1. Washing Machine Won’t Turn On

What happens: You press the power button or select a cycle and the machine remains silent or the lights/controls don’t respond.
Common causes:

• The machine isn’t plugged in properly or the outlet has no power.

• A tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse.

• A faulty lid or door switch (especially on top-loading machines) which prevents the machine from starting. 
  How to fix:

1. Check that the socket has power: try plugging another device into the same outlet.

2. Reset any tripped breaker or change the fuse.

3. Inspect the cord for damage and ensure the plug is fully inserted.

4. For top-loaders: verify that the lid closes properly and the lid-switch makes contact.
   If none of the above works, the main control board might be faulty — at which point professional repair is recommended.

2. Washing Machine Won’t Fill with Water

What happens: You select a cycle, but after some time no water or very little water enters the drum.
Common causes:

• Inlet valves (hot/cold) are closed or blocked.

• Inlet hoses are kinked or blocked by debris.

• The water supply is off or has insufficient pressure.
  How to fix:

1. Make sure both hot and cold water taps supplying the machine are fully open.

2. Inspect the hoses for kinks or blocks; straighten or replace as necessary.

3. Remove and clean the inlet valve filters/screens (many machines have filters where hose meets machine).

4. If the water supply and hoses are fine, the inlet valve assembly may need replacement.

3. Washing Machine Won’t Drain / Stays Full of Water

What happens: At the end of the wash cycle the washer still has water in it, or the drain pump runs but water doesn’t leave.
Common causes:

• Drain hose is kinked or blocked.

• Drain pump is defective or obstructed by small items, lint or debris.

• The machine’s internal filter or pump trap is clogged (especially front-loaders). 
  How to fix:

1. Disconnect power, access the back of the machine and ensure the drain hose is straight and unobstructed.

2. Remove/clean the pump filter (if accessible) and check for foreign objects.

3. Run a drain & spin cycle without clothes; listen for pump hum or blockage sounds.

4. If the pump is silent but water remains, the pump may need replacement.

4. Washing Machine Won’t Spin or Clothes Come Out Too Wet

What happens: The wash completes, but there is little or no spin, leaving garments soggy.
Common causes:

• Overloaded or unbalanced load.

• Machine is not level or legs are uneven, causing imbalance.

• Belt, motor coupling or drive components worn (especially older top-loaders).
  How to fix:

1. Reduce load size — avoid stuffing the drum full; allow space for clothes to move.

2. Level the machine: adjust the feet until the machine sits flat and stable.

3. If spin still fails, inspect drive belt or motor coupling (if comfortable) or engage a repair technician.

5. Washing Machine Leaks Water

What happens: You find water on the floor near the machine during or after a cycle.
Common causes:

• Hoses (fill or drain) are loose, cracked or worn.

• Door seal/gasket (front-loading machine) is damaged or dirty; mould growth often contributes to leaks.

• Internal pump or tub cracks (less common but serious).
  How to fix:

1. Turn off water supply and power. Inspect hoses for wear or loose clamps; tighten or replace.

2. For front-loaders: check the rubber door seal for tears, trapped items or mould; clean thoroughly.

3. After repairs, test with a short cycle and observe for leaks.

6. Washing Machine Makes Loud Noises or Vibrates Excessively

What happens: During wash or spin cycles you hear banging, thumping, grinding, or the machine “walks” across the floor.
Common causes:

• Load is unbalanced (heavy blanket, one large item).

• Machine is not level or feet are not properly adjusted.

• Worn shock absorbers, drum bearings, or suspension springs (front-loaders especially).
  How to fix:

1. Stop the cycle and redistribute the load evenly.

2. Check machine legs: ensure all feet touch the floor and adjust leveling nuts.

3. If sound persists (grinding or rumbling), internal parts may need inspection/replacement by a technician.

7. Washing Machine Smells Musty or Mouldy

What happens: A foul, damp smell emanates from the machine, especially front-loaders, or clothes come out smelling unpleasant.
Common causes:

• Moisture builds up around the door seal and detergent drawer; residue and mould form.

• Using too much detergent or fabric softener, which leaves residual film.

• Low-temperature washes that don’t fully rinse/evaporate moisture.
  How to fix:

1. Run an empty hot water cycle (90°C if machine allows) with a washing machine cleaner or a cup of white vinegar and baking soda.

