The 15 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Washing Machines

Here at Repair Aid, we’ve been repairing washing machines for over 20 years. Over time, we’ve noticed that many of our customers ask the same questions. Based on our decades of experience, we’ve compiled the most frequently asked questions along with helpful answers and detailed explanations to guide you through common washing machine issues.

1. What is the most common washing machine failure?

Short answer: Washing machine not draining.

Detailed explanation:
In our experience, the most common issue is drainage failure. This usually happens because small objects like coins, paper, fibres, or buttons get stuck in the drain pump filter, causing a blockage. When the filter is clogged, the pump can’t drain the water out of the drum.

To fix this, you need to clean the pump filter. This is typically located at the bottom front of the machine and can be unscrewed by hand. Place a shallow tray or towel underneath, as some water may spill out. Once removed, inspect and clean the filter, then put it back in place.

We hope this helps. For a detailed step-by-step guide, please refer to our article: How to clean the pump filter on a front load washing machine.

Another cause, though less common, is a kinked, squashed, or blocked drain hose, which can happen after moving the appliance. In this case, unplug the machine, move it away from the wall, and inspect the hose. Straighten or clean it if needed.

There are other potential causes, such as a faulty pump or broken door switch, which require professional attention. If you’re unsure or unable to resolve the issue, please contact our customer service for advice or a repair quote.

To prevent drainage problems, clean the pump filter monthly, empty your pockets before washing, close zippers and buttons securely, and remove loose items before loading the drum.

2. What is the most expensive part to replace on a washing machine?

Short answer: The drum.

Detailed explanation:
The drum is the most costly component to replace, especially if it’s damaged or leaking. Most washing machine drums are sealed with the bearings, meaning even if just one part fails, the entire assembly often needs to be replaced.

Older models can be even more expensive to repair due to limited parts availability. Replacing the drum is labour-intensive, often requiring complete disassembly and several hours of work. To manage costs, we recommend finding a technician who charges a fixed price rather than by the hour.

3. What is the average lifespan of a washing machine?

Short answer: 7 to 12+ years.

Detailed explanation:
The lifespan of a washing machine depends on the brand, model, usage, and maintenance. Some brands use more durable materials, such as metal instead of plastic, which can significantly extend longevity.

Consistently overloading your machine can reduce its lifespan, while regular cleaning and proper use can increase it. On average, most machines last between 7 and 12 years. Some brands offer more durable products; for instance, Miele claims their machines are tested to last up to 20 years, while Beko states their machines can last 12 to 15 years with proper care. If you’d like to learn more, check out our in-depth investigation into washing machine lifespan.

4. What causes washing machines to break most?

Short answer: Overloading.

Detailed explanation:
After repairing thousands of machines across the UK, we’ve found that overloading is the most common cause of breakdowns. Washing machines are designed to handle specific load limits, based on drum size measured in kilograms.

For example, putting 10 kilograms of laundry into a 6-kilogram drum puts excessive stress on components like the drum bearings, motor, and belt. Repeated overloading will quickly wear out these parts and lead to failure.

5. What size washing machine do I need?

Short answer: 6kg for individuals, 8kg for small families, 10–12kg for larger households.

Detailed explanation:
When buying a washing machine, drum size is one of the most important considerations. It indicates the maximum weight of dry laundry the drum can handle in one load.

If you live alone or with one other person, a 6-kilogram machine usually suffices. For a small family of up to four, an 8-kilogram model is more suitable. Larger households with more than five members may find a 10 to 12-kilogram capacity more efficient for handling bigger laundry loads.

6. What’s the difference between front-load and top-load washing machines?

Short answer: The position of the door or lid.

Detailed explanation:
Front-loading machines have a door at the front, while top-loading models open from the top. Front-loaders are generally more energy- and water-efficient. They clean more thoroughly, use less detergent, and usually have larger drums. They also tend to spin faster, which extracts more water from clothes.

Top-loaders, on the other hand, are simpler to maintain, less prone to damage, and allow you to add clothes mid-cycle. The right choice depends on your priorities and preferences.

