Signs Your Washing Machine is About to Break Down

If you have noticed that your washing machine is shaking vigorously, leaking water, or the drum is not spinning, these are clear signs that your appliance is experiencing a significant issue.

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If not checked regularly, the washing machine can encounter problems after a long period of use. Photo: Shutterstock.

Washing machine is one of the common household appliances. After a long period of use, the device can encounter many problems. If not detected and handled in time, they can be damaged, affecting daily activities.

Here are some signs that the washing machine may have issues. Users should regularly monitor them to proactively detect and resolve them.

Loud noise and strong vibrations from the washing machine

When the machine is operating, the drum spins at high speed but the noise is not loud. Therefore, if the washing machine makes loud noises and vibrates more than usual, users need to identify the cause and find ways to fix it.

Some reasons that make the washing machine vibrate strongly come from an uneven position, uneven load distribution, putting too much clothing, or foreign objects in the drum. If the problem is not resolved and the washing machine is still noisy, the cause may be more serious.


Not only causing discomfort, but a too noisy washing machine is also a sign of a serious problem. Photo: Moore Appliance Service.

According to Slashgear, unfamiliar sounds from the washing machine include squeaking, banging of the drum. The above situation comes from many reasons such as broken bearings, loose cushioning between the support and the drum, or problems with shock-absorbing springs.

If the washing machine operates too loudly but the user is inexperienced in disassembling, they should contact a repairman to inspect and fix it.

Water leakage

One of the common signs warning that the washing machine is about to break down is water leakage. Users can quickly fix this by wiping dry the puddle, but if the situation occurs continuously, it is best to check the washing machine as soon as possible.

There are many reasons leading to this situation, including an uneven placement, worn-out bearings, pump failure, cracked drum, or water sensor failure.

Other reasons include clogged, broken or loose water pipes. Users can check by looking at the water pipe behind the machine and reconnecting if loose. In case of a broken pipe, replace it.

If the cause of the water leakage comes from inside the washing machine or hard-to-reach parts, users should contact a repairman to deal with it promptly.

Musty smell in the drum and clothes

After a long period of use, the washing machine often has a musty smell due to the accumulation of mold and bacteria. This situation can occur in the drum, spreading to clothes, causing discomfort when worn.

If the cause of the smell comes from mold and moisture, users can fix it themselves by cleaning the drum with a mixture of detergent (or vinegar) and hot water.


The musty smell in the drum and clothes makes users uncomfortable. Photo: Shutterstock.

To prevent musty smell, it is necessary to clean the washing machine regularly, maintain the habit of wiping wet parts such as the lid, drum, and detergent compartment (if any) after washing.

In case chemicals cannot handle it, it is likely that mold has penetrated deep into hard-to-reach parts. In addition, water quality can also affect the smell of the washing machine and clothes.

Water remaining in the drum

Before completing the task, the washing machine will activate the spin cycle to remove most of the water from the clothes and the drum.

Normally, clothes are still damp after washing to continue drying or tumble drying. However, if after washing, clothes and the drum retain more water than usual, it is a sign that the device is not operating normally.

One of the issues that causes water to remain in the drum is that the drum cannot start or spin properly. The reason comes from a malfunctioning lid sensor, faulty door latch, or interlock error.


Water remaining in the drum or leaking around are notable signs when using a washing machine. Photo: The Spruce.

Other causes that lead to water remaining come from clogged or broken water drains, dirty filter mesh, or faulty water pump.

If the issue comes from the drain or filter mesh, users can clean it or replace it themselves. In case of no experience or more complex reasons, contact a repairman.

The drum does not spin

If the washing machine does not spin even after putting clothes, detergent, connecting to the power, and starting, users need to carefully check the equipment. Some common reasons are a broken lid sensor, faulty door latch, or interlock error.

If the above errors have been checked and the washing machine still does not spin, the reason may come from a broken or loose belt. Other possibilities are related to water supply problems affecting the washing machine, motor failure, or internal components.

According to Znews.vn