2. Wipe down the door seal, detergent drawer and drum after each use; leave the door slightly open to air out.

3. Use the correct amount of detergent (especially HE or front-loaders) and avoid over-softening.

4. Monthly maintenance: hot wash, clean filter, and keep machine dry between cycles.

8. Detergent Stains or Residue on Clothes

What happens: Clothes emerge with sticky or powdery film, white streaks, or detergent clumps stuck to fabric.
Common causes:

• Over-dosing detergent or using non-HE detergent in HE machines.

• Cold-wash cycles with powdered detergent that doesn’t dissolve properly.

• Poor rinse/spin or blocked drain/pump leaving detergent residue behind.
  How to fix:

1. Use only the recommended amount of detergent (check manufacturer guidelines).

2. For powder detergent in cold washes, pre-dissolve or consider a liquid detergent.

3. Run an extra rinse cycle when necessary.

4. Clean drum and filter to ensure proper rinse and drainage.

9. Machine Stops Mid-Cycle or Doesn’t Complete Program

What happens: The wash starts but stops unexpectedly, fails to go to spin, or displays an error code.
Common causes:

• Unbalanced load causing machine to pause/spin less.Faulty control board or timer mechanism.

• Drainage or water-supply issue interrupting cycle.
  How to fix:

1. Check load balance and redistribute clothes.

2. Check for error codes (if machine displays them) and consult manual.

3. If the machine frequently stops mid-cycle and initial checks pass, call a technician to inspect electronics or drive components.

10. Clothes Come Out Damaged or Machine Eats Socks / Small Items

What happens: You find holes or tears in clothing, missing socks, or items lodged between drum and tub.
Common causes:

• Sharp objects (zippers, buttons) rubbing inside the drum or seal.

• Small items slipping behind the drum or stuck in the door seal (especially front-loaders). Reddit

• Overloading the machine causing excessive rubbing/friction.
  How to fix:

1. Before loading, check pockets, zip up items, and turn garments inside-out if needed.

2. Avoid overcrowding; allow sufficient space for the drum to spin freely.

3. After each cycle, inspect the rubber seal (front-loaders) and remove any trapped small items.

4. If clothes continually get damaged despite proper use, inspect drum and seal for rough spots or sheared edges — replacement may be needed.

Why Professional Repair Makes Sense

While many of the above problems can be addressed through simple DIY steps, some situations warrant calling in professionals. Whether you’re offering appliance repair services in Riyadh or you’re managing maintenance for clients, here’s why professional intervention matters:

• Complex issues involving electronics, motors, drive components or internal leaks can be dangerous if mishandled.

• Professional repair can extend the machine’s life, improve energy efficiency, and prevent repeat breakdowns.

• Clients value prompt, visible, trustworthy service — especially when they rely on their machine daily.
  If you provide automatic washing machine repair, services like those outlined on your page (see link below) can reassure customers of your expertise.
  Check out: Automatic Washing Machine Repair in Dubai for how one service positions its offering.

Maintenance Tips to Prevent Problems

Prevention is always better (and cheaper) than repair. Here are some pro-maintenance tips that help avoid many of the above issues:

• Clean the detergent drawer and door seal monthly to prevent mould and residue buildup.

• Run a hot empty wash (or use a machine cleaner) every month.

• Ensure the machine is level and use correct feet adjustment.

• Avoid overloading: leave at least ⅓ of the drum empty so clothes can move freely.

• Use the correct detergent type and amount compatible with your machine (especially HE models).

• Keep the door slightly open after each cycle (front-loaders) to allow drying.

• Promptly remove wet clothes when cycle finishes.

• Replace hoses every 5 years or if you notice wear or bulging — older hoses are a common leak source.

Conclusion

Washing machines are workhorses of the modern household, but they’re not immune to wear, misuse or component failure. By understanding the top 10 common problems—from no-power, no-drain, to noise, leaks, smells and garment damage—you’re better equipped to diagnose, fix or know when to call a professional. Whether you’re helping clients in Riyadh or writing content for your appliance-repair website, offering clear, actionable advice builds trust and authority.

For customers looking for reliable, expert help, your service listing is a valuable link: Automatic Washing Machine Repair in Dubai.
With regular maintenance, prompt attention to issues, and professional support where needed, you can ensure the washing machine keeps working — clean laundry, no hassle.