7. Is it okay to overload the washing machine sometimes?

Short answer: No, overloading should always be avoided.

Detailed explanation:
Overloading your washing machine can cause serious damage. Excessive weight puts strain on the motor, belt, and bearings, which can lead to failure. It also reduces the machine’s efficiency, as detergent and water may not circulate properly.

Clothes may come out dirty, tangled, or even torn, especially delicate fabrics. To avoid these problems, always divide large loads into smaller ones.

8. Why does my washing machine smell bad?

Short answer: Mould and mildew build-up.

Detailed explanation:
Bad smells are often caused by bacteria, mould, and mildew growing inside the machine. This happens when moisture combines with leftover detergent and fabric softener, especially in the drum or door seal.

To remove the smell, you need to thoroughly clean the detergent drawer, door seal, filter, and drum. Run a hot wash with a sanitising solution afterwards. After each use, leave the door slightly open to allow air circulation and prevent mould growth.

9. Why is the washing machine shaking or making loud noises?

Short answer: Unbalanced load.

Detailed explanation:
When clothes clump together unevenly, the drum becomes unbalanced. This causes the machine to vibrate excessively during the spin cycle, which can result in loud banging sounds or even physical damage.

Modern machines may stop spinning and show an error code for an unbalanced load. To fix this, pause the cycle and redistribute the clothes more evenly. If the load is too small, add a few more items. If it’s too full, remove some to reduce the weight.

There are other factors that can cause a washing machine to shake excessively — such as issues with the pedestal or the appliance not being properly levelled. For in-depth information, check out our expert guide: How to repair a washing machine that is unbalanced.

10. What should I do if I see error codes?

Short answer: Look up the meaning of the code.

Detailed explanation:
Modern washing machines use error codes to indicate specific problems. These codes vary by brand and model. You’ll need to check your machine’s manual or visit our Manufacturer Section to find a full list of error codes and troubleshooting advice.

11. Why won’t the washer door open?

Short answer: Remaining water in the drum.

Detailed explanation:
The door won’t unlock if there is still water inside the drum. This safety mechanism helps prevent flooding.

Another possible cause is the child lock function being activated. Check if this feature is turned on and disable it. If the door still won’t open, it could be due to a faulty pressure switch or electrical component, which would require a professional repair.

12. What detergent should I use?

Short answer: Liquid or powder detergents for everyday use.

Detailed explanation:
Liquid and powder detergents are suitable for daily laundry and work well even in cold water. They’re gentle on fabrics and dissolve easily.

Capsules contain more concentrated cleaning agents, making them better for tough stains. However, they tend to be more expensive and may cause skin irritation in some people.

13. Which washing machine brand is the most reliable?

Short answer: It depends on the specific model.

Detailed explanation:
Brand reputation is important, but individual models vary in quality. Miele is often praised for exceptional durability. However, brands like Bosch, LG, and Hotpoint also manufacture highly reliable washing machines.

The appliance industry evolves quickly, so it’s worth checking reviews and ratings for the specific model you’re interested in.

14. Can I wash everything together, or should I separate my laundry?

Short answer: It’s better to separate darks and whites.

Detailed explanation:
We recommend separating laundry by colour to prevent dye transfer. While cold washes reduce the risk, some dyes can still bleed, especially in lower-quality fabrics. Separating your laundry helps keep whites bright and prevents discoloration.

15. How to dispose of an old washing machine?

Short answer: Check with your local council first.

Detailed explanation:
You can first check with your local council to see if they offer bulky waste collection services for appliances. Please note that there may be a fee for this service.

Alternatively, you can take your old washing machine to a local Household Waste Recycling Centre or contact a professional waste collection service to handle it for you.

Conclusion

Washing machines are essential household appliances, but like any device, they come with their fair share of questions. We hope this guide has helped answer the 15 most frequently asked questions, giving you more confidence in using and maintaining your machine.

If you need more help or expert repair, feel free to reach out to our washing machine service team.