty connection If there’s a faulty connection your machine could turn itself on and off randomly. This can be hard to determine so it's wise to call out a technician.
• Overheating If you’ve used your machine consecutively for the past five hours, it might just be overheating. Give it a break and try again later.
• Leaks Some machines will stop mid-cycle if they suspect a leak. If you see water coming from anywhere on the machine, check the hoses, pump and door seal.

Washing machine won't advance to the next cycle

The most likely reason why your washing machine won't advance to the next cycle is a faulty timer. The timer controls each step of the cycle, moving the process from wash to rinse, and then spin. So if the timer breaks, the cycles can't automatically move on.

The good news is that you can easily replace it yourself or hire a tradesperson to do it for you – just make sure you buy a timer that’s compatible with your washer make and model.

Other possible causes include:

• Door latch or interlock The interlock is activated when the door is safely closed with the latch. It allows the machine to know it's safe to start the wash or to advance to the next cycle during a wash. If this breaks, the machine won't know if and when it's ready to carry on.
• Drainage The drain pump removes excess water from the drum during each step of the wash cycle. If it’s broken and either can't remove the water or indicate that it's done, then the machine won't continue to run. Strange noises coming from the machine during (supposed) draining is a sure sign there's a problem.

My washing machine won't spin

If your washing gets to the end of each cycle but refuses to spin, it could be down to something as simple as overloading your machine, causing it to become unbalanced. If you've jammed in too many heavy towels, for example, the weight can affect the sensors and shut off the machine. Re-balance the load and try again.

If it's not a problem with overloading, it could be one of these issues giving you a washing machine that won't spin:

• Broken door latch or interlock When the door closes fully the latch will be secure and that will signal to the interlock that it’s safe to to move on to the next step in the cycle. The interlock ensures that the door stays shut while the wash is in progress. If either of these are broken or worn away, then the machine won’t get the green light to start spinning. You can check this by pressing the latch – if it doesn't click, it's broken. Also look at the plastic parts around the door lock. If they are worn or corroded, the signal might not be working.
• Drive belt Find out if the drive belt is the root of the problem by opening the door and trying to spin the drum. There should be some resistance – if the drum turns easily then the belt might need replacing.
• Drainage If the drum can’t drain then the spin cycle won’t begin. If you can still see water inside when the spin should be starting, this is a clear sign you need to check your pipes for a blockage.
• Faulty drive motor or pump If you're within your warranty period, contact your manufacturer before you decide what to do next.

Need a bigger washing machine so you can fit more in one wash? Check out our reviews of washing machines with an extra-large drum capacity

My washing machine isn't heating the water

Most modern washing machines will display an error code on the control panel if there's a problem with the heating system. 

You can then search for this error code, along with the make and model of your machine, to find a fix.

It's also important to note that just because you cannot feel the heat through the washing machine it doesn't mean the water isn't hot, as most machines are insulated. If the clothes are being effectively cleaned and there's no error code, then the heating is probably fine.

My washing machine door won't lock or unlock

Washing machine door won't lock

If your washing machine door refuses to lock, then you firstly need to inspect the door and handle – is there any visible damage that would mean the latch won't operate?

If the door looks fine, then the most likely culprit is a faulty door interlock. This can be repaired. Keen DIYers should find this process relatively simple, but always check the instructions for your specific model.

One other slightly more difficult fix would be repairing the control board. If the interlock is fine but the control board isn't connecting with it, then the machine won't know when to start. Calling in a professional to test this should be your next course of action.

Washing machine door won't open

There are plenty of reasons why a washing machine door might refuse to budge, including:

• Drainage As with all washing machines, if the excess water cannot be drained away from the drum adequately, not only will the cycle stop but the door will also lock. If you can visibly see water left in the drum at the end of the wash then it's likely you have a blockage in the drain hose or the pump. See above for how to drain water from your machine.
• Door damage If the door, handle or latch has any damage, this could cause the machine to cease opening. Inspect your door before calling out someone to repair it.
• Faulty interlock The interlock is a mechanism further inside that keeps the door shut while a wash is in process. If this is damaged, the washing machine won't know the wash has stopped and therefore won't signal that the door can be opened. Diagnosing and replacing this can be tricky, so it's worth calling a professional in.

How to open a washing machine in an emergency

Opening your washing machine door in the event of an emergency isn't easy – or quick. And, depending on your model, there might not even be a solution.

For safety reasons, most machines lock as soon as the cycle begins and not open until after the cycle has completed.

However, some machines have an emergency drain or unlock feature that you can use if the power cuts out.

If your model doesn't have this feature, you can also push the pause button. Once the water has drained away, you'll be able to open the door. You can then restart the cycle by pressing the start button again.

My washing machine has a dodgy detergent drawer

Detergent drawers are prone to build-ups of mould, detergent residue and – in extreme cases – a black jelly-like substance.

As well as looking unpleasant, if it builds up it can prevent detergent from being washed into the machine and water entering the drum.

Most problems with detergent drawers can be fixed by giving them a good clean, and manufacturers recommend you do this regularly anyway. If your detergent drawer is actually broken, replacements can be bought from the manufacturer.

Remove the drawer completely from the washing machine, and while wearing gloves, use lukewarm water and washing-up liquid to give it a good scrub. You'll also want to clean the gap where the drawer sits in the machine, paying particular attention to the holes in the top.

It's also worth doing a service wash on your machine, which means running a very hot wash or a special program – check the manual for details. Doing this once a month will help to keep dirt and grime at bay.

Get help fixing or replacing your washing machine 

If the problem is serious, your washing machine will need professional attention. To find a reliable repairer in your area, use Which? Trusted Traders to find one that has been assessed and checked by Which? trading standards professionals. 

If you're considering replacing your washing machine, our guide to the most reliable washing machine brands reveals which brands are less likely to let you down, based on the data we've collected from thousands of washing machine owners.

If you already know what type and brand of washing machine is for you, then head straight to our washing machine reviews.

*Online survey of 3,815 Which? Connect panel members and 5,561 members of the public, July 2025