Few modern conveniences compare with that of a fully functional washing machine. And, unless you love the idea of spending your free time in a dingy laundromat or scrubbing your linens on a washboard in the backyard, you need your washer to work properly, on demand. So what do you do if your machine suddenly starts acting up? At G&G Appliance Service, we’ve heard just about every washing machine question you can imagine, and fortunately for you, some of your frequently asked questions are simple fixes that take only a few minutes. Is your question on our list?

Why Does My Washer Smell So Bad?

If you’re struggling with an odorous washing machine, don’t be embarrassed! This common occurrence can affect even the most hygienic of households. That said, a smelly machine is a strong indication of bacteria, mold, or mildew development due to biofilm accumulation within the machine.

For health reasons, it’s critical that you remedy the situation as soon as you detect an off-putting odor. If you allow it to persist, bacteria and mildew can transfer to your clothing and linens during a typical wash cycle, which can trigger irritating skin rashes or other allergies. Here are a few simple fixes that should have your washer smelling fresh and clean in no time:

●        Mix ¼ cup baking soda with ¼ cup water and add this solution to your washer’s detergent compartment. Pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the washing machine’s drum. Run a normal wash cycle using the hottest water setting available. Do not add linens to the machine for this cycle.

●        If you have a front-load washer, biofilm can begin to grow around the door seal when the interior of the machine contains small amounts of moisture after a wash cycle. To get rid of existing buildup, fill a spray bottle with white vinegar, spray around the door seal, and scrub away any film you can see.

To prevent future film buildup, keep the gasket seal as dry as possible between loads. You can either leave the door cracked open until the unit is completely dry, or use a towel to gently dry the interior of the door after each wash cycle.

●        Soap scum, fabric softener film, coins, and other debris can easily clog a filter if you don’t clean it regularly, and a backed-up pump filter can also produce quite an odor. Ideally, you should clean the filter once a month to prevent biofilm from accumulating. 

Why is My Washer Shaking During Operation?

Has your washer suddenly started dancing during its spin cycle? The most common cause of a shaky washer is an unbalanced or overfilled drum, so the first you should do is pause the cycle, open the lid, and readjust the drum’s contents until they’re properly balanced.

Unpause the load and see if this super simple fix cures the problem. If, however, your washer continues shaking after you adjust the drum’s contents, the machine’s shock absorbers may have worn. Contact your local washer repair specialist to have those components replaced, and your machine should function as good as new! 

Why Does My Washer Make So Much Noise?

Does your washer generate buzzing sounds during operation? What about gurgling or clicking? Often, a noisy washer is simply the result of not checking pockets well enough and allowing foreign objects into the machine. When you notice odd washing machine noise, the first thing you should do is check the drum for small objects that may have been left in your pockets.

If you don’t locate anything unusual in the drum, the objects may have already traveled into the drain or pump, where they can cause significant issues if not promptly removed. Contact an appliance repair specialist who can examine the pump and drain for damage and replace them if necessary.

Why Won’t My Washer Finish a Cycle?

Is your washing machine getting hung up between the wash and rinse cycles? Or does it refuse to finish a full cycle? Regardless of where your machine has a hang-up, a washer that won’t complete a cycle almost always requires the expertise of a trained appliance repair technician. Here’s what might have gone wrong:

●        Drain blockage. If residue or a stray object is blocking the water pump, the washer may stop mid-cycle because it cannot properly drain water from the drum.

●        Overheating. Most newer washing machines contain sensors to detect when the working components of the machine become overly warm. If the sensor detects a temperature that is dangerous for the operation of the machine, the entire unit will automatically power down.

●        Malfunctioning timer. Your washer’s timer controls its transition through the various wash cycles, and if it fails, it can throw off the timing of the washer. Try testing different cycles on your machine to determine if the timer functions on an alternate cycle. If it’s still having problems, you’ll need to have the timer replaced by a certified washer repair technician.

G&G Appliance Service: Your Source for Professional Appliance Repair

At G&G Appliance Service, we’ve been serving New York State residents for over 20 years, and in that time, we’ve garnered a reputation as one of the NYC metro’s highest-volume appliance repair companies. All of our technicians are expertly trained in major appliance repair best practices and consistently deliver the highest quality customer service in the industry. Whether you’re in need of washer repair or any other category of appliance repair, we’ll take care of your needs promptly and efficiently. To learn more about your appliance repair options, give our team a call at 718-848-2100, or feel free to message us on our contact page. For convenience, you can also schedule your repair online!