Caught in a laundry limbo with your washing machine stubbornly stuck mid-cycle? It's a common snag that can throw a wrench in your laundry day plans, turning what should be a smooth process into a guessing game of "what now?"
But that doesn’t mean you have to stay at a standstill yourself — there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem! And the best part is that handling it is simpler than you might think! Let’s go over how to navigate the issue so you can go back to your laundry routine as usual!
Safety First!
Before you tackle the issue of a washing machine that's stuck mid-cycle, it's essential to put safety first for both you and your appliance!
- Unplug the appliance to prevent any risk of electric shock and prevent potential hazards.
- Turn off the water supply, especially if the washer is stuck during a rinse cycle.
- Wear protective gear like gloves to protect your hands and have towels on hand.
- Keep the area dry to avoid slipping and avoid potential electrocution.
- Never force components — if something is not gelling together, you’ll need to leave it to a professional (like our team!) to get it done.
Check the Door Latch
A surprising number of washing machine pauses can be traced back to a simple issue with the door latch. Most machines have a safety feature that stops the cycle if triggered! So, do a visual inspection and look for any signs of obstruction or damage or if the alignment is a little off.
Sometimes, simply cleaning the latch can fix it as debris or detergent can build up under it. But when you test it, listen for the distinct click sound — that lets you know it closed properly!
Hitting Reset
The next step is a go-to for all electronic-related things: resetting the machine! Since more washers are going digital, resetting the machine can often clear up any glitches or issues causing it to get stuck mid-cycle. So, to do that, you’ll need to follow these steps:
- Unplug the machine from the power outlet.
- Leave the washing machine unplugged for at least one minute to let the memory clear.
- After waiting, plug the washing machine back into the power outlet.
- Once the machine is powered back on, look for error codes displayed on the panel. These codes can give clues to any underlying issues that need addressing.
- Finally, run a short wash cycle without any laundry to make sure it’s working correctly and no longer stopping mid-cycle!
Pro Tip:
If your machine has a power button, you can try resetting it by turning it off and back on again after plugging it back in — this can help complete the reset process.
Tackling Drum and Filter Obstructions
A hidden obstacle in your washing machine's drum or filter can bring the whole laundry process to a grinding halt. These unseen blockages are more common than you might think and range from the surprisingly simple to the somewhat bizarre.
- Examine the Drum: Open the washing machine's door and feel around the drum's interior, paying special attention to the areas near and under the gasket (the rubber seal). Small items like coins, buttons, or even socks can get trapped here, impeding the drum's movement.
- Dive into the Filter: Many washing machines have a drain pump filter designed to catch debris before it can cause problems. Locate your machine's filter at the front lower panel or behind a small hatch, and gently remove any debris from it (beware of water spilling out!).
- External Blockages: Sometimes, the issue isn't inside but outside. Ensure nothing is pressing against the door or blocking the machine's vents. These external pressures can sometimes cause the machine to halt unexpectedly.
- Manual Drum Test: With the power safely off, try turning the drum with your hand. It should rotate smoothly, so if it’s struggling or you hear unusual sounds, you might have a bigger issue on your hands.
Flow Check
Since washers rely on water, it’s crucial to check that it has a steady water flow. So, check the hoses connected to the back of your machine leading to the supply and see that they’re fully open and not twisted or kinked. Then check the draining hose, which should also be without bends or kinks. And don’t forget to check the lines for clogs!
Pro Tip:
Always ensure the water supply and drain hoses are securely connected to avoid leaks and an inefficient machine!
Who Are You Going to Call?
Even with the best troubleshooting tips, sometimes the problem can get out of hand. But don’t worry; that’s where professionals like our service team at Dick Van Dyke Appliance World come in handy!
- If you’ve safely done all the troubleshooting steps and your washer still has issues.
- If the water doesn’t drain out of the machine or if no water is coming out.
- If your washer is making strange noises that it’s never made before.
- If the machine is showing persistent or unclear error codes.
So, if you experience any of the situations above, pick up that phone and give us a call, or swing by to get your laundry day back to normal!