A poorly functioning washing machine can lead to dingy whites and stretched out articles of clothing. Whether your machine isn't functioning like it should or it's got some specific problems, there is most likely an easy fix.
That Terrifying Bang
Everyone has been there. You're innocently watching your favorite Thursday night TV show and all of a sudden it sounds like someone is beating down the side of your house. Thankfully, it turns out to be your washing machine jumping about and there are only two possible causes: the load is unbalanced or the machine isn't level. Over time, the legs on the machine can become uneven. The back legs are usually self-leveling, so you just need to raise the front of the washer and level the front legs.
Leaking
If there are leaks around the floor of your washer, the culprit is probably simple: a loose water hose. Check all of the connections of the hoses, from the connections in the wall to the connections onto the washer itself. If the connections are fine, there might be holes in the hoses themselves. In which case, they need to be replaced.
The Washer Won't Fill Up
Your clothes won't wash if there isn't water in the machine, so this is one of the more frustrating problems you can face. Always check the water supply hoses and knobs. If the knobs are off, water can't enter the machine. The hoses can stop the flow of water if they're slightly pinched. If this isn't the issue, the fix will require going into the washer. This is something that should be done by a professional. Consult your warranty before you shell out the cash to a repairman.
Drainage Problems
You don't want to see how dirty the water is after your clothes have been washed. Ignore the swamp-like water and check the hoses to make sure they're not clogged. If the hoses aren't, it's possible the drainage problem is coming from the drain in your house. Also try to make sure that the hoses are higher than the washer; gravity will work in your favor.
The Washer Won't Finish a Cycle
This means the timer is probably malfunctioning. This isn't a fix you can perform yourself; you'll have to call a professional in to replace the timer.
Mold in Your Front Loader
This, unfortunately, is a common issue with front loading machines. Mold can make the inside of the machine smell something awful and then put that smell onto your clothes. Clean the visible mold, and then you'll need to clean the actual drum of the machine. Run a cycle on hot and add one cup of white vinegar and a half cup of baking soda. You'll run a sanitary cycle next. Open the door and let it dry. If it still smells, run a hot cycle with a 1/2 cup of bleach instead.
A lot of washing machine problems can be fixed by you, but if it requires diving into the washing machine, it's best to consult a professional. You need your washer in top working order as soon as possible, so the last thing you need is your machine scattered around the laundry room in pieces.
